The Society of Children's Books & Illustration lovers volume 2 Sept 13 | Page 12

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The Society of Children’s Books & Illustration Lovers – Newsletter # 2 – September 2013

Endpapers The endpapers consist of four pages––two in the front and two in the back. One side of each endpaper is attached to the cover boards. The next thing to consider is whether you want to illustrate your own pattern or picture. If you'd like to create an illustration for the endpapers, then these pages will be counted as part of your book––3 for the front and 3 for the back. Why 3 instead of 2? That's because the back side (the part that's glued down) will be counted. So if you're doing a 32 page book, you will be left with 26 pages and the book will start on page 4. If you don't have room to illustrate your own endpapers, then your book will start on page 1 and in that case, a plain colored paper or one with a simple pattern will be picked later on, to be used for the endpapers. Front matter: title page The title page is just that––where the title will be placed, accompanied by your name and the publishing company or imprint. The title page always comes first, after the endpapers. You can create a half title page or use two full pages to place the title. Look at the different approaches to the title page. Some have detailed illustrations while others are very simple and direct, with sometimes just the text. Some stories even begin on the title page, using an illustration to introduce the characters and/or action. A good example of that is CAR WASH. Front matter: cataloguing in publication (cip), copyright, and dedication page This page contains all the information about your book and usually, your dedication will go there as well. Some books combine this page with the title page while others designate a separate spread. You can leave the page blank or you can choose to illustrate it. This is another opportunity to introduce your characters and/or setting. On occasion, you'll see this information in the back of the book, instead of the front. Another option, if you're really pressed for room, is to put this information on one of the endpapers (if you choose to illustrate them). I've seen this done on occasion, such as Simms Taback's THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. That method, however, isn't ideal. Book size Think about what scale and size would work best for your project. A rectangle? A square? Certain sizes cost more money to make, so that's why the standard 8 X 11 is most common. Don't worry about the technical aspects ––those things will be discussed after you get your contract. More likely than not, you'll be asked what size and scale is best for you and the publisher will try to accommodate your needs.

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