Get in Touch

Contact
telephone number

01234 711 956

How to make the most of illustrations when writing your next book

31 May 2019

Free Guide to Publishing

+

Get your free guide to publishing with expert industry advice, tips and hints.

A book, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, no matter the genre, will more than likely require illustrations in some form during the writing and promotional processes.

While you may only be a writer yourself, and not an artist, you should be aware that illustrations can be an integral part of a book and should always be carefully considered to match the genre and feel of your work.

Here's how to make the most of illustrations when writing your next book.

1. Your front cover needs to stand out

books bookstore cover 256232

We know it's wrong to judge a book by its cover, but more often than not, it's the first part of your book most readers are likely to see. Make the most of illustrations by including them on your front cover!

Not only will your book's front cover attract more people, but by including illustrations, your readers will visualise the characters and the world you've created in your work, and help bring that world to life.

Your illustrations can also help the reader connect with you as a writer, and allow them to see how you visualised that world for your readers.

2. Include a collection of illustrations in the centre of your book

adult artificial intelligence bot 1020325

A great way to make the most of illustrations when writing your next book is to display them in the centre of your novel.

Group together your illustrations in the centre of your book for your reader's convenience. That way, all illustrations within your book are easy to find and reference throughout the read.

This method is particularly useful if there's a collection of illustrations you need to include in quite a word-heavy book design.

3. Illustrations in children's fiction

adorable animal art 877698

If you are writing children's or young adult fiction, then the likelihood is that you need illustrations far more than other works of fiction.

For younger children, pictures and visuals are an important aspect of learning and development, so make the most of your illustrations in this genre by choosing to include bright, bold and beautiful imagery to compliment your writing.

4. Diagrams in non-fiction

case computer drawing 2089377

While you may think that illustrations and non-fiction are an unlikely match, there are many ways you can make the most of illustrations even in non-fiction.

In many non-fiction titles, there's an essential use for diagrams and other illustrations to help demonstrate something to your readers. For example, illustrations may help describe a breed of animal or part of an engine in your work, without which your readers may need to do further research to get more information.

Having illustrations throughout your non-fiction book help the reader visualise when reading, helping them to understand and retain the information you have provided.

Wrapping up

Illustrations form a vital part of the book publishing process and go a long way to attract and appeal to broad audiences.

Whether you're writing a children's novel or a work of non-fiction, you're likely to require illustrations to help tell your story to readers.

Your readers will want to be taken on a journey through your writing, but having beautiful illustrations will help you make the most of bringing everything inside to life.

© Copyright 2024 New Generation Publishing

Web Design Northampton by New Edge