ProjectStages

Stage 1: Our Initial Contact
Email me for a quote and
include your Formatted Story

Formatted Story Each page of your story should include the text for that page as well as "illustrator notes" for the illustration on that page, just like the below example: Page 1 Note to Illustrator: This illustration will show a little mouse town behind a row of stores Text for this page: Long, long ago six cousins came to America in search of freedom and a better life. They named their first colony Mouseville. And now, many generations later, six cousins still reside in the little town of Mouseville, located in the heart of town behind a row of stores. Page 2 Note to Illustrator: This illustration will show Yellow Mellow standing on a tree stump bragging about his ancestors with the other mice paying attention. There will be grass, trees, sky. Text for this page: Cousin Yellow Mellow said that his ancestors came to America on a clipper ship loaded with tea and spices. He said that many of them drowned as they battled the storms and typhoons along the way. He went on to say that huge waves splashed down on the deck of the ship, and that is why he is a better swimmer than regular mice. The "illustrator notes above" are how you imagine your story and must be included to give me "guidance in the right direction" as to what you are looking for in the illustrations. You may think that your story's text adequately explains what the illustrations should look like but that is not the case. By adding illustrator notes now you'll be saving yourself and myself potential headaches down the road. If you believe that your notes will not allow me to use my creative freedom this is also not the case, if I have better ideas for the illustrations then they will be included it in the pencil sketches. After I've read the information in your quote request I then provide you with a quote for your book illustrations . If you find the quote to your liking then we proceed to Stage 2.
	Stage 2: The Illustration Work Order and Deposit Payment Once you have confirmed that my quote is acceptable. 1. I then create the contract / illustration work order. The contract is written very clearely, not legal jargon, and outlines the work to be done, the payment methods, and when each payment is due. 2. This contract is then emailed to you for your review. If the contract is acceptable, you then simply email it or snail mail it back to me with your initial deposit to begin the illustration process. 3. The method of payment for your deposit is by credit card with PayPal on my main website page. The other methods of payment are your choice of: International Money Order or a wire transfer of funds. 4. If you choose an immediate form of payment (credit card, Paypal money transfer, or wire transfer) for your deposit, work can proceed while the contract is being delivered by regular mail. Please note: No work can begin until the deposit has been received.
	Stage 3: The Creative Process 1.Sketching can begin on the illustrations for your book once your book's size has been chosen, When the black and white rough pencil sketches are ready I email them to you for approval. 2. It is your responsibility to review the sketches and if you'd like changes made to the sketches then list the changes in point form in a reply email. No change requests will be accepted by phone. 3. If you approve of the sketches then please state that in your reply email. The client is allowed two Free revisions to each sketch before additional charges apply. 4. A. Once all the black and white sketches are completed and gone through the revision stages and approved by you. I then begin on the finished colored illustrations. B. Once the final art color illustrations are completed I email the low resolution email-friendly color images to you for approval and you reply with either a change request or approval of the image. 5. For the color illustrations you are allowed one revision to each color illustration based on color. Should you require additional changes to the color beyond that one revision or should you require changes to the original sketch (before color was applied) then additional charges will apply. If a revision is required due to my misunderstanding then additional charges will not apply for the resulting revision. 6. After all the color illustrations have been completed and approved by you the final payment is required.
	Stage 4: Delivery 1. After I receive the final payment from you I then save all your illustrations to two CDs and mail them right to your door. 2. Both CDs will have the exact same content, you'll keep one for your own personal files as a backup copy and the other CD you would mail along with your manuscript to your publisher or graphic designer (depending on your preferred method of publishing). In certain cases I can also email you the files if they are not to large to send. 3. The publisher or graphic designer creates the camera-ready artwork (artwork comprised of the illustrations and your manuscript) and sends you images (proofs) to approve. 4. Once those images are approved your book goes to print.

Need an estimate for your Children's Book?
Email: yourchildrensbook@gmail.com
819-422-1439