Illustrations that belong to your book
From a fantasy map on the endpapers to clear diagrams in a practical guide, we develop illustrations in one consistent style that suits your book and reproduces well in print.
An illustration earns its place when the book would be poorer without it.
Artwork with a job to do
Illustrations in adult fiction and nonfiction tend to work hard in small spaces. A map orients readers in an invented world, a chapter heading sets the mood before the first line, and a diagram explains in seconds what a paragraph would labor over. Each piece needs to be both attractive and genuinely useful.
We begin by agreeing on a style with you, through reference images and a test piece, before producing the full set. That way every map, ornament and spot illustration looks as if it came from the same hand, and the artwork is supplied at the size and resolution your print and eBook files require.
A style for every story
From soft watercolor picture books to dramatic fantasy scenes. Browse a range of styles to help describe the look you want.
Illustrative style examples, not client commissions
What you gain with book illustrations
From a fantasy map on the endpapers to clear diagrams in a practical guide, we develop illustrations in one consistent style that suits your book and reproduces well in print.
A consistent style
Style development comes first, with sample sketches and a finished test piece, so the whole set shares line weight, palette and level of detail rather than feeling assembled from different sources.
Maps readers can use
Fictional maps are drawn to be legible at book size, with labels that match your text, and real-world maps are redrawn cleanly from sources you are entitled to use.
Diagrams that explain
For nonfiction we turn rough sketches, processes and data into clear diagrams, styled to match the book's typography so they sit naturally on the page.
Clear rights terms
Before work starts, you receive written terms explaining which usage rights you hold for the artwork, covering the interior, eBook, cover and promotional use.
Everything in the brief
The exact scope is confirmed in writing before work begins, so you always know what you are paying for.
- Fantasy and historical novelists who need a reliable map
- Nonfiction authors explaining processes or systems with diagrams
- Authors wanting decorative chapter heads for a special edition
- Style development with reference board and test piece
- Chapter head illustrations or decorative ornaments
- Fictional or historical maps with custom labeling
- Technical and explanatory diagrams
- Spot illustrations placed within the text
- Sketch approval before final artwork
- Print-resolution files and web versions
- Written usage rights for each illustration
Four clear steps
- 1
Illustration list
Together we list every illustration, its purpose, placement and size, and gather any reference material, sketches or descriptions you already have.
- 2
Style development
The illustrator produces sample sketches and one finished test piece, so you can confirm the style before the full set begins.
- 3
Sketches then finals
Each illustration goes through a rough sketch for approval of composition and content, then on to finished artwork.
- 4
Delivery and placement
Final files are supplied at print resolution and can be placed directly into your interior layout, ready for proofing alongside the text.
Yes. Send us any rough sketch, a list of places and notes on terrain, distances and culture. We develop the map in a style that suits your book, check every label against your manuscript, and size it to read clearly on a printed page.
Usage rights are set out in writing before work begins and depend on the agreement with the illustrator. Typically you receive the rights needed to use the artwork in your book and related promotion. If you need a full copyright transfer, tell us at the start.
There is no standard number. A novel might need one map and a chapter ornament, while a practical guide could need dozens of diagrams. We help you decide where illustrations add real value, so the budget goes to the pieces readers will actually use.
They can, with some planning. A detailed map may need a simplified version for small screens, and fine line work should be tested at eBook size before it is finalized. We supply files prepared for both print and digital editions.
Pricing depends on the number of pieces, their complexity, whether they are color or black and white, and the rights required. A simple spot illustration costs far less than a detailed full-page map. We quote per project once the illustration list is agreed.
Let’s talk about your book
Share a few details and we will reply with practical next steps for book illustrations, and a written quote if you would like one.
- No obligation and no pressure
- We aim to reply to every enquiry within one business day.
- Your details stay private
Plan Your Illustrations
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Ready to start on book illustrations?
Tell us where your book is today. We will read your sample and recommend a clear, honest next step, with no obligation.