Timing illustration commissioning correctly within the publishing workflow prevents costly delays and ensures the best creative outcomes. Commission too early and you risk illustrating text that will change; too late and you compress the creative process or miss publication windows.

After Text is Finalised

The cardinal rule: do not commission illustration until the text is substantially complete and approved. Illustrating a manuscript that is still being edited leads to expensive rework when text changes require illustration changes. Wait until structural editing is complete.

Minor copyediting can continue alongside illustration, but the story structure, character descriptions, and key scenes should be locked. If the text might change significantly, delay commissioning or accept that illustration revisions may be needed. Our commissioning service helps coordinate timing with editorial workflows.

Allow Adequate Lead Time

Picture book illustration typically requires 6 to 12 months from commission to final artwork. Chapter book illustration may take 2 to 4 months depending on quantity and complexity. Add time for illustrator selection, contract negotiation, and revisions.

Work backwards from your publication date. If you need final files 3 months before publication for production, and illustration takes 8 months, you need to commission at least 11 months before publication - ideally more to allow for contingencies. Our pre-production services help plan realistic timelines.

The Illustrator Search Phase

Finding the right illustrator takes time. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for researching candidates, reviewing portfolios, making initial contact, and receiving responses. Popular illustrators may be booked months in advance, so early outreach is essential.

Begin the illustrator search while the manuscript is in final editing stages. You can identify and approach candidates before the text is completely finalised, as long as you do not formally commission until the text is ready. Browse our illustrator directory to begin your search.

Contract and Briefing

Once you have selected an illustrator, allow 2 to 4 weeks for contract negotiation and briefing. Rushing this phase leads to misunderstandings that cause problems later. A thorough brief and clear contract are worth the time investment.

The briefing process should include sharing the finalised manuscript, discussing visual direction, providing reference materials, and clarifying technical specifications. Illustrators need this information to plan their approach effectively. Learn about professional illustration processes.

Coordination with Design

Illustration and book design should be coordinated, not sequential. The designer needs to know the illustration approach to plan layouts, and the illustrator needs to understand design constraints like text placement and trim size.

Ideally, commission illustration and design simultaneously or bring the designer in shortly after the illustrator begins. This allows collaborative development of the visual approach rather than forcing one to adapt to the other. Our production services coordinate illustration and design workflows.

Series Considerations

For series books, timing becomes more complex. The first book establishes the visual style that subsequent books must follow. Allow extra time for the first book to develop character designs and style guides that will inform future volumes.

Consider commissioning the same illustrator for multiple books simultaneously if the series is confirmed. This ensures availability and maintains consistency. Explore our editorial support services for series planning assistance.

Marketing Timeline

Marketing often needs illustration assets before the book is complete - cover artwork for catalogues, character images for promotional materials, sample spreads for sales presentations. Factor these needs into your commissioning timeline.

Discuss marketing requirements with the illustrator upfront. Some assets can be prioritised for early delivery while the main illustration work continues. Clear communication about what is needed when prevents last-minute rushes. Our commercial services support marketing asset development.