The Importance of High Quality Children's Book Illustrations

My book publishing company MindStir Media offers children's book illustrations and I can tell you first-hand that children's picture books illustrated by professional children's book illustrators outsell the picture books illustrated by amateur illustrators. I think the reason for this is that it's usually very easy to tell the difference between a professionally illustrated kids book versus a book illustrated by the author or the author's friend or relative -- unless, of course, that friend or relative or author is also a professional illustrator. Potential readers will notice poor quality illustrations on the cover alone and probably won't buy the book...

My advice to children's book writers looking to get into children's book publishing is to make sure to hire a pro illustrator just as you'd hire a pro editor. Remember, your children's picture book will be up against picture books published traditionally -- and traditionally published children's books almost always present illustrations of the highest quality. Nearly all reputable book publishers can hook you up with a professional illustrator to ensure your book appeals to potential readers. Don't skip this step!

(Follow MindStir Media on Google+ and Facebook)