Prolific Writing & Illustration

"You are a prolific writer and illustrator and have written or illustrated 37 children’s books. I happen to know that your goal is to illustrate and or write 50 books by the time you are 50. That is just a couple of years away. What’s your secret to getting so much done in such a short period of time? What does a typical day in the working life of Mark Wayne Adams look like?"

Peggy DeKay, The Business of Writing Summit

Peggy,

We all choose how to pace our life. I find realistic goal setting is key for my success. Creating ongoing long and short-term goals helps me stay on point. Some goals are firm while others change. Either way they are written down. Once goals are on paper, they are real.

As an Illustrator, the speed at which I draw plays a huge part in my success. My childhood dream was to become an animator. I read how animators created hundreds of drawings in The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation. So, I did the same.

I now draw at an animator's pace, however that speed isn't required for an average children’s book illustrator. Drawing one picture a day, means I complete one picture book a month. After six years, I’ve illustrated almost forty picture books. I've inspired so many readers with only one thousand illustrations.

The author in me writes all the time. I use writing applications like Notes, Pages, and A Novel Idea on my iPhone and iPad.  I then export my inspired writings into a formal document once a week. Writing instantly is more effective for me than designating a time to write.

So, what is a typical workday? Normally my illustration workday is about six hours a day, five days a week, eight months a year. Most days I draw by my pool until the kids get home from school. Tough life, right. It can be because I'm a publisher, author, President Elect for FAPA (Florida Authors & Publishers Association), Readers’ Favorite Illustration Award judge, and public speaker. Wearing one hat at a time can be difficult.

Becoming a prolific writer and illustrator for me has included setting realistic goals, working consistently, and capturing my inspiration immediately.

Mark Wayne Adams
Award-winning Illustrator, Author & Publisher

32 Page Picture Book Budget

"What will I invest?" is a question I'm most often asked. There are many variables to producing a traditional hardbound 32 page picture book. From number of illustrations to location of printing. The choices are many.

First be a business owner. A business plan, profitable budget, and research attributes to a higher success in publishing picture books. Below is a sample budget I use when planning a 32 page full color, hardbound, picture book project.

Note:  This is a guideline and each project is unique.

Picture Book Estimated Budget:

1. Copyright: $45.00.  If a publisher supplies the copyright, confirm it's in the author's name.
2. ISBN: $250.00 (Block of 10). If eBook, print books, or a series is the goal, multiple ISBN's are needed. This fee is required for authors forming a publishing company. If an author's publisher supplies the ISBN, the publisher retains control over an author's book.
3. Professional Editor:  $500.00 - ?  This fee is based on word count, time, and number of editorial reviews. Having a professional editor review before illustrations, after illustrations, and during the printer's press proof is smart.
4. Professional Illustrations: $8,000.00 deposit with 10% royalty. A picture book requires an average of 32 illustrations. This includes Body Illustrations, Cover, End Sheets, and Title Page. Many illustrators consider a spread as one illustration. Use thumbnails or page breaks to get accurate quotes. If a book is not 32 pages the illustration price is reduced. Request samples of their work.
5. Graphic Design: $1,000.00. Seek an all inclusive Graphic Designer who provides book layout, logos, scanning, art enhancements, along with press and web files for marketing purposes. Request samples of their work.
6. Printing: $7,500 - ? Printing is based on 2500 copies of a 32 page hardbound book at $3.00 per book. Distributors and book retailers request 50% off the retail price. A $15.00 retail price equals $7.50 net sale. Less print and illustration cost, the profit is estimated around a $1.50 per book. Request samples of multiple printers' work.
7. Shipping: $750.00 - $1,500.00. This is a one time fee to ship books from the printer to the warehouse. This cost may also include shipping the books to a distributor. This expense is calculated by weight, number of pallets, and distance from the printer.
8. Climate Controlled Storage: $80.00 - $125.00 monthly. A climate controlled unit is necessary. Paper buckles with sudden temperature and moisture changes.
9. Distribution: $0.00 - ? Many new authors manage their distribution, while others chose a distributor. Distributors take 40-55% for distributing books to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. The same percentage holds true for consignment in other retail locations.

Based on the numbers above, an average first print run of 2500 books can cost upwards of $18,000.00. Treat publishing as a business. Get fair and accurate quotes. Many publish with far less investment, however others publish with far more invested!