Design & Illustration Support
Bringing a book to life visually can feel exciting, overwhelming, expensive, confusing… or sometimes all four at once.
Whether you are publishing your very first book or already have experience as an author, understanding how illustration, cover design and visual branding works is incredibly important.
At Amery Publishing, we believe authors should have access to honest information, realistic guidance and practical support, without pressure or gatekeeping.
There is no single “correct” route when it comes to design and illustration. Some authors hire professional illustrators. Others create covers themselves using design software and legally licensed assets. Some combine multiple approaches. What matters most is understanding the process, protecting yourself properly and creating something suitable for your audience and genre.
Working With An Illustrator
Hiring an illustrator can completely transform a book, especially for children’s books, graphic novels, educational titles and highly visual projects.
A good illustrator does far more than simply “draw pictures.” They help establish mood, tone, character consistency, emotional connection and visual identity.
However, before hiring anyone, it is important to understand a few key things.
Always Clarify Ownership Rights
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is assuming they automatically own artwork simply because they paid for it.
That is not always true.
Before any work begins, both sides should clearly understand:
- Who owns the final artwork
- Whether the illustrator can reuse the artwork elsewhere
- Whether the artwork can be used for merchandise
- Whether the artwork can be used in future books or sequels
- Whether the author receives full commercial rights
- Whether credit is required
- Whether the illustrator can display the work in their portfolio
A simple written agreement is strongly recommended, even for smaller projects.
Researching Illustrators Properly
Finding an illustrator should never be rushed.
Take time to research:
- Their art style
- Their consistency
- Their communication
- Their professionalism
- Their previous client feedback
- Whether their style actually suits your audience and genre
A fantastic fantasy illustrator may not be the right fit for a soft educational children’s book.
Likewise, highly detailed artwork may look impressive online but become expensive or impractical when used across an entire series.
How To Find Illustrators
Authors commonly discover illustrators through:
- Recommendations from other authors
- Writing communities
- Social media platforms
- Portfolio websites
- Professional marketplaces
- Book acknowledgements pages
- Independent publishing groups
- Art communities and conventions
Whenever possible, try to speak with authors who have previously worked with the illustrator.
Real experiences matter far more than polished marketing.
How To Check If An Illustrator Is Legitimate
Unfortunately, scams within the publishing world are very real, especially online.
Be cautious if someone:
- Refuses to show a portfolio
- Uses inconsistent art styles that look copied from different artists
- Avoids video calls or direct communication
- Pressures you into immediate payment
- Promises unrealistic turnaround times
- Has no online presence whatsoever
- Refuses contracts or written agreements
- Cannot provide examples of completed projects
- Uses stolen artwork in their portfolio
- Offers “too good to be true” pricing
A professional illustrator should be happy to discuss process, timelines, revisions and licensing clearly.
You should also reverse-search some portfolio images online occasionally to check they have not been stolen from other artists.
Understanding Costs
Illustration costs vary enormously depending on:
- Experience
- Detail level
- Commercial rights
- Number of illustrations
- Colour vs black and white
- Cover only vs full interior
- Series consistency requirements
- Formatting requirements
Cheap artwork is not always bad.
Expensive artwork is not always good.
The key is finding someone reliable whose work genuinely fits your project.
Using Design Tools & Open Resources
Not every author has the budget for a fully custom illustrated book.
Many authors successfully create professional-looking covers and interiors using:
- Licensed stock imagery
- Design software
- Typography tools
- Public domain resources
- Legally licensed textures and assets
- AI-assisted workflows
- Self-created photography or artwork
There is nothing wrong with using affordable tools responsibly and legally.
The important part is understanding licensing rules properly.
Be Careful With “Free” Assets
Always check:
- Commercial usage rights
- Attribution requirements
- Print-on-demand restrictions
- Modification permissions
- Resale limitations
- AI training restrictions
- Exclusive vs non-exclusive licences
Never assume something found online is free to use commercially.
That mistake can become extremely costly later.
Cover Design Matters More Than Many Authors Realise
Readers absolutely judge books by their covers.
A strong cover should:
- Clearly suit its genre
- Remain readable as a thumbnail
- Look professional at small sizes
- Create emotional curiosity
- Match the target audience
- Avoid clutter and confusion
A beautiful illustration alone does not automatically create a strong book cover.
Typography, spacing, hierarchy and readability matter just as much.
Getting Feedback Before Publishing
Whenever possible:
- Order proof copies
- Test readability on phones and tablets
- Ask genuine readers for honest feedback
- Check print colours carefully
- Review spine placement and margins
- Zoom out and test thumbnail visibility
- Avoid rushing final approval
A small design issue on screen can become a major issue once printed.
Amery Publishing’s Approach
Amery Publishing aims to help authors make informed decisions, regardless of budget or experience level.
Some authors may choose fully custom illustration work.
Others may prefer simpler, more affordable approaches while learning the publishing process.
Both are valid.
Our goal is not to pressure authors into expensive services, but to help them understand the options available, avoid common mistakes and create books they can genuinely feel proud of.