feedback welcome & any tips on how to grow my page is appreciated. unclematt_writes on Instagram website is www.unclemattwrites.com

A question that came up in my DMs today and I know more of you are wondering the same thing: “How do I find the right illustrator for my children’s book?” Here’s the part that often surprises people: 👉 It’s not about finding a great illustrator. 👉 It’s about finding the right illustrator for your book, your goals, and your publishing path. Before you hire anyone, you need clarity on three things: 1️⃣ How you plan to publish Traditional, hybrid, or self-publish all change what “right” looks like. 2️⃣ What role the illustrator is playing Are they interpreting your story or executing a very specific vision? 3️⃣ Your budget + timeline tolerance Cheap, fast, and great rarely come together. Knowing which two matter most saves heartache. I’ll break down: • where to actually find illustrators • what red flags to watch for • how contracts typically work • and when to wait instead of hiring too early For now, I’m curious … 👉 Have you already started looking for an illustrator, or are you unsure when that step should happen?

If you’re here, chances are you’ve been carrying a children’s book inside you, and you’re not quite sure what the next step is. This is a calm, supportive space for writers at any stage of the process…from idea to draft to published but stuck. There’s no pressure here. No rushing. No “do it this way or else.” We focus on clarity, honesty, and small steps that actually move the work forward If you’d like to start, a simple place is this: 👉 Introduce yourself and share what stage your book is in — even if that feels messy or unfinished. You’re welcome exactly as you are.

Now that we’ve covered the 5 biggest mistakes new children’s book authors make, I want to hear from you: 👉 What’s the ONE thing you’re struggling with most right now? Idea? Writing? Editing? Finding an illustrator? Publishing? Something else? Drop it below — I’ll reply to every comment and point you in the right direction. This will help me create posts + resources that actually serve you. Let’s get you unstuck. 🙌📚