Character! Seeing the character “in the flesh” for the first time is exciting! This is someone who has only lived in your head, sometimes for years, and they finally feel real! And awesome!
Amy
2 months ago
Supriya, your illustrations are gorgeous! Can you walk us through your illustrating process from idea to publication?
Amy
2 months ago
How long does it usually take for a PB to come out, from signing the deal to seeing it on the shelf?
It varies, but for my books it’s averaged to about 3-4 years per book. (That’s why the editor has to really “fall in love” with it. They’ll be working on it for a long time!)
You have to have completed manuscripts, not just concepts. Agents don’t sign you based upon ideas but upon manuscripts that are ready to submit and sell. (And in the case of manuscripts, we suggest between 6-8 ready to go.)
Supriya, do you have any insight into getting an agent as an illustrator?
Monnarae
2 months ago
So do all of your published books have a similar style of illustrations or are they different to the point of not knowing that it’s the same author book unless they read the name.
Amy
2 months ago
I doubt it happens very often, but what can be done if you aren’t happy with the illustrations? Is it totally out of your control by that point?
If there’s something at issue with an individual illustration, you can give feedback to your editor and see what happens. The editor wants you to be happy with your book! But if it’s the overall style of the entire book, it’s not something you can change. (But the reception may be really positive!) That’s one reason why I try to keep my mind blank regarding my characters, not to have a preconceived idea of what they will look like, because my imagination and the actual illustration will never match. (However, the illustrations are always far better than I ever could have imagined!)
stasku
2 months ago
I hear that agents or publishers often want text only – they’ll find an illustrator.
I arranged for full working illustrations for my children’s story which comprises 32 rhymed stanzas about a little girl who discovers how chimneys work. They help “illustrate” the kinds of concepts I wanted to show. Should I include them with my submittal … or submit the text only?
There is #PBChat on Twitter, I have a Storystorm group with 4K members on Facebook, there’s the SCBWI Blueboards, #kidlitart on Twitter and Instagram…and of course, when we’re back in person SCBWI conferences and the Highlights Foundation!
gawritergirl
2 months ago
When you have 6 to 8 manuscripts completed, how do you choose which one to use for an agent query?
Picture books tend to be 32 pages, that’s a very specific length because two printed “signatures” equal 16 pages, and thus 2 signatures make one PB. (Occasionally they’ll go to 40 pages…8 more pages or half a signature more.) Graphic novels are longer (depend upon the age they’re for) and are partitioned into panels with narration/direction and dialogue. Aaron Reynolds wrote a graphic novel how-to for my blog years ago: https://taralazar.com/2009/11/02/joey-fly-graphic-novel/. And here’s a post about PB layout: https://taralazar.com/2009/02/22/picture-book-construction-know-your-layout/
Monnarae
2 months ago
Did you have to buy an isbn before you sold your book without an agent
ISBNs are something that you need if you’re publishing independently/self-publishing. If you are submitting to a traditional publisher, they set the ISBN.
Connie Nice
2 months ago
So, if you notice during your agent research that a particular agent “likes” a specific type of material, should you revise and adjust your query letter to draw attention to that -if it fits your manuscript? Key words from their bio noted in your letter?
I think it’s a good idea to tailor each individual query to the agent. The agent wants to know that you are submitting to them for a reason, that you’ve targeted them because you feel your style and theirs would match. They want to know that you’re just not submitting to 100s of agents blindly.
I’m totally new to PB illustrations (i.e. I’ve just started thinking it might be something I might want to do). Where on earth do I start??
Can you each talk about the relationship you have with the illustrators (or writers) of your books?
How can a PB author write in a way that helps inspire the illustrations? What should the author be focused on?
What’s your favorite thing about illustration in terms of what it brings to a story?
Character! Seeing the character “in the flesh” for the first time is exciting! This is someone who has only lived in your head, sometimes for years, and they finally feel real! And awesome!
Supriya, your illustrations are gorgeous! Can you walk us through your illustrating process from idea to publication?
How long does it usually take for a PB to come out, from signing the deal to seeing it on the shelf?
It varies, but for my books it’s averaged to about 3-4 years per book. (That’s why the editor has to really “fall in love” with it. They’ll be working on it for a long time!)
As writers, do you ever feel like illustration steals the show?
No. The illustrations enhance what’s already there. I’m grateful for the talents of the illustrators.
How many picture book concepts should you have before looking for an agent?
You have to have completed manuscripts, not just concepts. Agents don’t sign you based upon ideas but upon manuscripts that are ready to submit and sell. (And in the case of manuscripts, we suggest between 6-8 ready to go.)
Supriya, do you have any insight into getting an agent as an illustrator?
So do all of your published books have a similar style of illustrations or are they different to the point of not knowing that it’s the same author book unless they read the name.
I doubt it happens very often, but what can be done if you aren’t happy with the illustrations? Is it totally out of your control by that point?
If there’s something at issue with an individual illustration, you can give feedback to your editor and see what happens. The editor wants you to be happy with your book! But if it’s the overall style of the entire book, it’s not something you can change. (But the reception may be really positive!) That’s one reason why I try to keep my mind blank regarding my characters, not to have a preconceived idea of what they will look like, because my imagination and the actual illustration will never match. (However, the illustrations are always far better than I ever could have imagined!)
I hear that agents or publishers often want text only – they’ll find an illustrator.
I arranged for full working illustrations for my children’s story which comprises 32 rhymed stanzas about a little girl who discovers how chimneys work. They help “illustrate” the kinds of concepts I wanted to show. Should I include them with my submittal … or submit the text only?
I appreciated the panel’s responses; very helpful! thank you…
Where are some good places to meet and interact with picture book creators?
There is #PBChat on Twitter, I have a Storystorm group with 4K members on Facebook, there’s the SCBWI Blueboards, #kidlitart on Twitter and Instagram…and of course, when we’re back in person SCBWI conferences and the Highlights Foundation!
When you have 6 to 8 manuscripts completed, how do you choose which one to use for an agent query?
Can you explain how picture book creation differs from graphic novels?
Picture books tend to be 32 pages, that’s a very specific length because two printed “signatures” equal 16 pages, and thus 2 signatures make one PB. (Occasionally they’ll go to 40 pages…8 more pages or half a signature more.) Graphic novels are longer (depend upon the age they’re for) and are partitioned into panels with narration/direction and dialogue. Aaron Reynolds wrote a graphic novel how-to for my blog years ago: https://taralazar.com/2009/11/02/joey-fly-graphic-novel/. And here’s a post about PB layout: https://taralazar.com/2009/02/22/picture-book-construction-know-your-layout/
Did you have to buy an isbn before you sold your book without an agent
ISBNs are something that you need if you’re publishing independently/self-publishing. If you are submitting to a traditional publisher, they set the ISBN.
So, if you notice during your agent research that a particular agent “likes” a specific type of material, should you revise and adjust your query letter to draw attention to that -if it fits your manuscript? Key words from their bio noted in your letter?
I think it’s a good idea to tailor each individual query to the agent. The agent wants to know that you are submitting to them for a reason, that you’ve targeted them because you feel your style and theirs would match. They want to know that you’re just not submitting to 100s of agents blindly.