8 Easy Steps to Profitable Contracts

By understanding a client's business, a profitable contract can be created. Use these 8 steps to ensure a quality, long-term, business relationship.

STEP 1

Business Plan

Help authors build their business. A strong business plan means a longer and more profitable relationship for author and illustrator.

• Small Business Association
• W-9 Tax Form

STEP 2

Professional Editing

Have the client provide the professional editor's contact information before beginning a project. Require a final edited copy of the story from the editor. Also be aware edits are at the expense of the author.

STEP 3

Copyrighting

Decide who is responsible for the copyrighting costs. General fee is $45.00

• Copyright Form

STEP 4

ISBNs & Barcodes & LCCN

The publisher or author is responsible for the ISBN and Barcode costs. These links are useful to single ISBN's or blocks. (Note: Authors wanting printed and eBook versions must have two ISBN's, one for each version.)

• Existing Bowker ISBN#
• Single ISBN#
• Block of ISBN#s
• Purchase Barcode
• LCCN#

STEP 5

Printers

Have the client provide the printer's contact information before starting a project. Develop a firm timeline for completion. Also be aware the revisions at the press are an additional charge to the author or publisher. Ask for the printer's quote to ensure the illustrations match the author or publisher's requested quote.

STEP 6

Contract Templates

Use the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines as a tool for educating clients about services. Develop at least three standard illustration contracts based on your illustrative niche. Include an attorney when creating your contracts before presenting to clients. Below are three types of Children's Book Contracts.

1. Royalty - Children’s Book
2. Copyright - Children’s Book
3. Purchase - Children’s Book

STEP 7

Distributor

Book stores, festivals, libraries, and schools will ask, "Where can I get the book?" A distributor will answer that question. Author supplied books are sometimes difficult to attain. Have a good relationship with a distributor. Make sure the author's book will be going into mass markets from the first day of release. This will mean job security.

• IPG (Independent Publishers Group) is a wonderful distributor for Independent Publishers

STEP 8

Awards

Refer authors to reputable awards that apply to their book. Awards offer recognition not only for authors, but also for illustrators. Having an award-winning record builds credibility within the illustration field.

Mark Wayne Adams

President Elect

Florida Authors & Publishers Association

Contact Authors: Step 1 "Spiel"

Once an illustrator has a purpose and relevant work, it's time to contact authors. Not just one author, many authors! Develop a personalized "The Spiel", which works for most all situations. I offer 3 contracts that can be explained quickly, Purchase, Copyright, and Royalty contracts.

Example:

"Yes, Mr. Smith I do illustrate professionally. I offer 3 types of contracts that meet most any budget. They are Purchase, Copyright, and Royalty contracts. A Purchase Contract is the most expensive option, however allows a client to own the artwork and sign his/her name as the illustrator. A Copyright Contract is a budget friendly option, that allows a one time use of the digital art for the life of a printed book. The most popular of the three is a Royalty Contract, which is most cost effective and monetarily rewarding for a client. A Royalty Contract allows a client to reproduce the art in books, on merchandise, or anything that makes money. Mr. Smith do you have a card? I can better explain the benefits in a short email. Mr. Smith, you can then decide the contract that best fits your project."

Learning "The Spiel" is key to qualifying a client. This takes two minutes at most and can be repeated all day. Especially great at book events, conferences, or on an elevator.

Mark Wayne Adams
CEO, MWA, Inc.

Enhanced Reading:

How to Win Friends & Influence People, Love Is Letting Go of Fear, The Greatest Salesman in the World. Realize your potential and success will follow!