Imagine this – a potential reader is paging through your book to decide whether or not to buy it. Words are in every book and not necessarily “eye-catching” unless you use a non-standard font. Pictures definitely catch the eye.
So, how can you include visuals in your book? There are two ways – you can either take/buy photographs to use or you can hire a professional illustrator. I know what you’re thinking: illustrations are for children’s books. Believe it or not, that’s not true. Did you know that illustrations can enhance any story?
Here are three reasons you should consider including custom illustrations in your book:
- Illustrations let your readers “see” the characters. Have you ever heard the cliche saying “It’s good to finally be able to put a face with the name”? Adding illustrations allows you to bypass the finally. Readers are able to see your characters. This opens up the door for a more personal connection between the reader and the story.
- Illustrations can help you “achieve” an image that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. You’ll never be able to take a picture of a dinosaur or a better yet, a dog standing next to a dinosaur. Illustrations make these images possible. The drawings in your book can be as wild as your imagination will allow.
- Illustrations make reading a book more fun. Ok, maybe this is a matter of opinion. Seeing pictures in a book can tap the inner child, though. Escaping into a world of fantasy is so much more fun when you have pictures!
Yes, custom illustrations can certainly add to your story – if used correctly. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional illustrator who has knowledge of the book industry and the creative genius to make the words flow with the images.
Need help? Outskirts Press offers a wide variety of illustrators that can take your literary vision and turn it into a visual masterpiece.
Here’s an example of just a few of the illustration styles that can be used for children/teen books:
Here’s an example of illustrations that can be used for more “adult” books:
What do authors have to say about our custom illustrations?
“Again I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond. This is why working with Outskirts Press is worth every penny.”
– Vicki Leary (Author of Roberto El Rapido)
Our illustration packages are available to all authors – regardless of where you’re publishing your book.
If you’d like to talk about self-publishing your book, though, we’d love to listen…
