A book is often made even more interesting by having images scattered throughout. Sometimes, illustrations are a critical component of a book. Illustrations can show how an important scene in the book looks. History tomes can give the reader a peek into the past by showing pictures and maps from a particular time or area. In children’s books, illustrations can help a child learn to establish verbal and visual connections. In business books, illustrations such as charts, graphs, and diagrams, can help convey complex concepts.
Can an illustrator play a role in developing a book? Yes, of course he can! Even if he is directed to transform certain scenes into pictures, the illustrator is the one who will interpret those scenes and draw them in his own style. An artist might also choose additional scenes to illustrate (if he is given the latitude to do so). Another way an illustrator is involved in book development is in the timing of the project. A publisher can’t finalize, print, or bind a book without having the illustrations in hand. If illustrations come in late, then the book’s printing and release are likely to be delayed.Does an illustrator impact the content? The answer is not clear cut. Two factors govern the extent of an illustrator’s impact. First, what is the book about? If it’s a picture book with little text, then the illustrator is likely to have some real input. The second factor is how early in the writing process the illustrator comes on board. If he begins working with the author early on, then he might be able to influence the actual writing. If he comes in at the end of the writing process, than the illustrator is unlikely to have any input into the creation of the book.
Another issue to consider is who owns the copyright to the illustrations? If you are publishing with the traditional route, the author doesn’t buy the copyright. The publisher usually gets rights to the illustrations in the book. According to Dino Art’s essay on contracts for illustrators, however, an artist should seek to limit the publisher’s copyright license as much as possible. In all contract negotiations each party typically tries to keep as many rights as possible. Copyright ownership is negotiable. So, an artist can continue owning his work, if he is a successful negotiator. As an author, if you are self publishing, the ownership of rights is even further negotiable. You and the illustrator will have to work out the details. Generally it’s good practice for the author to purchase the illustrations and own them outright, as a ‘work for hire’ product. Consider your intended use of the image and negotiate rights accordingly. For instance, you may be writing a book now, but decide later to add an app related to the book, or create a workbook to accompany it. Perhaps you want to use the images in your marketing material for these products. Each of these uses for an illustration is a right that can be negotiated. As with any contract negotiations, we recommend you seek advice of legal counsel.
Illustrators can play an important part in the creative process of fashioning a book. A writer doesn’t always consider the illustrator’s role when he is in the midst of writing. When the illustrator appears on the scene, a writer may feel confused and daunted, if he is unfamiliar with the illustrator’s role. But now, you should have a grasp of the basic framework in which illustrators operate.