Illustration / Photography / Writing Resources

Give your book the collaborative boost it deserves

Illustration / Photography / Writing Resources

Give your book the collaborative boost it deserves

Consider working with a writer or editor on your next novel, business book or memoir. For many other styles of books, attractive, professional-looking artwork can make all the difference.

Artwork

Whether you’re working on a book project that’s crying out for some striking cover art, a children’s book that needs a substantial number of illustrations, or a cookbook that could use some killer photography, here is a short list of some resources where you can get artwork.

Searching for Artwork Online

Artwork and photography can come in many forms: line drawings, full-color art, cartoons, background patterns, graphic designs, black and white photography, photography with filters applied to it….the list is endless. A quick search on the internet will display artwork that appears to be “free”, but the quality of the art and files may be questionable. Downloading some files may not be safe. Frequently quality images are copyrighted and costs are unclear. But there are plenty of sources of artwork that you can take advantage of and not spend an arm and a leg.

ONE LAST THING:
When it comes to the artwork appearing in your book, you have total responsibility for making sure that it is legally available to use. Stock art companies make their licenses and qualified uses quite clear, but it’s worth printing out a receipt anyway. If you are working directly with an artist, make sure you get a receipt with a clearly stated release that allows you to use the artwork in the ways you intend. Be especially careful with public domain artwork where copyrights and uses may not be as clear.

Resources

Public Domain

There are a number of sites that offer “public domain” artwork. That is artwork that is free and clear to be used without legal restraints — and is also often free of any cost. One problem: Many of these sites do not offer slick and efficient search engines to easily find just what you’re looking for.

CreativeCommons.org – Offers a search hub for “public-domain” content. It filters results from Flickr, Fotopedia, Pixabay, Google Images — even the Metropolitan Museum. In order to use this resource you must be especially vigilant that images actually are public domain and what potential license restrictions may be. In some cases, for instance with someone’s Flickr portfolio, that photographer may be willing to sell you an image, if you really want it. On the other hand, some images require simply an acknowledgement of the photographer printed next to the photo in order to be able to use it.
Similar to Creative Commons: Everystockphoto.com, Commons.wikimedia.org, Flickr.com, Behance.net, DeviantArt.com

Stock Art

You’ll find after spending a little time searching online that “stock art and photography” sites cover a wide range of cost from quite inexpensive to hundreds of dollars, and offer an astounding number of images to choose from. These sites specialize in “royalty free” artwork. This means you don’t have to worry about extra costs or legal issues preventing you from using the artwork. It also means that anyone can purchase the artwork, so there’s a chance your wonderful cover art may end up on someone else’s book cover or magazine article as well.

Shutterstock.com – Offers 300 Million images to choose from, and a wide variety of stock artwork and photography. Shutterstock allows you to purchase a specific number of images or to buy a subscription which is based on time. Images are roughly $10/ image.
Similar to Shutterstock: iStockphoto.com, dreamstime.com, stock.adobe.com, gettyimages.com, bigstockphoto.com, 123RF.com, Clipart.com

Professional Photographers and Illustrators

The good news is, hiring a professional illustrator, designer or photographer can be surprisingly affordable, and give you ownable artwork that is custom-made for your book project. Professional artists may also be willing to partner with you on the project, or share in the profits in exchange for their artwork.

Thumbtack.com – Once you enter your zipcode, this site offers illustrators and photographers based near you. Being able to work face to face with an artist or photographer can be very beneficial and help you decide whether you could work with them. Prices can range widely, but many times, you’ll discover that artists are willing to work with you.
Similar to Thumbtack: Bark.com, photographer.org, upwork.com, HireAnIllustrator.com, Freelancer.com

Some Optional Styles

Public Domain

Photography

Food Styling

Illustration

Children’s Illustration

Romance & Fantasy Illustration

Local Pools of Talent

Many areas have photography clubs and artist groups that meet occasionally and display their work locally. Check out local art shows when you have a free moment and keep track of people whose work you admire. Local art schools many times have a process for helping students get work.

Writing

Need help writing that memoir, business book or novel? Need someone to edit what you’ve already written? Here are just a few examples of places to look online for professional writers who may be just what you’re looking for:
ghostbookwriters.org
– a group of authors, years of experience with different styles of books.
LifeStoriesCompany.com – over a decade of creating memoirs for individuals and bringing the histories of organizations and businesses to life.

Or try these other resources:
thgmwriters.com
bookwritinginc.com
fiverr.com

Scroll to Top

One Book at a Time 100-Year Guarantee

We guarantee that your high-quality One Book at a Time hardback or paperback will last for 100 years from date of printing or we will replace it. This applies to any book of any size except saddle-stitched items and pamphlets under 10 pages. This guarantee applies to the production quality of the binding, glued endpapers and interior pages. If we deem that the book has received especially negligent treatment or water damage this guarantee does not apply.

To report a book that needs replacement call 1-888-416-7667, or write us by sending an email along with a photo of the book to OrderDesk@OneBookPub.com or mail the damaged book to One Book at a Time / Guarantee, 4680 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX 75001. A replacement book will be sent back to you within 30 days.