TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Self-Publishing Authors:
The framework below also applies to any commissioned piece of work, whether it is a single piece, several pieces or an entire book.
This is an illustration service I personally provide as an artist for you. I create all of my own artwork, and I do not infringe on any copyrights in the creation process.
Creation Process: Before an Illustration Agreement is signed, you will need to be able to provide the manuscript of your book. You will be given the opportunity to add notes and preferences to the project during the Discovery Process. If needed, you will be able to view the artwork at different times during the project and there will be opportunities for you to offer opinions and ask for revisions. I will guide you through the process of collaboration, creation, as well as payment.
Starting: As soon as we sign our ‘Illustration Agreement’ (contract) and you make the initial down payment, the process begins.
Delivery: Your artwork will be delivered in the form of high-quality digital files to the email address you provide.
Delivery Time: Finished artwork will be delivered after each payment or after final payment according to our Illustration Agreement. Any artwork finished but not paid for will remain in my possession for retrieval when payment is available.
Revisions: Free Revisions should be made in the planning stages. I would be glad to make a certain amount of revisions to the final art for free. This includes any change I can make in under 30 minutes. If I determine that the revision would require a longer time commitment, there is the option to pay an hourly rate or the cost of re-drawing the entire illustration. I will inform you in the event your request would require a purchase in writing. If any revision is due to my mistake or misrepresentation, it will be free.
Copyright Info: While every artist retains rights to their original creations, those rights can be lent out. As an author you will receive the rights to reproduce, print, sell and distribute these illustrations in book form as well as promotional use. These rights do not include altering the images by re-drawing or re-arranging the integrity of the illustrations themselves. I ask you not to have another artist replicate any part of the illustrations.
The extent of a Copyright License can be used as a point of negotiation should you wish to lower the cost of getting your book illustrated. The more limited the license, the less the cost. Licenses can be restricted according to length of term, geographical area, types of usage, etc.
Promo: You can crop the images or resize them to fit various formats. Feel free to share these images on social media or wherever your audience congregates! Ask for opinions! Display them on your website! Use these images to take pre-orders for your book. Of course, you are free to print these illustrations to frame or for any other personal use.
Marketing: My illustration services go above and beyond the completion of book art. Other services available are: social media ad images, website art, coloring pages, sticker sheets, post cards, thank you cards, event posters and more. Just ask!
Credit: I ask that you credit my work in any public representation, website or print material produced in relation to the display of the illustrations of this book. I ask that my name be displayed on the front cover in any version or reproduction of this book.
Reserving Your Rights: I promise not to share, use or reproduce your transcript, or any likeness of your transcript. However, if another separate project is similar in some way beyond my scope of creation, I will not take responsibility for intentionally copying any part of your unique story.
Royalties: A 5% royalty is considered standard. However, this is also a point that can be negotiated. If you are able to produce a well-planned marketing strategy and are looking to pay less in advance, royalties can be increased. On the other hand, if you would rather make a larger payment on the front end, you may offer to forgo royalties.
Cancellation: In the event of illness, family emergency, or Act of God, each party will be notified immediately in writing and project will be either extended or canceled. In the event of cancellation of the project at any time, all previous payments are non-refundable and all applicable artwork done within the frame of payment will be delivered to you at time of cancellation.
*If I somehow suspect your story is a reproduction, I will ask you about it before cancelling the project. *I am not responsible for author's reproduction/plagiarism.
Legal Agreement: By purchasing this illustration service, you are entering into binding agreement with all the information mentioned here as well as granting full artistic freedom to the creation of these illustrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many pages is a standard children's book?
A: A standard children's book is 32 pages. A book's page count increases in signatures of 8 pages. This means your book can be 24, 32, or 40 pages. Of course, your book may be longer. Just contact me and we can set up a project plan customized for your needs!
Q: Where do I go to get graphic design, printing, and distribution?
A: I have several connections with companies and design professionals who help self-publishing authors get their books made. They provide other services that you will need to get your book looking just as good as any book on the shelves at a major bookstore.
Q: Why aren't there specific time frames or dates for the payments?
A: I don't promise exact dates of delivery or payments for artwork because some projects get delayed because of revisions or additional illustrations. Because of the customization feature of the creation process, I will guide you to where you can pay by notifying you when a payment is due.
Q: Can I just go ahead and pay the entire price all at once?
A: I prefer to get paid according to the work that I produce and deliver. It’s also a good idea for you to reserve a portion of the payment until I deliver the work to you and you find it satisfactory.