Working with solo authors

How to get started

Getting started is simple. First, take a look at my portfolio to make sure my style aligns with the vision you have for your story. If it feels like a match, reach out through my contact form with answers to the following questions:

  • Do you have a firm due date for your project?

  • What is your budget?

  • What is the summary of your story?

  • How many words does your manuscript have?

  • Has your manuscript been through an editor?

  • Have you chosen a format yet? (Square, letter-sized, or landscape)

  • Are you thinking 32 or 40 pages?

  • Do you need help with book formatting, or do you have a graphic designer for that?

  • Was your story written with AI assistance? (I don't ask this to judge — it's just important for me to know before we begin.)

I'll get back to you within 3 business days.

Whether you're self-publishing your first picture book or creating a submission package to help get your story represented, I'd love to help you bring it to life.

I work with authors at every stage — from a polished manuscript ready to illustrate, to early-stage projects that need a little visual direction first. If you're not sure where you fit, just reach out and we'll figure it out together.

My turnaround time

My current timeline is 6 to 8 months from contract signing to final delivery. If you need your project completed sooner, please mention that in your inquiry — rush fees apply for accelerated timelines.

What's included

Illustrations
A full picture book project includes all interior spreads plus cover art, delivered in print-ready files.

Revisions
Every project includes two rounds of revisions — one at the sketch stage and one at the final rendering stage. Additional revisions are available at an hourly rate.

Rights
All illustration work is created as work-for-hire. Upon final payment, you own the illustrations outright and may use them for your book in any format — print, digital, or promotional. I retain the right to display the finished work in my portfolio.

What's not included
Book formatting and layout design are not part of a standard illustration package. If you need help with formatting, I can recommend trusted designers — or we can discuss adding it to your project scope.

Tips for a successful project

The length of your text matters more than you think
Most picture books run between 400-500 words — and that's intentional. Every spread needs room to breathe, and illustration tells a big part of the story. A good rule of thumb: if you can read your story aloud in under 3 minutes, you're in good shape. If your text is significantly longer, some trimming may be needed before we begin.

Go through an editor first
I strongly recommend having your manuscript reviewed by a children's book editor before reaching out. Illustrations are built around your text — if the story changes significantly after we've started, it affects the entire project scope and timeline. A polished manuscript makes for a smoother, more enjoyable collaboration for both of us.

Know your format before we talk
The format of your book affects everything — page count, layout, and budget. The most common options are:

  • 32 pages — the industry standard for picture books

  • 40 pages — for longer stories

  • Square, letter-sized, or landscape — each has different printing and design implications

Not sure which format suits your story? I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

Have a realistic budget in mind
I don't list my rates publicly because every project is different — scope, complexity, timeline, and format all factor in. What I do ask is that you come with a budget in mind. This helps us figure out quickly whether we're a good fit. Quality children's book illustration is an investment — if budget is a concern, we can discuss what's possible within your means.

AI-written manuscripts
I ask every author whether their story was written with AI assistance — not to judge, but because it matters to how I approach the work. I illustrate human stories. If your manuscript was AI-generated, I may not be the right illustrator for you.

Not ready for a full book yet?

That's okay — smaller projects are a great way for us to get to know each other's working style before committing to a full collaboration. I also offer:

  • Character design — develop your main character's look and feel

  • Test spread — one fully illustrated spread to see how your story translates visually

  • Spot illustrations or design work — for authors building a pitch or submission package

Ready to get started?

Fill out my contact form and I'll be in touch within 3 business days. I can't wait to hear about your story. 💙