: Re: How to convey a concept without illustrations when submitting? Everything I have read or been told, and every guideline I have seen regarding submitting a picture book manuscript to a publisher

@Kristi637

Vote Up Vote Down

After doing some digging, it would appear that illustration notes are a matter of personal preference for both authors and publishers. This link, this link, and many others on other blog sites run by authors and editors debate the use of illustration notes. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that illustration notes appear to be a hotly debated topic in the children's book publishing sphere.

So, unfortunately, the answer appears to be it depends; and more unfortunately, it depends on the personal preference of the person reading the manuscript. There is no guarantee that a particular publisher will find your illustration notes valuable or if they will find them distracting. The best course of action might be to contact the publisher you plan on submitting to and inquiring their opinion on illustrator notes. Even further, having a copy of your manuscript with illustration notes and another without may save you time when submitting to multiple publishers.

I will comment on the debate of illustration notes by partially agreeing with the against-notes side. As authors, it is our job to tell a story using thoughts and ideas we create in a written medium. If it is important, it should be implied or said. However, there will exist cases where words are simply not enough, as in the case of visual irony intended for comedic value. In these cases, a short, concise note that does not limit the creative process of an illustrator may be beneficial to a manuscript.

(0)

Login to post a comment!