Timeline & Investment
Know what to expect from the start
We've already covered the deliverables and what a well-structured creative process looks like. Before the first sketch begins, however, there are a few important aspects we'll define together to ensure everyone starts with the same expectations:
The estimated timeline for your project, including milestone deadlines.
The total investment and payment schedule (pay as we progress).
Your copyright and intellectual property (IP) rights.
Every book is unique, so timelines and costs vary depending on factors such as page count, illustration complexity, book design, number of characters, publishing requirements, and more.
As a general reference, a standard 32-page picture book typically takes around four months to illustrate from start to finish. Professional illustration projects generally start at around $3,000 USD, with the final investment depending on the scope and complexity of the work.
The cheapest option is rarely the least expensive
Every author naturally wants to make smart financial decisions. However, choosing the lowest quote can come with trade-offs, resulting in inconsistent artwork, poor communication, unreliable timelines, or even the use of AI-generated pictures when original human-created illustrations were expected.
If you're working within a specific budget, we can explore ways to adapt the scope of your project that don't compromise the quality of your book. Choosing the right creative partner from the beginning is usually far less expensive than fixing avoidable problems later.
High-standard project management
At Pufli, we advocate for self-publishing authors to have access not only to talented artists but also to professional project management. That's why every Pufli project has the ongoing support of professional PMs, with experience working for some of the biggest companies in the world.
Creative direction, maintaining momentum, managing revisions, approvals, and solving unexpected blockers all help ensure a successful project. We begin with a detailed Scope of Work (SOW) outlining the project's key aspects. You can provide this information using this form or by navigating to the "Start your book" section.
Advocates for art & author's rights
Many indie authors are surprised to learn that paying for illustrations does not automatically mean owning them. At Pufli, we work with self-publishing authors under a work-for-hire agreement, making copyright and ownership straightforward.
Invest with confidence
Creating a children's book is a meaningful investment of time, energy, and money. Get involved in a process that allows you to make informed decisions and gives you the confidence that your project is being managed professionally from beginning to end.
