Children's Book Specialty

by Diane Lucas
(Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)

I am a professional illustrator who has enjoyed illustrating dozens of books for self-publishers. My preferred style is whimsical, but I can illustrate in a variety of art styles. I can work in whatever style the writers feels best suits his story. I have had writers ask me to make the main characters look like themselves and their children and they have been very pleased with the results. I will bring your story to colourful life with my illustrations.

Working with the Illustrator

General procedure for an illustration project:

Once I have received and read the manuscript, I can plan a layout ( if the writer hasn’t already done so). When the layout is done, I can give the writer the total price for the project. The layout can also be tailored to suit the writer’s illustration budget; such as using more spots than full illustrations, to lower the project cost.

Before I can begin illustrations, I will need to know which POD company or publisher/printer the book will be printed with. Most POD companies and printers have a limited selection of book dimensions, and varying computer format requirements for the files sent to them.

Once the publisher/printer, book size and layout have been established, then I require a $75 kill fee to begin work. I take check, money order or Paypal. If the writer has a contract they would like me to review and sign, then that should be done before work begins.

I then draw the roughs for the story and email them to the writer, at low resolution, for him/her to approve. After approval the writer sends me half the total project fee.

I do the final paintings and email them to the writer at 72 dpi. Upon approval of the final illustrations, I require the remainder of the project fee. Payment can also be made in instalments if that works better for the writer’s budget.

I will then mail to the writer (regular mail) 2 CDs with the files in 300dpi in the required format . You keep one CD (for safe keeping) and send the other to the printer/publishing company (or Ii mail 1 cd and upload the images to the publisher's ftp site).

When the book is printed, I appreciate receiving one complimentary copy.

My Prices:

• Color Covers: range from $250 - $375


• Picture Book Interiors: Colour Illustrations- $115-$175 per picture


• Interior Black & White Illustration: $70 to 90


• Color 'spots' $90


• Black & White 'spots' $50

(Spots are 1-3 characters or items with no background image)

The price range depends on how much realism is required, as high realism takes longer and is more detailed. Also a factor in pricing is how much research is required. For instance, realistic images for a non-fiction historical book take a good deal of research in order to render the images so that they are historically correct.

Covers also range in price according to this, as well as whether a back cover design is requested, and if the title typesetting is required.

I don't ask for or expect royalties on self-published books.

Visit my website, Diane Lucas Illustration.