How To Attract An Illustrator

Samantha Reynolds
Jul 9
2 min read

Choosing the right illustrator is just as important as crafting the story itself. A talented illustrator becomes like a second writer—someone who brings your words to life through images that deepen the story and draw young readers into the world you've created.

The first step is to take a close look at your manuscript and imagine the kind of visual style that might suit it best. Some stories call for clean, simple line drawings, while others may benefit from rich textures or a playful, childlike style. Let the tone and message of your book guide you.

Keep in mind that illustrators are artists—they want the freedom to express their creativity. The illustrations shouldn’t simply mirror your text; they should expand it. For example, instead of writing “the boy wearing a red jacket and yellow boots jumped in puddles,” consider something like “the boy’s face lit up as he splashed through the puddles.” The second version invites the illustrator to interpret the moment visually, which makes for a more collaborative and inspiring process. Your editor can also offer helpful input as you refine the balance between text and illustration.

When I started, I didn’t have a clear vision for the artwork—I just knew I wanted it to feel different from other picture books I’d seen. I hired one illustrator, but after the initial sketches, I realized she wasn’t the right fit. She struggled to grasp the themes and emotions behind the story. Then I found Jessica.

Jessica took a full month to respond after I sent her the manuscript—because she needed time to “feel” the story. And I’m so glad she did. She connected with the book on an emotional level, and it showed in every drawing.

We worked entirely over Zoom for both of my books and have only met in person twice. What made our collaboration work so well was that I trusted her process and let her do what she does best: tell stories through art. Being open to surprises and not overly attached to every detail allowed the illustrations to grow into something even better than I imagined.

Of course, great illustrators should be paid fairly. Their fees will vary depending on experience and your budget, but it’s important to remember—they’re creating not just your book’s interior, but also the cover, which is often the first thing readers see.

Where to Find an Illustrator: