[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

If you are published in Trade, and you never corresponded with the illustrator during the editing/publication process, what is the etiquette for once the book is published? There are no launches where I am these days, so I'm wondering if authors have ever got in touch on line with illustrators to say hi, gush on their work, and say thanks? I don't want it to sound like the illustrator is not 50% of the book. Thanks for your input.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

I haven't done this, but I have seen it. You can reach out and thank the person for taking on your text and making it the best book. You may also want to try doing events together, even if virtual, and boosting each other on social media.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Julie, I've gotten in touch with some of my illustrators whose work I love. I still remember the first time I did this--for my  first magazine story that was accepted. Sylvia Long illustrated it and it was so darling with her characteristic bears and she was delighted to hear from me. It is lovely to be able to express your joy and thanks. Don't hesitate. And tell her many blueboarders think her cover is beautiful too

[Elaine (aka sweetpea) Posts: 1,242 Status: Offline Hope Springs Eternal]

I just did this for my upcoming picture book. I just congratulated herm complimented the work and said that I hoped we be able to work on something else in the future.

[dkshumaker Posts: 1,446 Status: Offline]

Yes, for the two books that I have out or are just about out, when we did the cover reveal I asked my editor if it was OK for me to reach out to the illustrator and give them a heads up that we were doing a cover reveal as it feels weird, to me, as an author, to get all the "congrats" and such when the cover has hardly anything to do with me! And each time the editor said yes.

So I DMd them on Twitter, thanked them profusely for their beautiful work and let them know that we were doing a cover reveal and I hoped they were OK for me tagging them on it. My illustrator for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH and I communicate occasionally through DM and she is illustrating the next book in the series due out next fall. I've never had more conversations with my illustrator for TELL SOMEONE though I certainly tag him in anything about that book.

[RebeccaL-G Posts: 1,526 Status: Offline RA SCBWI Cen-Cal]

Yes, I've done this. I also friended the illustrator on Twitter and tag her on things to do with the book.

[Ev Posts: 3,374 Status: Offline Making learning fun!]

Yes, I contacted the illustrator through his website to express my appreciation for doing such a great job with the book.

[JodyJS Posts: 1,319 Status: Offline Available for preorder! Out 12/12/23]

Yes! All of them! I recommend.

[Tori Posts: 711 Status: Offline Don't we all wish we could get the last word?]

Yes, absolutely! They have always been most appreciative, and, these days, we can follow each other on social media and send encouraging messages.
Aloha,
Tori

[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

Thank you so much for all your great feedback. : )

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

I just realized I should have stated that all my books are wfh, so there hasn't been the same level of launch and promotion.

[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

I just realized I should have stated that all my books are wfh, so there hasn't been the same level of launch and promotion.

Yes, I understand, Debbie. Thanks for clarifying.

[StephCampisi Posts: 47 Status: Offline]

Oh gosh, absolutely! I friend them on social as well and make sure they're tagged in posts, reviews and promo stuff. I was actually lucky enough that the illustrator of Luis and Tabitha was living fairly close to me when the book came out, so we even got to do an event together in Seattle! Such a great experience.

[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

Turns out all went well. We don't connect on social media - he's visual (IG, FB) and I'm on Twitter. But he was grateful for the email. : )

[Sonya Bright Posts: 82 Status: Offline]

I remember at the one and only SCBWI event I was able to attend before we went back into lockdown, some illustrators were talking about how they enjoy being acknowledged because they rarely get as much credit as they deserve. 

[JulieM Posts: 995 Status: Offline]

Wow that's such a shame. The more I learn about picture books, the more I am in awe of illustrators and their work. It truly is a team effort.

[dkshumaker Posts: 1,446 Status: Offline]

The more I learn about picture books, the more I am in awe of illustrators and their work. It truly is a team effort.

This. One hundred percent.

[jancoates Posts: 130 Status: Offline Obsession? What obsession?]

Although I've actually met only a couple of people who have illustrated "our" books, I have exchanged gifts with some of them, including one artist giving me an original illustration from our book. The illustrator who's working on my next PB has been sending me rough sketches, which is a first:)