How do I format an illustrated book before I send it to the publisher?

[scriptorcarmina]

I've never really been a writer, but I got an idea for a coffee table book that I had to write down. Since coffee table books are illustrated, should I find an illustrator first or send in the manuscript? If I don't have to find an illustrator, do I format the manuscript all on one or two pages or split it up as it would be published? I tried doing a search on the internet for information or books I can read, but found irrelevant information. I had to take a class on how to get published for my music degree, but this is an entirely different industry, so if you could steer me in the right direction, that would be great.

 

[Fairycakes]

What publisher do you want to use? Check them out first and look at their guidelines or you will be rejected. For eg: if you are written a story and you send it to a publisher that does only cookery books they will not publish it.

What kind of book is it, a picture book, a easy reading book? 40,000 words or more because they all fall into different groups.

If its a picture book is it 24 or 36 page spread? Because it does make a huge difference.

Best to join up a creative writing class and they will tell you or find a literary agent that will support you.

Do you draw? What designs do you like? You can send in a design but you can say I like my book done in the design of Babette Cole or Quentin Blake etc etc.

If you know what you are talking about then they will think ah, a person who knows her stuff.

Contact me if you want further info.