Writing a children’s book isn’t just about the words. It’s about how those words come to life on the page. And unless you’re both an author and a trained visual artist (in which case, hats off to you), you’ll need to collaborate with childrens book illustrator talent to truly complete your story.
But how do you find the right illustrator? What should you look for in their portfolio? And once you’ve found someone, how do you communicate your vision without micromanaging every brushstroke?
Whether you’re self-publishing or working through eBook writing services, this guide will walk you through the process, from identifying your artistic match to creating a working relationship that results in a beautiful, saleable book.
Step 1: Know What You Want Before You Look
Before reaching out to illustrators, you need a clear sense of your book’s tone, target audience, and visual identity.
Are you writing a story for toddlers or 8-year-olds? Is it whimsical, educational, or emotional? The answers will shape your style choices, bright cartoon illustrations will suit a silly rhyming story, while soft watercolours might enhance a quiet bedtime narrative.
Knowing this upfront also helps you craft your book more clearly from the start, whether you’re writing it solo or with help from eBook writing services or content writing services.
Step 2: Review Portfolios (And Not Just for Style)
It’s tempting to focus only on style, but there’s more to the job than a pretty picture.
Look for illustrators who understand:
- Storytelling through images
- Character consistency (especially in long narratives)
- Diversity and representation in illustration
- Page layout and space for text
An illustrator may be brilliant but not right for your story. Don’t just think “cute”, think “cohesive.”
And if you’re uncertain about what works for your genre or age group, that’s where consulting services, like content strategy for brand or ebook formatting tools specialists, can offer clarity.
Step 3: Clarify the Collaboration Model
Different illustrators work in different ways:
- Some charge per illustration or per page
- Others may price by project or offer packages
- Some want shared creative control, while others prefer to work from detailed briefs
Figure out what works best for you. If you’re working with a ghostwriting contract in place for the manuscript, you’ll want to ensure the illustrator’s agreement matches in tone and rights handling.
And don’t forget to get everything in writing, a detailed contract outlining deliverables, timelines, usage rights, and payment terms. Protect both parties.
Step 4: Develop a Clear Brief
Once you’ve hired your illustrator, your job isn’t over. It’s just shifting. Now it’s all about communication.
Your illustration brief should include:
- Story summary
- Character descriptions
- Scene mood and tone
- Specific imagery for each spread
- Page count and trim size (based on your ebook formatting tools or print specs)
Even if you’re working through ghostwriting services or with a book coach, make sure your illustrator has context. The more detail, the fewer misunderstandings.
Step 5: Trust the Illustrator’s Expertise
You’re the writer. They’re the visual storyteller. Respect that.
Provide feedback, yes, but don’t over-direct. You hired them for their creativity, not to act as your hand.
Revisions are normal, especially when fine-tuning your autobiography structure in illustrations or adjusting character designs. Just keep the process collaborative and kind.
If you’re ever in doubt, look at how professional projects balance the two. Studying examples from memoir vs biography picture books or author-illustrator collaborations can offer great insight.
Step 6: Keep the Reader Experience in Mind
Your illustrations should not only complement the story but enhance it, adding visual layers that spark curiosity, empathy, or humour.
Think about:
- Flow from page to page
- Visual pacing
- Engagement for both kids and adults
This is where understanding line editing vs copyediting actually comes in handy: every detail, from image to punctuation, affects the rhythm of your storytelling.
And if you’re building an audience long-term, this collaboration will also influence your author platform building and branding.
Step 7: Think Beyond the Book
Once your book is complete, how will you promote it? Will you use illustrations in:
- Social media teasers?
- Book trailers?
- Posters or merchandise?
- A dedicated author website?
Many illustrators license artwork only for use inside the book. So, if you plan on using images for book royalties, UK promotions or future adaptations, secure the appropriate rights in your contract.
And if you’re stuck here, it’s another reason why content writing services or book marketing support can keep your project from falling short after launch.
Step 8: Credit and Celebrate the Illustrator
This should go without saying, but illustrators deserve credit.
Include their name on the cover if possible, in your metadata, and on your promotional materials. Share their work with pride.
This builds goodwill and shows readers and agents that you’re a professional who values all contributors, a key element if you’re navigating querying literary agents mistakes.
Why Work With Services That Support the Full Journey?
Creating a children’s book is more than writing. It’s visual storytelling, marketing, and project management rolled into one. That’s why many authors choose to work with full-service teams or platforms.
At Lincoln Writes UK, for example, we offer:
- eBook writing services to help you craft the manuscript
- Content writing services to promote your book
- Support connecting with vetted illustrators
- Advice on formatting, launch planning, and positioning
So whether you need a guide through the process or want help launching your next children’s book, we’ve got the tools and partnerships in place to support you from draft to shelf.
Final Note
To successfully collaborate with childrens book illustrator professionals, you need more than a good story. You need clarity, communication, and respect.
Get clear on your vision, choose the right partner, communicate well, and remember this: at the heart of every memorable children’s book is a seamless fusion of words and pictures.
And if you ever need help along the way, be it with storytelling, marketing, or production, there’s no shame in calling in support. After all, even the best illustrators and authors know that storytelling is a team sport.