The Medium is the Message

April 1, 2015 12:37 PM

Suggestions for finding iconic book designer for young student's book about space and future?

How does one go about finding a great book designer (or art director) for narrative-type kids book about living in space? I'm literally stymied!

posted by Mike Mongo to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

Behance?
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:13 PM on April 1, 2015

Is this a book you are planning to submit to traditional children's book publishers? If so, you don't submit it with illustrations. You submit the manuscript and the publisher selects an illustrator if you're offered a contract.
posted by MsMolly at 6:21 PM on April 1, 2015

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators gives the same advice:

How do I find an illustrator? Should I get someone to illustrate my picture book before I submit it?

Almost always: no. The editor who purchases your picture book manuscript or the art director at that publishing house will ultimately choose the illustrator. Except in rare circumstances, it is seldom a good idea for authors and illustrators to collaborate together before publication. Illustrators are better off researching the market and submitting their work directly to publishing houses. If you are a writer, you don't want to illustrate your manuscript yourself unless you are a professional. There is also no need to describe the illustrations in your submission. If your manuscript doesn't come to life visually without being explained, then it probably needs work. If the story needs to be told by the illustrations, then mention that briefly in your cover letter. Perhaps include a separate page with annotations for the illustrations (so titled), but do not clutter the main manuscript with explanations.

posted by MsMolly at 6:27 PM on April 1, 2015

Peter Thorpe was the creative director for the Space Frontier Foundation and has done covers for bestsellers.
posted by Sophont at 8:17 PM on April 1, 2015

Response by poster: Is this a book you are planning to submit to traditional children's book publishers?

This is for a book that is written and being published by traditional book publisher. Reviewing galleys now and layouts. It's a struggle because children's books are different in layout and flow than grown-up's books. Present graphic design firm is San Franciscan and highly touted but tentative stabs at design sorely missing the mark on what appeals to today's 9-12 year old who dreams of going to space.

What I want is an aesthetic connect with today's young, middle school-age student geeks.
posted by Mike Mongo at 8:18 PM on April 2, 2015