How to Show Work to a Publisher Illustrators ask how they might arrange to have their work seen by children's book publishers and what materials publishers most frequently wish to see. The portfolio should present a sampling of an artist's work. It should include a range of work in both subject matter and mediums. It need not contain only illustrations intended for children. It should reveal an illustrator's individual strengths, and not just an ability to conform to some perception of what a publisher will like.
Publishers are interested in both published and unpublished work in a portfolio.
While an illustrator need not write an original text to accompany pictures, some publishers wish to see a dummy book. Finally, however, what is included in a portfolio should be reflective of an artists best work. Almost all publisher members of The Children's Book Council are hospitable toward and wish to know about new children's book illustrators whose work can be submitted to a publishing house directly. Illustration agents offer many important services to clients, especially those who are already published. A partial listing of agents specializing in children's book illustration can be found in the annual Literary Market Place.