How to Enquire About a Children's Book Illustrator (and What to Include)

So you've written a picture book, and now you're ready to find someone to bring it to life. Exciting! But sending that first message to an illustrator can feel a bit daunting. What do you say? How much detail do they need? Is it rude to ask about price?

As a children's picture book illustrator, I receive enquiries from authors at every stage, and I can tell you that a clear, friendly enquiry makes everything easier for both of us. Here's exactly how to do it.

What should I include when I contact a children's book illustrator?

The short answer: tell the illustrator about your book, your timeline, your budget and how you plan to publish. The more you share upfront, the faster they can tell you whether they're a good fit and give you an accurate quote.

Here's a handy checklist:

• A short summary of your story. Two or three sentences about what happens, who the main character is and the age group it's for.
• Your manuscript word count. Picture books are usually under 1,000 words, so this helps the illustrator picture the scope.
• Number of pages or spreads. Most picture books are 32 pages. If you're not sure how many illustrations you need, just say so.
• How you're publishing. Self-publishing, working with a traditional publisher or using a hybrid publisher all affect rights, formats and pricing.
• Book size and format. Hardback, paperback, square or landscape? If you haven't decided yet, that's fine, but you will need to deliver this info before the project starts ideally.
• Cover and extras. Do you need a front cover, back cover, title page, dedication page, endpapers or marketing images?
• Your timeline. When would you like the illustrations finished, and is there a launch date you're working towards?
• Your budget. Even a rough range is really helpful.
• Why you chose them. Mention which pieces in their portfolio caught your eye. It helps the illustrator understand the style you're after.

Is it okay to mention my budget?

Yes, absolutely! Sharing your budget isn't rude. It's genuinely one of the most useful things you can include. Illustrating a full picture book usually takes months of work, and a budget range helps the illustrator suggest options that work for you.

If you're unsure what's realistic, the Association of Illustrators (AOI) is a great place to learn about fair rates and licensing in the UK. I’m a member and I highly recommend joining if you’re an illustrator in the UK,they have some useful tools for pricing and contracts.

How far in advance should I contact an illustrator?

Some children's book illustrators are booked several months ahead, so it's best to get in touch as early as possible. Reaching out three to six months before you'd like work to begin gives you the best chance of securing your first choice.

What happens after I send my enquiry?

Every illustrator works a little differently, but the process usually looks something like this:

1. Initial reply. The illustrator lets you know whether they're available and interested.
2. Discovery chat or questions. They may ask for your full manuscript or arrange a call to understand your vision.
3. Quote and proposal. You'll receive a quote covering fees, usage rights, timeline and what's included.
4. Contract and deposit. Once you're happy, you'll sign an agreement and usually pay a deposit to book the project in.
5. Sketches, then final artwork. Most illustrators start with character designs and rough sketches before moving on to full colour.

Do I need to understand illustration rights?

It helps to know the basics. In most cases, the illustrator keeps copyright of their artwork and grants you a licence to use it for your book. The licence usually covers things like print, territories and print runs. A good illustrator will explain this clearly in their proposal, so don't worry if it feels unfamiliar at first. Just ask!

Example enquiry email

Here's a simple template you can adapt:

Hi [Illustrator's name],

I love your work, especially [piece or book]. I've written a picture book called [title] for children aged [age range]. It's about [one or two sentence summary].

The manuscript is [number] words and I'm planning to[self-publish / submit to a publisher]. I'm hoping for around [number] illustrations plus a cover, with a finish date of roughly [month/year]. My budget is around [range].

Would you be available for a project like this? I'd love to hear more about how you work.

Thanks so much, [Your name]

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a finished manuscript before contacting an illustrator? Ideally, yes. Your text should be edited and final before illustration begins, as changes later on can affect the layout and artwork.

Can I ask an illustrator for a free sample? Most professional illustrators don't create free samples, as their portfolio shows their style and skill. Some offer a paid character design stage before committing to the full book.

Will the illustrator help with layout and text placement? Some do, and some don't. Ask during your enquiry so you know whether you'll need a separate book designer.

How long does it take to illustrate a picture book? It varies, but a full picture book often takes between three and six months from sketches to final artwork.

Ready to get in touch?

If you've got a picture book that's ready for illustrations, I'd love to hear about it. I create warm, textured illustrations that feel like traditional paint and pencil, and I'm always excited to hear about a new project. Get in touch here with the details above and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.