Book Illustrations aren’t child’s play. Book Illustrations boost any literary work – not just children’s books – and Outskirts Press helps you get them affordably.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, it makes sense for authors in today’s visually centered world to use them to tell their compelling stories. The benefits and uses of book illustrations are many but keep these five points in mind when considering your needs:

1. Creative art stimulates imaginations. Particularly in young readers, colorful or fanciful art fires up the imagination in ways that the printed word cannot. With an image planted in their minds (by an illustrator and directed by the author), children can easily see the story play out in their mind’s eye. These early experiences with books serve to bridge the gap between non-reading toddlers to proficient readers. But lest one assumes book illustrations are a juvenile author’s game, here are other ways they prove valuable.
2. They serve as book cover art. Inarguably, the most important illustration an author will choose is the first one – the art on their book cover. While photography is perfectly acceptable for a cover, sometimes it’s not a realistic option. (Think supernatural fiction, fantasy, paleontology or other topics for which an artist’s rendering is valuable.) In an illustrator’s talented hands, the dragon on that Medieval thriller will look like it’s breathing real fire.
3. Illustrations give readers valuable information within the content, too. Whether demonstrating instructions, providing historical reference or bringing life to a complex character, illustrations perform a vital role in literature. This is equally true in works of fiction as it is in reference, cookbooks, children’s literature and history books. In fact, there is no situation that doesn’t benefit from visual art.
4. They are surprisingly affordable. Anyone who has ever hired a professional photographer knows it can be an expensive proposition. Believe it or not, photographers often spend more time setting up lights, coordinating models (when necessary), snapping a variety of shots and editing their photos than an illustrator does in their renderings. It all pays off in the superior quality and high resolution of their photos but comes at a cost. So, it is worth considering illustrations from a talented artist who can deliver very specific images for a reasonable price.
5. Pictures sell. While most authors aren’t necessarily thinking about marketing when they select book illustrations, they certainly can come in handy for this purpose. A press release, sales sheet or query letter accompanied by a vivid depiction of the story is eye-catching and gives buyers and media outlets additional options for publication.

Outskirts Press offers self-publishing authors many ways to acquire the illustrations they need to bring their words to life, from single images to illustration packages. To enliven your book with professional illustrations, simply add the Custom Illustrations of your choice to your cart. Outskirts Press will walk you through the rest.

Call an Outskirts Press Publishing Consultant at 1-888-672-6657 (OP-BOOKS), or chat with us using the live chat option on our website for help getting the Custom Illustrations that are perfect for you.