Illustrated books - Writers Forum

booker41 · 03-10-2008, 02:46 PM

I am attempting to write an adventure novel, and i am considering adding some illustrated content. I am a competent watercolor artist, so it won't pose to much of a problem. I'm just wondering what the general feeling on this topic is? And whether or not it's a good/bad idea.

Many thanks.

SilkFX · 03-10-2008, 03:58 PM

Can't hurt to try it; that's my $0.02...

I'm assuming you're talking about a few illustrations in a primarily text-heavy novel, as opposed to a graphic novel where illustration plays a much larger role.

booker41 · 03-10-2008, 04:07 PM

I'm not sure? I've already done quite a few illustrations. Just a case of deciding which ones will add substance to the story. Also, do I colour them, or leave them as black and white?

Mike C · 03-10-2008, 06:38 PM

You may find an illustrated novel is much harder to sell. It's a smaller market, and there's twice as much there for a buyer to dislike.

lin · 03-10-2008, 07:30 PM

Also, line drawings (black and white) are easier to get by with than watercolors, which would be expensive plates.

One pertinent question...is it a children's book? Makes a difference.

You might want to investigate self-publishing this sucker. If nothing else, investigating the financial aspects might enlighten you as to why this is a hard sell.

ash somers · 03-10-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booker41

I am attempting to write an adventure novel, and i am considering adding some illustrated content. I am a competent watercolor artist, so it won't pose to much of a problem. I'm just wondering what the general feeling on this topic is? And whether or not it's a good/bad idea.

Many thanks.

i say go for it, graphic literature, or novels as they are more commonly called, are making a huge insurgence over here in melbourne, one author who does it extremely well is shaun tan, he's brilliant, and has been unfairly cast as a children's author because he incorporates pictures into his story telling *shrug* i know, what can you do, some people have no sense of the aesthetic *wink wink*

booker41 · 03-11-2008, 08:08 AM

Well I guess the book would really be for the younger reader, or like myself 'the adult that never really grows up, and still dreams of finding an X that marks the spot,' LOL. But i will definately do abit more research.
Thanks for the input.

lin · 03-11-2008, 09:13 PM

There's a difference between books with plates and "graphic novels" though. If you're working on the latter, it should be no problem.

If you decide to publish it yourself, take a look at KA-BLAM Digital Printing Version 2.0

booker41 · 03-12-2008, 12:22 AM

Thank's for the advice mate.

Judith Tramayne · 03-31-2008, 10:30 PM

I used Paint Shop Pro 9 to do all the 103 illustrations for this client's book:

Love's Colors Are Eternal by Noreen Slater (Book) in Religion & Spirituality

As you can see it was uploaded and printed by lulu.com. There is no out of pocket expense and it's an option you might want to consider.

I guess what I'm saying is don't limit yourself -- go research lulu and see what your book would cost either in Black and White or full color.

Judith

Mike C · 04-01-2008, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judith Tramayne

As you can see it was uploaded and printed by lulu.com.

Nice, but prohibitively expensive, I would have thought. That's the drawback of Lulu - it's 3 times the price I'd expect to pay for a kid's book.

Suzip · 04-01-2008, 07:50 AM

With the exception of children's fiction I don't think I would ever consider an illustrated novel.

Judith Tramayne · 04-01-2008, 10:38 AM

Mike,

The author has sold quite a few books. The beauty of lulu.com is you don't have a garage filled with books that you have to send out.

It was the best choice for now. I imagine when lulu.com gets some competition, the pricing might get better.

Judith