Edit 1-21-07: Submissions for this project are now closed. An artist has been selected.
I wrote a story for my daughter. Howard and I both agree that it is a strong enough story that we’d like to see it made into a children’s book. I am seeking an artist who is interested in collaborating on the project. I know this may seem strange coming from someone who is married to an artist, but Howard and I have carefully considered everything and he just doesn’t have time to take on this project. It is much more important to all of us that he finish his next Schlock book.
I have already finished the text for this picture book and I intend to make it available for sale through Lulu.com. I don’t expect it to make very much money, but I’m willing to offer the artist a share in any profits. The artist will retain rights to the images just as I will retain rights to the text. The artist would also be part of negotiations should both the text and pictures get picked up by a publisher. With Howard’s books in print we are rapidly acquiring publishing contacts, so having the book picked up by a publisher is very possible. In addition Howard will blog about the book from the front of his site, telling 25,000 people how fantastic the artist is and showcasing some of the illustrations from the book.
The project would require the artist to create 25-30 pictures, including cover art. Characters must be recognizable from picture to picture. Horses will feature prominently in the book, so the ability to draw them is a must. In picture books the text is only half the story, so I’ll be looking for an artist who can expand upon my words in visual form. I am open as to what style the illustrations should use. Some examples of illustrations styles that appeal to me are found in the following books: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Harry Potter books, Where’s My Teddy, I Lost My Bear, Ish, and Tuesday.
If you are an artist interested in this project here are the submission guidelines:
Read the text below and produce 1 or 2 pictures to illustrate the words. (or submit several samples of existing work to demonstrate your style.) Also submit an illustration of a horse. Size these images so that they are no larger than 400 x 400. Attach the pictures to an email and send it to sandratayler at livejournal.com with the subject line: Picture submission. I may email you for larger/higher resolution images, but do not send them to me unasked. The submitted pictures will be considered concept art. The artist would have access to the entire text of the book before drawing completed images. In the text of the message please introduce yourself and briefly tell why you’re a good choice for this project.
I will be accepting submissions until January 20. I will then make a selection and begin contractual negotiations for the completion of the project.
Book Text:
Amy was excited by the whole world. Each morning she sprang out of bed with a head full of thoughts and feet ready to put them into action.
On Sunday Amy discovered she could blow really huge bubbles in her breakfast cereal by using the straw she found lying on the counter. Mommy scolded her for making a mess.
On Monday she climed to the very top of the jungle gym and was jumping up and down to fly like a dragon. The school Yard Duty called to her to come down for heaven’s sake.
I have sent a link to your blog to someone I know who has illustrated, and written, several books (not necessarily both in the same book). I hope your book goes well.
I have sent a link to your blog to someone I know who has illustrated, and written, several books (not necessarily both in the same book). I hope your book goes well.
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
I got all excited until you mentioned the part about horses… I am abominable at horses, unless they look like My Little Ponies.
I got all excited until you mentioned the part about horses… I am abominable at horses, unless they look like My Little Ponies.
Oh that’s too bad. It would have been fun to work on a project with you.
Oh that’s too bad. It would have been fun to work on a project with you.
The second paragraph of text made me giggle. Alex is very much into giant Cheerio bubbles.
The second paragraph of text made me giggle. Alex is very much into giant Cheerio bubbles.
Yeah. Giant Cheerio bubbles lead to giggles which lead to Cherios as wallpaper.
Have I sent you the text for this story yet?
Yeah. Giant Cheerio bubbles lead to giggles which lead to Cherios as wallpaper.
Have I sent you the text for this story yet?
Nope. I’d love to read it.
Nope. I’d love to read it.
I wrote stories for both my girls… one fairy tale each. I thought about getting them printed with art but I never could find an artist… and of course, I was not thinking of offering them for sale!
But it’s a neat thing to do for your children.
I wrote stories for both my girls… one fairy tale each. I thought about getting them printed with art but I never could find an artist… and of course, I was not thinking of offering them for sale!
But it’s a neat thing to do for your children.
I have an aunt who used to tell us the most wonderful bedtime stories. We’ve been trying for years to get her to write them down and publish them…
This is a great idea, and I’d certainly love to see the finished product.
I have an aunt who used to tell us the most wonderful bedtime stories. We’ve been trying for years to get her to write them down and publish them…
This is a great idea, and I’d certainly love to see the finished product.
If you think up a story involving fairies, or fish, or even knagaroos, I’m your girl. I just have a hard time with horses and cats. I just need more practice.
If you think up a story involving fairies, or fish, or even knagaroos, I’m your girl. I just have a hard time with horses and cats. I just need more practice.
Audz’s public art journal is, with contributions to the ‘Even Robins’ fanart gallery. Chira is drawing a webmanga, Salad Days, between animation classes. Wacca sketches, draws and paints.
Audz’s public art journal is, with contributions to the ‘Even Robins’ fanart gallery. Chira is drawing a webmanga, Salad Days, between animation classes. Wacca sketches, draws and paints.
Oh, and :foreheadthwap:! Of course!
Oh, and :foreheadthwap:! Of course!
Thank you so much for pointing such talented artists at my project!
Thank you so much for pointing such talented artists at my project!
I’m delighted I can try to put people together like this.
I’m delighted I can try to put people together like this.
I have a friend who’s interested in this. She helped a friend of hers self-publish (just a copy or two) a children’s story earlier, and she’s great a horses. Is it too late for submissions? I think she’s going to send you her submissions tomorrow.
I have a friend who’s interested in this. She helped a friend of hers self-publish (just a copy or two) a children’s story earlier, and she’s great a horses. Is it too late for submissions? I think she’s going to send you her submissions tomorrow.
No it isn’t too late for submissions. I extended the deadline to January 20th. Thanks for pointing an artist my way.
No it isn’t too late for submissions. I extended the deadline to January 20th. Thanks for pointing an artist my way.
Excellent. At first she was going to just send in a few things she’d already done, but after reading the prompts you put, she decided to try and draw stuff based on them, so it may not be tomorrow. She’s, just for your own information. 🙂
Excellent. At first she was going to just send in a few things she’d already done, but after reading the prompts you put, she decided to try and draw stuff based on them, so it may not be tomorrow. She’s, just for your own information. 🙂
Illustrator
Hi Sandra,
I’m an illustrator that does many styles.
I’m published.
You can see my artwork:
http://www.milieusion.com
Take Care,
Ginger
Illustrator
Hi Sandra,
I’m an illustrator that does many styles.
I’m published.
You can see my artwork:
http://www.milieusion.com
Take Care,
Ginger