Lisa J. Michaels

Putting together a Picture Book is not an easy task (contrary to popular belief)! Most people don't realize that there are rules to be followed and many, many things to consider, like page and word count for example. If you're contemplating it, be warned. It takes great dedication and an unimaginable amount of time! If you're asking yourself, "Can I do this?", don't do it. Don't even start. But if you can't imagine going through the rest of your life without doing it, then just maybe you've got a shot. 

For the illustrator, it's all about creating characters and backdrops that bring a well written story to life. The illustrations must "stand alone", meaning that they should be able to tell the story as if there were no text. In addition, the illustrations must tell your eyes things about the characters that are not actually said in the story's text.

In a well written Picture Book, you won't read a line in the text such as "Kristen's dress was blue" unless it actually adds to the meaning of the story in some unusual way. Written descriptions aren't necessary because they are illustrated. We can see Kristen's dress is blue, therefore, the writer doesn't need to tell us. 

It's up to the illustrator to provide a certain look for each character that can be continued from page to page and carried throughout the book successfully. This is "continuity of character", and it's extremely important that an illustrator be able to achieve this, or he/she will find themselves without any Picture Book assignments!

There has been much controversy of late about whether or not an illustrator should attempt to write as well as illustrate his/her own manuscript. I have found that there are a growing number of publishers willing to consider the "all-in-one" package. However, be sure that you target them specifically if you choose to go this route and be sure that you are equally great at both writing and illustrating. 

Avoid at all cost the friend who say's "Oh, I've written this great story! Would you illustrate it?" Very few publishers are interested in a dynamic duo! They prefer to find their own stories and pair them up with illustrators that they know or have worked with before. Learn to say "No thank you"to your over-eager friends. The only things gained by this is layout/continuity/storyboard experience and some nice pieces for your portfolio. If you do decide to try it, make sure your friend knows it's just for practice!

If you would like to read more about the guidelines for creating Picture Books, please browse my "Links" page. Among the websites listed, you'll find many of the tips that have helped me (and countless others) in learning the business of Picture Book writing and illustrating. Art Directors can spot a novice a mile away. Do your homework... join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, visit your library and book stores, get to know your local writers and illustrators and read everything you can on the subject. Then, and only then, will you really be ready to begin!

Pictured below are illustrations from my third Picture Book, titled "Purple Piggies". My first two book attempts were scrapped and are now considered a learning experience. Hey, we've all got to start somewhere!

It is my sincere hope that these samples demonstrate the continuity I spoke of earlier! Best wishes for great success!!

Sincerely, Lisa J. Michaels