When can you start on my project?

My schedule for storybook projects can be full for a few months. If you have a novel or other book that just needs a cover, or need graphic design or illustration for an advertising campaign, logo, brochures, or some other purpose, I can probably respond more quickly.

What does it cost?

A typical color page illustration is $150-325. Smaller illustrations are a minimum of $75. Black and white illustrations are 20% less than color. Full covers begin at $500 if part of a complete storybook project, or $750 and up for covers only, or for covers of novels with limited interior art. Formatting and PDF preparation is $15/page for storybooks. At this time I do not format novels or other books that are primarily text, but I will design the cover for any kind of book. Advertising design, brochures, logos, etc. are billed at $75/hr.

Storybooks range from a minimum of 24 pages up to 60 pages, depending on the specifications of your publishing service. A typical 24-page, fully illustrated storybook and cover will run $2,200-3,800 depending on how many and what kind of illustrations are needed. You deal directly with me, so you save the hefty mark-up of publishing services that offer in-house illustration packages.

How do I make contact? How do we begin?

1. Begin by reading these FAQs and looking at samples to determine if my style of illustration is suitable for your project.

2. If all that is workable for you, send an email to me with a brief description of your needs, and attach your manuscript. If you have specific design or illustration ideas that you want incorporated in your book, include those.

3. Within a day or two you will receive an email to acknowledge receipt of your inquiry and to let you know when to expect a response with prices and suggestions. (That can take up to a few weeks.) My quote will include a layout with the text and a brief, written description of each illustration. If you already know what text you want on each page, and what each illustration should be, I will lay out the book per those directions. In most cases I can make those decisions for you and provide two possibilities for your book. One price will be for a fully illustrated version, and another price for a less extensively illustrated version. You can decide which suits your needs and budget, and we can adjust the layout as you wish to get the book you want.

4. When we agree on the price and scheduling, I will need a 50% deposit to reserve your slot on the schedule and to begin work. The balance is due promptly upon completion, and your competed book files will not be released until final payment is received.

Will you proofread and edit my storybook manuscript?

All text is the author's responsibility and should be in final form by the time I see it. However, as the book progresses I can correct typos you spot or make other minor adjustments as you direct so that the final product is letter perfect. I strongly recommend that all manuscripts be proofed and corrected by a professional editor. Your publishing service can usually provide that.

How shall I send you my manuscript?

Attach your manuscript document file to an email. Almost any word document is fine. EXCEPTION: I can't open documents in .wps format. Convert them to rich text (.rtf) before sending.

Do I get a chance to review the work?

Yes. This illustration service is designed to include the author in the creative process. When work on a project begins, a webpage is created where you can review the book as it progresses, page by page. Suggestions, corrections, and other feedback can be offered at any time via email.

Will you illustrate anything?

I may feel I'm not be the right illustrator for your project. I may not understand your story or I may feel it's not ready for professional treatment. Don't bother sending sexually charged or violent material or anything hateful.

What do I get when it's all done?

For storybooks and book covers: After you've approved everything, final PDF files are prepared. These are the high resolution files you need for submission to your publishing or printing service. They are complete in every detail, ready to go to press.

I can send a CD with the PDF files for you to review before submitting to your publishing service. Or, if your publishing service provides for uploading, I can upload the files for you. Or, I can mail CDs to both you and your service. Or, if the files are small enough, I can email them to you and/or your publishing service.

For other work: PDF, TIF, JPEG or what ever file or set of files you need.

How do I pay?

A check or money order (US Dollars) payable to:

Don Berry / 2544 E. Linden St. / Tucson AZ 85716-3046.

or click on the PayPal button on my web site to pay with visa or mastercard.

How long does it take?

A typical 24-page book will take 5-8 weeks to complete.

What if I need to call you?

My phone number is 520 326-5148, normal weekday business hours, please (USA Mountain Standard Time). Expect a grumpy illustrator if you call at 6:00 on a Saturday or Sunday morning. E-mail is my preferred way of communicating with you.

What about copyrights?

Copyright to the text belongs to the author. Copyright to the illustrations belongs to the illustrator. My fee includes permission for the self-publishing author to use the art for anything related to the printing, re-printing, marketing, sales, advertising, or promotion of their self-published book. If your book is picked up by a traditional publisher, they will negotiate with you to publish their own edition of your story. They take control at that point and may or may not choose to use my illustrations. If they want my work they will negotiate with me for rights to use my illustrations for their edition. In traditional publishing, the author typically has no say about how or by whom the book is illustrated. As a self-publisher, you make those decisions and pay all the bills.