Podcast Summary: The Good Ship Illustration Episode: What Size Should Your Picture Book Be? (And Other Silly Mistakes to Avoid.)
Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The Good Ship Illustration, hosts Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell, and Tania Willis delve into the pivotal topic of determining the appropriate size for picture books. They explore common misconceptions, offer practical advice, and share invaluable experiences to help illustrators navigate the complexities of the publishing world. The discussion not only addresses technical aspects of book sizing but also emphasizes the importance of focusing on storytelling and collaboration with publishers.

Standard Book Sizes and Initial Concerns

The episode begins with a listener question from Pam, who inquires about standard book page sizes for illustrations and whether illustrators need to account for margins or background cropping (00:24). Helen responds passionately, expressing frustration with overemphasizing book size in the initial stages of creation.

Helen (00:53): "The most important thing is that you've got a great idea for a book... those things are so, so, so much more important than the size of the artwork."

Helen advises illustrators to focus on developing strong ideas and characters rather than fixating on precise dimensions. She emphasizes that publishers typically have preferred sizes based on practical considerations like shelf space and printing efficiency.

Publisher Collaboration and Flexibility

The conversation shifts to the dynamics between illustrators and publishers regarding book dimensions. Helen highlights that publishers often provide standard sizes and prefer illustrators to align with these rather than insisting on specific measurements.

Helen (02:09): "If you just concentrate on the idea, get your idea on paper... That's it. So I'm not going to give you any measurements."

Tania adds that seeking guidance from art editors and directors can be beneficial, especially for new illustrators who rely on their expertise to refine compositions and layout.

Tania (05:30): "Out some different compositions. And do the art editors help your art directors help you with where the text goes in an image."

Balancing Storytelling with Visuals

Helen underscores the importance of narrative pacing and how illustrations interact with text. She advises illustrators to thoughtfully place text to enhance the storytelling experience, using page turns to create suspense or highlight pivotal moments.

Helen (07:17): "You don't want to say you've got a surprise in the story... Turn page, turn page, page, turn."

The hosts discuss how publishers assist in optimizing the integration of text and imagery to ensure a seamless and engaging reader experience.

Persistence in Publishing and Utilizing Competitions

Pam emphasizes Helen's encouragement for illustrators to submit their work to publishers, highlighting the benefits of professional collaboration over self-publishing.

Pam (11:54): "Just Go self publishing, they don't even worry about it. But your approach is like, no, try and get published."

Helen reinforces this by stressing that working with publishers often results in higher-quality books due to collective expertise.

Helen (12:24): "I would not make anywhere near so good picture book if I decided to self publish."

The discussion also touches on the value of entering competitions and seeking recognition through awards, which can open doors to publication and broader recognition.

Helen (14:03): "We had the Bologna Illustrators exhibition... and I think we've got one in the actual final exhibition."

Illustrating Without Personal Experience of Children

A common concern among aspiring picture book illustrators is whether one needs to have children to create compelling children's books. The hosts debunk this myth, sharing examples of successful illustrators without children.

Helen (15:26): "If you've got a playful kind of mind... you were a child once."

They suggest alternative ways to understand children's perspectives, such as spending time with nieces or engaging in roles like nannying or teaching assistants.

Tania (16:26): "Or you could be a teaching assistant at a private primary school..."

Practical Tips and Encouragement

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide actionable advice for illustrators:

• Focus on Ideas: Prioritize storytelling and character development over technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Publishers: Leverage the expertise of art editors and publishers to refine your work.
• Be Persistent: Continuously submit your work and remain open to feedback and revisions.
• Analyze Successful Works: Study award-winning books to understand effective storytelling and illustration techniques.
• Engage with Children Indirectly: Gain insights into children's interests and behaviors through interactions, even if you don't have children of your own.

Helen shares an anecdote about Sydney Smith, an illustrator who analyzed award-winning books with his students to teach effective storytelling through illustrations.

Helen (10:50): "He took this big pile of books in, sat them down with his students, and they all went through every book and analyzed every single page..."

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, the hosts encourage illustrators to embrace collaboration, prioritize creative ideas, and remain persistent in their pursuit of publication. They also promote their online community and upcoming events, fostering a supportive environment for illustrators to grow and succeed.

Helen (19:35): "Picture book doors closed tonight. Jump in."

Key Takeaways

• Don't Obsess Over Size Early On: Focus on developing a strong narrative and captivating characters before worrying about exact dimensions.
• Collaborate with Publishers: Utilize the expertise of publishers and art directors to refine your book's layout and design.
• Persistence is Crucial: Keep submitting your work and seek feedback to improve and increase your chances of publication.
• Illustrate Beyond Personal Experience: Engage with children through various roles or indirect interactions to inform your illustrations.
• Learn from the Best: Analyze successful picture books to understand effective storytelling and illustration techniques.

Timestamps

• 00:24: Listener question about standard book sizes.
• 00:53: Helen emphasizes focusing on ideas over size.
• 02:09: Importance of not adhering strictly to personal size preferences.
• 05:30: Role of art editors in layout and text placement.
• 07:17: Integrating text and illustrations for effective storytelling.
• 11:54: Encouragement to submit work to publishers.
• 14:03: Success in illustration competitions.
• 15:26: Illustrating without having children.
• 16:26: Alternative ways to engage with children's perspectives.
• 10:50: Sydney Smith's approach to teaching illustration.
• 19:35: Conclusion and call to action.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for illustrators seeking to publish picture books, offering both strategic advice and motivational insights to navigate the creative and publishing processes effectively.