How does the writer / illustrator partnership work? Does a writer write and then hire an illustrator? Does a publishing house put the two together? If a writer writes a story needing illustration, but does not have a publisher, how does that work; i.e., without an outlet for the work guaranteeing any sales or advance? Is self publishing an option, and then, how does the partnership work?
I was going to hit up Google, but thought, perhaps, with the number of writers and illustrators here, some of you might have comments…
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That is a great question, Scott. Unfortunately I do not have an answer. I once asked a writer who was publishing a comic this question and basically he just said that it took some cold calling and talking to other people in the industry before he finally found someone to work with.
His process, as I remember it, was to write a treatment for the comic and then shop that around until he found someone to work with. That seems like a really hard way to do things so I am sure there has to be a better way.
Generally, what's a safe bet, is the writer will give the illustrator a given percentage of sales, or a flat stipend. Whichever is more, and both options should be available (in writing) in their agreement.
The work should be created first then go publisher hunting. Self publishing is an option, but should be considered a last resort; if your work is good enough, why not let other people publish it for you?
I know if you have a publisher, they handle the cover separately with almost no writer feedback at all. They'll give it to their Art Director who handles the hiring of an Illustrator/Designer.
As far as an Illustrated book? I do believe you need to have it illustrated before you go to shop around for a publisher. But I'm not 100% sure about that.
People have tried to tap me for illustration work for books, but never want to pay (even if they sell the book, can you imagine that?) so I've never done it. 😉
Like so many things, it depends on the project. Some publishers, especially those for childrens books, are "package publishers": they put a team together ot execute the idea the publishers have for a book (or a series of books). Sometimes they buy the manuscript and assign an illustrator to do it without the writer's feedback. But more and more publishers are looking for pre-made teams of writers and illustrators because it makes their job easier.
Wihtout knowing exactly what kind of project you have in mind, it's a little difficult to give much more advice beyond that.
Thanks +Cliff Roth for sharing; much appreciated in helping me get feedback.
Thanks +Ian Wienert +Zachary Straub +Jennifer Bailey +Sean Martin for taking time to share your comments.
Zachary — I have never published before; having a work and allowing someone else to publish would be grand. I have not entered the waters yet and am finally to a point in my life where any fear of the unknown or rejection is replaced with the desire to create, share, and improve. This is the first public question I have asked in my attempt to learn and start taking steps forward. I'm not looking for shortcuts or avoidance of "paying one's dues"; that would be insulting to all the work so many of the people I have read on here have put forth in their efforts.
Jennifer — The nerve of some people! One of the big reasons I am starting to ask questions is to avoid ever insulting someone by not understanding the basics or the industry etiquette. I like to fully understand before ever jumping in, but sometimes that stops me from ever jumping… know what I mean? So, this is my first splash, I suppose.
Sean — That definitely makes sense. I wish that I could both write and draw, but alas, one can only take stick figures so far. 😉 So far as a project, what I have most ready for moving forward would be along the lines of an adult-themed (not rude, just conceptually above children-aged) illustrated story in the style of a children's book. Have you ever read If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond? The style of one idea linking to another, and then to another, from the beginning to the end of the story is the same kind of style.
No problem, Scott always willing to help a fellow out if it is within my power to do so. I look forward to seeing where you go once you start 'swimming'….
Scott, what you might do to increase its marketability is to provide the proposed publisher with even your stick figure idea of what the images should look like. The more information you can give them about a potential book, the better your chances. Otherwise, you might start crawling deviantart and see if there's someone whose style matches yours and approach them about it.
A magazine publisher put me in touch with the writer/creator of the comic I draw. We did 10pgs in the publisher's magazine and after the wild response from the readers we went straight to self-publishing glossy 40pg, full-color volumes with advertising & guest artists, photographers, and writers. When we started, the magazine publisher opened his Rolodex to us so that we could use his printer and list of advertisers. Both the writer/creator & myself are visual people and involved in the entertainment industry. This gives us a lot in common when discussing story points & visual solutions. He shares his scripts with me so I can give my notes and I share my page thumbnails through final pencils with him for his notes. After 6 years we haven't had any huge arguments. The business side of our relationship is very loose and held together with a simple "hand-written" (in MSWord, of course) contract.
If you're making a comic book or graphic novel, the vast majority of comic book publishers (check their submission guidelines) do not pair up writers and artists. The Big Two are the exception when you're working on one of their licensed properties. however, if you're looking at places like Tor, Random House, etc. then you'll likely need an agent, because I don't think they accept unagented submissions. Agent or not, you'll have to produce sample pages and/or concept art, which means finding and hiring an artist yourself, likely out of your own pocket.
If you're talking picture books with a commercial publisher, chances are you won't need to find an artist. Again, check the submissions guidelines, because some smaller presses might be fine with you finding or suggesting someone. For more info check out: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34843
One important piece of advice when posting any ads for artists: never ever say it'll be "great exposure".