[rachel-aberman Posts: 1 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Hi all! I am totally new to the world of creating children's lit (I just self-published my first book, which I wrote and illustrated and probably made a million mistakes during), but recently was asked about illustrating a series of books containing songs for kids. I have truly no idea what is a good rate to charge, especially since I am new to illustration (I've been an artist for many years though). There would be six books, each with 26-30 illustrations needed. What do you think is a fair price for each book, should I create a contract for all six from the start, and do I ask for royalties?

SOS I'm so clueless. Thank you for any and all advice!!

[dkshumaker Posts: 1,510 Status: Offline WWW]

Hi Rachel,

Unfortunately I have no idea. We do have an Illustrator's Studio category that you might find some answers for. Here is a link for those boards: https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?board=4.0

If you don't get any responses on this thread, I'm happy to move this question there.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,875 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

There are some threads that may help you: https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=89622.0, https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=89092.0, and https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=87159.0. Those were on the first three pages of The Drawing Board. If you search that board for Price,you'll probably find more.

[maya-lemaitre Posts: 22 Status: Offline WWW]

Hi Rachel, in addition to those threads and consulting the Graphic Artist's Guild handbook, you could ask some extra questions.

The other threads mention time/deadlines, black & white vs. colour, and size. You could also try to find out whether they're expecting spreads or spot illustrations and if you'll be doing the cover as well as the interior illustrations. If you can get a sense whether the work is intended for a small audience (e.g. a self-published work for someone's family) vs. a larger one that would be helpful.

Consider how long it will take you to complete, the materials or tools you will need and how many people will see the work and potentially buy it. I would send a quote first before creating a contract.