Hi all, I'm setting out to be an illustrator and author/illustrator and have a couple questions.
If I send postcards to traditional publishing houses and just so happen to be asked to illustrate a project, will I need an agent to handle the contract?
No, but it is advised that you do a great deal of research about the terminology that will appear in the contract. The internet is wonderful and there are resources out there that will walk you through red flags and other things to be wary of in contracts. I would recommend you seek out the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines.
http://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Artists-Handbook-Pricing-Guidelines/dp/0932102158/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299270558&sr=1-1It will walk you through Prices and Contract structure for most Art related work. It was also mentioned before to join SCBWI.
https://www.scbwi.org/ They also have information related specifically to Childrens's Book Contract for Authors, Illustrators and Authors/Illustrators.
Harold Underdown's site was mentioned as well. It is a great introduction to many questions regarding the industry and the do's and don't's associated with it. Most definitely worth checking out and I believe Mr. Underdown himself frequents these forums. You may run into him.
http://www.underdown.org/ Are illustration contracts simpler than author/illustrator contracts?
No, just different. The rights that are normally negotiated in an Illustrator contract aren't the same as the one's negotiated in an Author contract. Some elements will be similar or the same like Royalties. But the primary purpose of the contracts will be different. An Author/Illustrator Contract will, in most instances, be a combination of the two. If you plan on being both, it's smart to be familiar with the terms that can potentially appear in both contracts.
And if I did get an agent for just art representation, would I have to get a different agent in the future if wanted to do some projects where I do both the writing and the illustrating?
If the agent you get solely represents Artists and not Writers then yes. All Agents/Reps are different. You will need to find one that Reps Illustrator/Authors. To my knowledge it is mostly Literary Agents that represent Writers/Illustrators. Meaning their clientelle are primarily Writers first, Illustrators second. They focus on selling manuscripts over artwork. If you are primarily seeking an Illustration Rep/Agent then you may have a harder time finding one that reps Illustrators/Authors. But they do exist just in smaller numbers. Again SCBWI would be a great resource to find listings for the type of agent you want. You could also pick up, Children's Writer and Illustrator's Market Book. It comes out yearly and has listings for Reps who give details on who they are interested in Repping.
http://www.amazon.com/2011-Childrens-Writers-Illustrators-Market/dp/1582979529/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299271924&sr=1-1I have written and illustrated an unpublished picture book, dummy made and ready to go. I would like to submit it now, but I have no agent and not much of a platform (some platform as a fine artist). Some have advised me to seek some picture book illustration commissions before submitting my own project to build my name up. Others think I should just start seeking an agent immediately and see what happens.
Does anyone have some insight on all this stuff? Would very much appreciate!
In all honesty, as you can see from the information above, you have a LOT more research to do. A lot more to learn before you send your book to anybody! At the very least so that you can protect yourself and your idea. Have you copyrighted it? I know you say that your friends say go for it but have you had other writers review your work? Other artists? Are you in any crit groups? It's always good to get input from other who are familiar with the market you are selling to and the standards it has. How many publishers have you researched to see what their submission guidelines are in regards to Author/Illustrator submissions? They can vary greatly from one publisher to the next!
You may already know this, but usually in Writer/Illustrator situations it's rare that the publisher wants the individual to perform both roles. They may love your script but want another artist to render the story. Or vice versa. This is fairly common. So be prepared for that as well.
I know you are anxious and excited to get your work out there, but sometimes it's best to be patient and learn all you can before you start sending your hard work out to the public. Consider sending your dummie to publishers as the test. And all of the above questions and concerns you have are the homework you need to do to pass the test. What kind of grade do you think you'll get without doing the homework? I say take your time, study the material, do your homework until you know it back and forth before you go and take your test. It won't guarantee an "A" but it's practically the only way you would ever get one.
Also, what is your website and portfolio? I'm anxious to check out what your work looks like!
Something else, SCBWI has conferences across the country throughout the year as well as established mini groups in many cities and states. The conferences usually offer the opportunity to have your work reviewed by Agents, Editors and Other Artists in workshops. This could give you a great in to the industry and allow you some great face time with an actual agent, editor or publisher. Something you should definitely consider. Great networking opportunity and a great way to make new friends amongst your peers in the Childrens Market.
Good luck!
Wilson W