7 must-know tips for illustrators negotiating a book contract

children's books on shelf
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Last week I went to the London Book Fair, where there were plenty of insightful talks for illustrators and artists. After hearing from this year's Illustrator of the Fair, Flavia Z Drago, I sat down to learn all about contracts from Sarah Morris, the AOI's (Association of Illustrators) membership manager. 

You might think that contracts are boring or unimportant, but as Sarah explained, they play a vital role in how much and when you'll get paid, so it's really important not to just blindly sign because you're so excited about the prospect of work. Here's some of Sarah's key advice when it comes to receiving or writing a contract. Her advice is aimed specifically at illustrators signing book contracts (see our how to illustrate a children's book piece if you want help getting to this point), but some of it applies to other contracts, too.

Sarah Morris author headshot, woman with blonde hair
Sarah Morris

Sarah is the membership manager of the Association of Illustrators. A former illustration agent, with a wealth of commercial knowledge and passion for championing illustration, Sarah is committed to supporting illustrators and helping to make the industry more accessible.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Rosie Hilder

Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq's Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she's worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site's reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can. 

TOPICS