Today I had the honor of interviewing Kevin Scott Collier, illustrator and children's author. I met Kevin a few years back when he illustrated a friend's children book, TopsyTurvyLand. Besides the fact that his work is top-notch, I truly believe it's his contagious attitude that keeps him in demand. If you've ever wondered what the life of an illustrator is like, read on...

What was your biggest obstacle when it came to pitching your work to a publisher or agent?

My biggest obstacle has probably been the formalities of the submissions process: formatting manuscripts, etc. I have a partner, by the name of Kristen Halter (she co-owns Tangerine Sky Productions with me) who now handles the submission process so I am not exposed to it much.

And an agency just signed me (Hartline Literary Agency) so they will be doing the legwork pitching my stories to publishers, which will free me up to write and draw more. The most frustrating thing about this business is all the correspondence and paperwork that takes you away from creating books!

What is your platform, how did you discover it, and how do you work it to help promote your illustrations and/or books?

My platform is inspirational and my works (stories, poetry, artwork) exploit all levels of communication, from books to magazines to blogs, etc. I began drawing at the age of five and writing soon came after; so I grew up a visual storyteller. I guess it's just natural I ended up in the children's book market.

I exploit many online resources to promote my works, but I have a lot of help, too. You have to realize when I do a book as an illustrator the author (or writer) of that book is going to work like crazy to promote "their" book. Guess who is along for the ride? Me! I have illustrated over 30 published kids books in the last 2 years, and every one of those authors wants "their book" to be a hit. Every time they get a review or interview or article, or new store to carry the title, I am there... name recognition...I drew the book! I also do my own promotion of those books, but never to the lengths the author and copyright holder does.

As an illustrator, some may find it strange that you spend a lot of time in writer's groups. Can you tell us how the two work together?

I actually am a writer, too, and have written many published books. I think I have become more identified with artwork because it just "draws" more attention. In fact, I entered the book market as an author first, then started illustrating book projects for fun. That took off to be yet another full-time job for me.

What is really cool is the marriage between my art and writing, where I get to see my characters come off the page and expose their faces. I enjoy illustrating for other writers, and never know what the next assignment will be, but usually I am drawing two to three books every month besides writing my own books. It's interesting, and certainly a juggling act, but it's rewarding and amusing.

Visit him at http://tangerinesky.faithweb.com/ and http://kevinscottcollier.com/

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Kevin says an agent has been a great asset to him, freeing up his time and allowing him to get back to creating books. What other ways are agents good for writers?

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