Sometimes it's a No
And that's ok!
This little lady doesn’t get to go in a book. And that’s ok! I’m happy about that!
She’s an unnamed side character from a sample piece I made.
Sometimes a publisher will ask for a sample to test whether or not you're the right person for the job. Is your work a good fit for the text? The publisher thinks it might be but they need to be sure.
I knew in my bones I was not the right illustrator for the job but I did the sample and I did the revisions to the sample and I took it to colour and I did the revisions for that too.
And surprise, I didn’t get the job.
Because I wasn’t the right illustrator.
I strongly suspected it would go this way but I did the sample anyway - because I wanted the dollar dollar bills that would come from doing the full project.
And really, it’s for the best that I didn’t get commissioned because the right illustrator will do a brilliant job of that book! It’s not about whether my work is “good” enough, it’s about the book itself being the right combination of text and artwork.
Most importantly, I did get paid for the sample. There are a few clients out there who ask for samples for free, tempting you with the promise of possible work. The answer to them should be a polite but firm No Thank You.
Plot twist: While working on this sample I was also doing a sample for a different book. And I did get the job for the different book!
And this other project is absolutely right for the things I bring to the table. It’s got intergenerational relationships, the story is rooted in domesticity and the setting is a little untidy and messy. I can give this other book my full attention because I won’t be juggling two book projects at once, so the end result will be a good book - and that’s what really matters.
Ps - to sum up: It’s always worth sampling but make sure you get paid for it. Your time and skills are valuable.
All my posts are remaining free and open for the foreseeable future! If you fancy getting me a cuppa tea that would be amazing! Totally up to you, we’ll still be friends!
Perfectly timed! I got two no's last week. 🤪 It's a rite of passage in this career. And even if you don't get the job, I figure it's a good opportunity to showcase your professionalism to a potential client. Just because it didn't work out this time doesn't mean it won't work out later. Having a client end a rejection with, "I love your work. I hope we get to work together on another project," is still a win!
Neither of these no's required a sample, but a big HELL YES to paid samples only! In addition to the fact that we all need to be paid for our work, I expect you have a much better chance of getting a gig with a paid sample. Just imagine how many people they're considering if they don't have to narrow it down to a set budget?! Maybe you're one of twenty, while with a paid sample, perhaps you're one of 2-4.
Nanette, you bring talent, passion, AND wisdom to this space! Kudos. Only thing I would add, even tho’ you implied it: Believe in your work, and know that your “no’s” are temporary, but long term will better help you find those better-aligned “yes’s”!