How to hire a children’s book illustrator (guide + costs & questions to ask)
How to hire a children’s book illustrator
If you’ve written a children’s book and are ready to bring it to life visually, the next big step is hiring a children’s book illustrator.
But how do you choose the right one?
How much does it cost?
What should you ask?
And how do you avoid expensive mistakes?
This guide will walk you through everything first-time authors in the UK need to know before hiring a children’s book illustrator.
Why choosing the right illustrator matters
Illustrations don’t just decorate a children’s book. They:
Carry emotion
Reinforce pacing
Support page turns
Build character identity
Define the book’s overall tone
You’re not simply commissioning artwork. You’re building a visual world that must feel consistent, professional and suitable for print.
Step 1: Be clear about your publishing route
Before hiring an illustrator, decide:
Are you self-publishing?
Or submitting to traditional publishers?
If submitting traditionally:
Do NOT commission illustrations yet. Publishers assign their own illustrators.
If self-publishing:
You will need to hire an illustrator yourself.
Most first-time UK authors choose self-publishing via Amazon KDP for creative control.
Step 2: Understand what children’s book illustration costs (in the UK and US)
Professional illustration is an investment.
Typical UK ranges:
24-page picture book: from £2,500 UK / $3,500 US
32-page picture book: from £4,000 UK / $5,500 US
More detailed projects: £5,000-£7,000+ UK / $6,500-$9,500 US
What affects pricing?
Page count
Illustration detail
Character count
Background complexity
Cover design
Formatting support
If you'd like a full breakdown, see my pricing guide.
Step 3: What to look for in a children’s book illustrator
Style matters - but structure matters more.
Look for someone who understands:
Pagination
Page turns
Bleed and margins
Trim size
Typography
Amazon KDP formatting
Licensing agreements
Ask to see:
Full book spreads (not just single illustrations)
Cover designs
Consistent character work
A good portfolio shows storytelling - not just nice drawings.
Step 4: Questions to ask before hiring
here are key questions to ask:
What is included in your quote?
How many revision rounds are included?
Who owns the copyright?
What usage rights am I purchasing?
What timeline should I expect?
Do you prepare print-ready files?
Clear answers here prevent misunderstandings later.
Step 5: Understand the illustration process
A professional process typically includes:
Manuscript review
Pagination planning
Character concept sketches
Illustration production
Cover design
Print-ready file preparation
Most projects take 8-16 weeks.
If someone promises a full book in 2 weeks, be cautious.
Not sure how your book should be structured?
If you’d like clarity on:
Page layout
llustration approach
Budget expectations
Publishing route
UPLOAD your manuscript for a no-obligation review.
Common mistakes first-time authors make
Hiring purely based on lowest price
Not clarifying rights
Starting artwork before structure is agreed
Underestimating timeline
Not budgeting properly
Avoid these and your project will run far more smoothly.
Not sure if you’re ready to hire yet?
If you’re unsure about:
Page count
Illustration style
Budget expectations
Publishing route
You can upload your manuscript for a no-obligation review.
I’ll respond with:
✔ Suggested structure
✔ Illustration approach
✔ Realistic timeline
✔ Transparent pricing
FAQs
How much does a children’s book illustrator cost?
Most professionally illustrated books range between £2,500-£6,000/$3,500-$8,000 depending on scope.
How long does illustration take?
Typically 8–16 weeks depending on complexity.
Do I own the illustrations?
Usually not, but this depends on licensing agreements. Always clarify usage rights before starting.
Can you help with Amazon KDP formatting?
Yes - many illustrators (including myself) offer print-ready file preparation.
