Book Publishers Tips
The publishers in this section are just the tip of the iceberg. You can find additional publishers by visiting bookstores and libraries and looking at covers and interior art. When you find covers you admire, write down the name of the books' publisher in a notebook. If the publisher is not listed here go to your public library and ask to look at a copy of Literary Market Place also called LMP Published annually by Bowker. The cost of this large directory is prohibitive to most freelancers, but you should become familiar with it if you plan to work in the industry. Though it won't tell you how to submit to each publisher. it does give art directors' names. The book also has a section featuring the winners of the years book awards, including awards for book designs
How to Submit
Send one to five non returnable samples along with a brief letter.
Never send originals. Most art directors prefer samples 81/2 x 11 or smaller
that can fit in a file drawer Bulky submissions are considered a nuisance. After
sending your initial introductory mailing , you should following up with
postcard samples every few months to keep your name in front of the art
directors. If you have an email account and can send TIFF or JPEG files,
check the publishers preferences and see if they will accept submissions via
email
Artwork for book covers must grab the readers' attention and make them want to pick up the book. Secondly it must show at a glance what typr of book it is and who it is meant to appeal to. In addition the cover has to include basic information such as title, the author's name the publisher's name blurbs and price..
The interior of a book is important too. Designers create the page layouts that direct us through the test and illustrators create artwork to complement the story. This is particularly important in children's books and textbooks. Many publishing companies hire freelance designers with computer skills to design interiors on a contract basis.
Publishing Terms to Know
Mass Market books are sold in
supermarkets, newsstands, drugstores, etc. They include paperbacks by popular
authors like Stephen King
Trade Books are the hardcovers and paperbacks
found only in bookstores and libraries. The paperbacks are larger that those on
the mass market racks. They are printed on higher quality paper and feature
matte-paper jackets.
Text Books feature plenty of illustrations
photographs and charts to explain their subjects. They are books produced by a
small independent publisher. Many are literary or scholarly in theme and often
feature fine art on the cover.
Backlist titles or reprints refer to publishers titles from
past seasons that continue to sell year after year. These books are often
updated and republished with freshly designed covers to make them more
attractive to readers.
Getting Paid
Payment for design and illustration varies depending on the size of the
publisher, the type of project and the rights bought. Most publishers pay on a
per-project basis, although some publishers of highly illustrated books ( such
as children's books _ pay an advance plus royalties, A few very small presses
may on pay in copies.
Illustration for children's books
Working for children's books requires a specific set of skills. You must
be able to draw the same characters i a variety of action poses and situations.
Like other publishers many children's publishers are expanding their product
lines to include multi media projects [Cd Roms and software. ] A number of
children's publishers are listed here but Children's Writers & Illustrator's
Marker, published by Writers Digest Books 1 800 289 0963 is a valuable resource
if you enter this field. You can order this essential book on http;//www.writersdigest.com/catog
If you decide to focus on book publishing you'll need to become familiar with Publishers Weekly the trade magazine of the industry and its website http://www. publishersweekly.com It will keep you abreast of new imprints, publishers that plan to increase their title selection, and the names of new art directors. You should also look for articles on book illustration and design in How and other graphic design magazines.