How I got my first book job

A surprise, panic and saviour.

I know many of you who read my posts are illustrators too. And it’s likely that some of you are yet to land your first book. So this story is just for you.

4 years ago I was working on my portfolio while dreaming of one day illustrating a real book. One particular day after school we went to the library. I spent the time gazing at picture books and felt I had a long way to go before I was good enough to make such beautiful books. But I left positively more determined than disheartened.

It wasn’t until later that day, whilst making dinner ( and simultaneously making plans to improve my portfolio and start looking for an agent) that I got an email.

THE EMAIL.

I couldn’t quite believe what I was reading and thought it was a hoax.

It was magic and mysterious with some Harry Potter vibes sprinkled on top.

It was from Bloomsbury, asking me to illustrate their next non-fiction book in conjunction with KEW.

After some ecstatic jumping around the house, I had a lot of questions.

• Mainly and most importantly, am I good enough?

• How did they know about me? I hadn’t ever been brave enough to send work out.

• And: How do you actually make a book?

Obviously, to not seem unprofessional, I thought it best to NOT ask any questions. And accept the offer immediately before they changed their mind.

The editor shared with me artwork of mine, which convinced them that I was the right person for the job.

The illustrations they loved the most were from a personal project I had done on Instagram. I filled sketchbook pages with memories of my childhood. It’s still something I do now.

My Childhood memories project 2019

So, it seemed someone had seen my work on instagram and i now my Unrepresented & unqualified self had her 1st job. - and that’s it!

No agent or contacting publishers, and no viral crazy TikTok dance needed. Just post my work on IG and eventually, someone will see it.

(But not any more thanks to crazy algorithms perhaps)

There’s more to this story…

My prayers had been answered. yes!!. And I was all set to start my first book in March 2020.

Yes. I am sure March 2020 is still ingrained in your memory, especially for those of you who found yourself homeschooling. And that’s exactly what happened to me. The week I was due to start work, the children were sent home from school and so I began homeschooling two primary-age children (Who needed constant support and encouragement with their learning) AND starting this daunting first book.

It was tough and I had to dramatically change the way in which I worked to enable me to finish this book on time. I had to reduce my expectations of not only this whole book-making experience but also the excessively high standard of work I usually set myself.

But amongst the chaos, this book and activities within filled our uncertain days. It became our school reference book for all our craft and science projects. It was our saviour.

Grow, Forage and Make Written by Alys Fowler and Illustrated by Me. Published by Bloomsbury 2021

I’ve since lost a lot of the photos from that time, but we spent a gloriously warm summer growing, foraging and making.

The book got finished. Miraculously on time, Just as the Children returned to school and I learnt so much making it. Digital working, contracts, royalties, co-editions etc and I continue to learn with each book I make.

Me Mask’n all, seeing my 1st book out in the world for the 1st time.

If I’m honest I don’t think I will ever feel 100% at peace with a finished book, but I am definitely proud that I managed to get it finished in the circumstances.

So that’s it: the story of my 1st book.

BUY BOOK HERE

As always I’m happy to answer any questions or just have a chat with you in the comments.

Thanks for reading friends.

Heidi x