TEAMWORK
The writer/publisher and the illustrator are part of a team with the same goal of making your book the best it can be. “I stress the importance of negative feedback. Negative feedback is more important than positive feedback. If you aren't happy, I'm not happy. I need to know what is wrong to make it right,” states Barrows.
Client input is vital. LISTENING to client needs helps the artist create artwork unique to those needs. No cookie cutter illustrations, all are done with traditional art media. Work is then scanned into Photoshop or PaintShop Pro for editing, layout and creating digital files. InDesign is also used.
INTERIORS
What makes a good book interior? The interior should enhance your book and complement the cover. Your title page sets the tone for the interior. Good design and readability are important.
Children's book interiors should put the illustrations to the greatest advantage and reflect the mood of the story.
Trade interiors should also reflect the content. Illustrations, photos, charts, graphs...these are just a few things that can add interest to a trade book interior.
BOOK COVERS
“You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we do!” states illustrator/book designer Laurie Barrows, “A great cover makes or breaks a book. The cover should jump off the shelf, enticing people to pick up the book.”
Your book cover includes important elements. The front needs to be dynamic and show a “snapshot” of the book. The back cover should have a short, concise blurb that tells what the book is about, without giving away the story line or conclusion. A short author biography can also be included on the back cover. Crucial is your ISBN barcode.
Barrows is experienced in both children's book and trade book cover design.
Email for a FREE consultation
Barrows only works on positive projects that empower the reader. A free phone consultation by appointment helps the writer and illustrator get to know each other a bit better, discuss the project in greater detail, and see if they are a good fit. If you’d like to discuss your book project, please email Barrows at [email protected] to set up an appointment.