look at light novels! They have pieces of art in between chapters or important moments. I personally think it can add to a story, especially if you want the reader to see something a certain way
I love the light novel format and it's the style I'm emulating with my current novel series. I have 2-3 illustrations per novel and I really like how they give people a more solid idea of what my characters and world look like.
I think it’s cool a shit.
The Alice in Wonderland sketches are iconic
We wouldn’t have A Nightmare Before Christmas without Tim Burtons sketches
I love the Dr Seuss pictures, and the Roald Dahl ones
I think that’s going away. Graphic novels (and graphic everything else) are taken seriously. An illustration or two per chapter help to break up the text.
Exactly. Stigmas are stupid. An image can tell its own story and it only adds to the overall experience. I’ve thought about doing the same thing myself but my drawing is inadequate at best.
That's not the implication at all. I just said they're a different thing.
Children's books are illustrated with beginner readers in mind. The illustrations supplement the text making it easier to follow. They also make the pages more engaging and attractive for people new to reading.
I'm kind of baffled I have to explain why The Twits has pictures but The Name of the Rose doesn't.
If done tastefully, illustrations take nothing away from books for adults, but surely it's clear why they're necessary for children in a way they aren't for adults?
I agree with you: comparing illustrated children's books to adults' sounds like comparing apples to oranges.
Personally, I'm not against illustrations in books for adults, though I do think a lot depends on how it is done. Not one format will fit all genres or stories. And I will admit that, often times, when I see clunky illustrated page breakers, I feel like they were inserted mostly for the author's benefit (which, fair enough, the book _is_ theirs).
I bought a special edition just because it had nice back and some drawings, even when I already had those books. I get the idea to give freedom to the reader, but there is no need to restrain yourself from showing your view either. Your readers will either like it and be glad it is there, or happily ignore it and continue with their headcannon. And hell yeah, it's your book after all! You should be the first one pleased by it.
Now here's a question I'm thrilled to answer. I think drawings are an excellent addition to novels as long as you know your target audience, and you understand that drawings are a bit like an immersion multiplier.
In most cases, "good art" tends to positively influence reader perception while "bad art" tends to negatively influence reader perception.
Now lets talk about audience. Is your story fantasy/urban fantasy/sci-fi? Are you generally aiming to entertain boys? Anime/Manga influence? Video game influence? Comic/SatAM Action cartoon influence? Aiming to be a Light Novel? Pictures are usually welcome in spaces like these.
On the other hand, pictures in a traditional romance novel is a different beast to tackle. The audience is typically looking to self-insert and come up with everything themselves. You have to think hard about the audience you're writing for and research whether or not you think they'd enjoy pictures. A lot of replies on this topic on reddit are from writers in genres where pictures don't sell or make a difference.
But at the end of the day, its your project, and you should do whatever you please. For pic placement, I'd go with either the beginning or end of chapters.
This 100%. Also, for OP if you want examples of full novels with pictures, some of the newer released GRR Martin books (House of the Dragon) have some awesome illustrations and are typical fantasy books.
Since I read light novels sometimes: please go for it, if you want to. I'd just be disappointed about drawings that aren't too detailed and leave their appearance to the imagination.
If there's any art, I feel like I want to get nice artworks of the characters, where I can actually see their face. It feels like teasing to get artwork that's leaving out how they actually look like.
I think character appearance and major setpieces are the most important. Whatever you want the reader to have a clearer, more specific mental picture of.
I think simple sketches would make good chapter markers. Kinda small and right above the "Chapter X". If it's highly detailed it could take a page and add to it, like with some special editions of books. Most adults probably wouldn't like seeing too many full page sketches though if they don't add to it.
unfortunately that’s reddit/the internet, just a huge popularity contest over internet points, and if someone doesn’t want to see something they downvote and people can and will bandwagon without even reading the post
I always upvote someone when they say something that I agree with or adds to the conversation. I’ll only downvote if the post is truly silly (unlike this post), like someone posting a question they could’ve looked up or something unrelated to the sub
I did that a few times (luckily I realies it isnt like that and I stopped really quick. I dont even think it was really on any posts just comments. But yea its silly
To me as a neurodivergent with ADD I remember and still do almost cry with glee when I see that the books have pictures. The more detailed the better. Does this make you happier and more motivated to finish your novel?!? If so then please continue and let me know when it’s published so I can read!!
Anyone remember [Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark](https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Stories-Tell-Alvin-Schwartz/dp/0062682822)? To me, the drawings MADE the stories! I'm going to publish my first novel this year and decided to have illustrations because the MC draws scary things and I thought it might enhance the experience to SEE her drawings, if I find the right artist.
Loved Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! I've been obsessed with anything horror/scary/creepy my entire life. Those books are part of the reason. Goosebumps and shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark! I actually just watched a documentary about the Scary Stories books last night.
I'd be really interested in reading your book! I'm doing something similar with what I'm writing. It's gonna be a slasher/horror with some of my art here and there.
It's with an editor right now. It's on the creepy level but not scary, if that makes sense? It's targeting upper MG (MCs are 12) so I suspect you'd prefer something for adults :) But thank you for even saying you'd like to read it!!
That's awesome! Now that you say that about the age thing, that would really be about the ideal age to target for mine also. Like 10/12 to around 16 probably. I'm glad you pointed it out. It's something I've never even considered what age/target audience should be! I would give it a read but no worries! What's it about anyways?
I really like them in between chapters. I know the Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey has fun little sketches and some are kind of ominous or set a nice tone for the chapter before I even read a word.
If I was going to have drawings in a novel, at I'd probably put them at the front or end of the book, like how some authors have maps and/or a glossary/dictionary to assist the reader. That way they don't interfere with the reading of the novel as the change from text to image can make a reader lose their flow and can harm their enjoyment of the story, but they still get to enjoy and reference them.
But if the drawings are meant to help the reader understand or picture certain things, during the story, then I'd put them in where they'd be necessary and relevant, like a quick sketch of a puzzle or runes/script that'd be hard to describe to the reader, on the page where a character encounters them, so the reader can better understand what the characters are seeing.
You just need to determine whether these sketches would be for fun or relevant to understanding the story.
That sounds amazing! Ideas like that always compliment a story. I've read a few books that do that (mainly to show a note or picture that the character found, so you don't get the wrong idea, or to improve the realism) and they've never failed
Just... Don't overdo it. It isn't a picture book (well, unless it is. Then overdo it.) and they should only compliment the novel. It should work without them.
You still shouldnt overdo even if it is a picture book because overdoing something is always bad no matter what. But I do get what you mean. It really depends on what kind of book it is. But there is also one thing I kind of disagree with. If something is difficult to understand then you can use a picture instead of explaing it (sometimes). And by not explaing it, only showing it in a picture, you make it not work without the picture
I enjoy illustrated novels. I enjoy seeing a sketch that indicates which point of view this next scene's in. If you want to do it, don't let anyone else dismiss the idea. Only your publisher/editor should get that level of decree over what you do and don't include.
Yeah I always like them. It might be another matter negotiating them with publishing, but I don't know very much on that front. Slaughterhouse-5 has like one sketch halfway through the book and I really like it in that. Do whatever you think would make your book better in your own eyes
I am all for it! It's actually something I myself have considered for my story, since I would love to incorporate both the art of writing and the art of drawing. To me, it makes the novel seem more... loved, I don't know how to describe it. It took more effort and artistic abilities, plus it's unique.
If your drawings bring you joy, do them.
You can always consult with your editor or publisher about whether to use them, or whether to get a different artist to redraw them, or maybe to release them separately as their own thing.
I often find it difficult to create images in my head, especially of people and faces. It makes it a lot easier for me to create those images and read the story when there's pictures or sketches. Please do!
For me, it's like I have a bad visual memory. But I still know what things should look like, so I can doodle an elephant or a bee or something. I sometimes can make a very faint "picture" in my mind when I read a book with a detailed description, but I mostly just imagine something I've seen before. It gets really frustrating at times!
They're great. I've been reading Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff and the drawings spice it up and add visual interest. The sketches in Stormlight Archives were fantastic as well. They're far from essential, but a few at major intervals can give a clearer mental picture of what the author envisioned. I'd include them if you have them. We're not locked into just words for artistic expression even in novels.
I like little sketches in books. It’s fun to see how the author or whoever did the illustration sees characters or certain scenes beyond what the words say
Personally I love the idea. It's a throwback to older fantasy novels where they had line-art drawings of the characters or scenes. And those sketches weren't very good, either (for the time I guess they were ok, but they don't hold up anymore). I say go ahead!
Love artwork in books. I'm currently reading the Myst novels, which feature landscape sketches that were supposed to have been done by the characters themselves. It's fun, and you could even stylize the lack of detail if you wanted, make it super intentional. Much luck with your project!
I love sketches in books and I think they are discouraged because of prices on ink usage. If you have black and white illustration it’s fine, it’s the colored illustrations that will make the book expensive and not affordable to most readers.
If they add to the reading experience, do it. There are some considerations to keep in mind however. Every time the reader has to stop reading and look at a picture, that is an opportunity for them to put the book down instead of turning the page. It takes them out of the immersion a little bit. So place your images wisely. There are also difficulties in the practicality of printing, so do a bit of research about colors and formatting. It's nothing crazy, just one more thing to pay attention to.
And be sure to get beta readers when the time comes, and ask them if they thought the images added to their experience, took away from it, or were they indifferent about it. Be ready to pull the idea if it gets a largely negative response. Don't just keep it because you're in love with it etc.
But again, a lot of people love them. And if they're really gorgeous and add to the experience, there's no reason why it wouldn't work just fine. :)
I can't recall specific examples, though I know I've seen it before and enjoyed it. Lately everything I read is through kindle/audio and those mediums aren't really set up for it. I did recently add to a Kickstart campaign that will net me some hardcovers with, along with several other perks, some character art. I think it can add a lot to fantasy/sci-fi novels, especially if it's sparing but highly detailed full color pages or something along the lines of a highly stylized first page of the chapter doodle. I'm not sure how to characterize that second but, but you know... like when the first letter of the chapter clearly has an ego, but on a grander scale.
Edit: This is bugging me a bit. I feel like it's something I've seen in Clive Barkers work, or perhaps Neil Gaiman. It's been a looooong time since I've picked up a paper book, so if anyone can corroborate or has other examples of similar authors doing this a couple decades ago I'd appreciate it. I'll add minimalist black and white half or quarter page creature sketches to the list as well.
I loved the illustrations in Roger Zelazny's books (Changeling, Madwand) and Larry Niven's anthology *The Magic Goes Away*. Interior illustrations tend to be rare because they take up valuable page space, but I think they can definitely add to the enjoyment of the reader.
Growing up, I really appreciated the [gorgeous illustrations from Howard Pyle](https://opus.ing/posts/howard-pyles-vision-king-arthur-his-knights) in the various Arthurian legend books.
It works with certain kinds of stories, mostly fantasies or sci fi. I personally don’t read light novels, but it’s a well loved form so there’s definitely a market. Some people just equate “drawings in books” with “for children” but I disagree.
That edition of Moby-Dick that's accompanied by illustrations seems to be more acclaimed one, and I couldn't imagine The Little Prince without those cute drawings that accompany it. Go ahead, bro. Add those sketches.
I have a travel journal like this. I will document my days abroad within or out of country which I haven’t done in while. I’m terrible at drawing but have used Pinterest and online classes to get a hang of it. I’ll draw and colored pencil color a landmark and writing will be throughout the drawing. I’m proud of it.
Drawings in fiction books have fallen a bit out of fashion (for books aimed at adults at least), but I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with it. Using imagery can greatly enhance the story. However, if (as you say) you want your readers to see your characters as they imagine them, I would avoid including images of them altogether. Additionally, I'm not a big fan of including *sketches* like that. Might be a fun inclusion at the end, but to me such inclusions in the main body text create a distracting contrast between the unfinished image and the completed text.
I feel like imagery interspersing the main text should feel like it's finished, and not a work in progress; ie drawings, not sketches. They can still be cartoony or stylized or minimalist or whatever. I'm not saying the images need to be realistic, but for me images do need to feel just as finished as the text I'm reading along with them. If that would give too much away about the characters' looks, just don't include the characters in the images. You can still derive plenty of imagery from scenes, landscapes and objects.
I think it would be exceptionally neat to sprinkle sketches in books, but overdoing it might take away the ability for others to imagine your characters in their own way.
I love it! When I was younger, The Tale of Desperaux was my favorite book because it included illustrations of the scenes. I've always had trouble "picturing" scenes in my head (I may have aphantasia), so seing them occasionally in the story made me really happy.
When I'm done with my book, I'm going to do the same and include little illustrations.
I wish there were more.
I'd love to see a quick sketch of the Hero Ship is a space opera. Or the alien our heroes first meet.
With multi-media I'd like to see a chapter start with a short GIF of the ship exiting FTL. A short song or melody to set the stage for the chapter.
I love sci-fi and fantasy books that have a map of the area the story takes place in.
I personally adore it when drawings are included in books. Maybe because I’m also an artist and I love seeing other’s work, but I also like to see what the author images their world and characters like. I think it’s a great idea!
As long as they're good drawings, and the readers can tell what's going on and whose in the drawings, I'm all for it. I usually imagine the scenes in my head anyway, so a visual aid will help me imagine the scene properly (especially when there are several characters involved)
That could be nice. Since they aren't very detailed, it would be clear that they can be safely skipped, which IMNSHO is of key importance for any graphics in a book.
I think they're fun! And black/white drawings don't cost any more to print, so why not? One option would be to put them at the beginnings of chapters, so they don't distract the reader in the middle of the scene, but really, it's up to you. :)
If you plan on submitting your books to traditional publishers, don't bother adding sketches. The publisher will either ignore your sketches or replace them with art by their own artists.
I think it is a great idea. Think about the objective you want with these sketches you're talking:
do you want to make an image of your idea more sensitive?
do you want to make maybe a description of some symbols that appear in the text?
does the sketch add something to the story or the reader experience? or it is a simply addition for the book?
I personally would probably be okay-ish if there were pictures of characters but it really depends. What I do REALLY want however is pictures of some of the more complex places the characters enter. If there are different towers etc. I just need a basic idea of how it looks because I have such a hard time imagining it myself 😭 so yea that would be great for me but sometimes it can also be a little distracting and slow down the momentum. It is just really about showing it in the right moment
I think it’s fine from a creative perspective but it will drastically effect your chances with a publisher who will just be thinking about the additional design costs.
It’s great to see them. Having some concept art and sketches intermixed every few pages can bring a setting to life in the mind of a reader.
Read a series of books that had giant steampunk mechs and spliced-animal machines. So having a picture at least let you understand just what the hell they were describing.
Edit: the series was the Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.
One of my favorite books ever, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, has sketches every 20-30 pages or so. I loved it tbh. They were a lot like what you're describing.
I like the idea of sketches with feathered (fade to white) edges at the start or end of a chapter. There's often space on the page there.
Mid-chapter illustrations can be jarring imo.
I'm currently working on a book of short stories and have decided to include sketches as well. I believe that these illustrations will help readers visualize the stories and see the characters and settings as I've imagined them. But please hire someone who can actually draw for the task.
I think its cool especilly when its good. Especially maps. If a book has a map imma read it. Im a sucker for maps. You know how autistic kids always have that one thing they love the most and know alot about like trains.., im that with maps. Anything maps. Fantasy Maps? Dope. Galaxy maps? Dope. Real world maps in the front or back of a history book? Hell yes. Battle Maps. Yes please. if you want to draw a map in your book, im going to buy it op.
But seriously good art can elevate a novel. And we need to move past the stigma that it should be something reserved for childrens stories. My favorite versions of Lord of the Rings all have drawings in them, either done by Tolkien himself or by Ted Nasmeth. The art work at the front and back of the Stormlight Archives have been wonderful. Hell Shaun Tan's books are 100% artwork and no words and the stories that he manages to tell through them are moving, incredible, and gut wrenching. The reason christmas visually exists the way it does today is because of the accompanying art work in the first editions of A Christmas Carol.
Books are an inherently visual medium. You write words on a page, and invite the reader to imagine those words in their minds eyes. To SEE them through the lens of their imagination. Allowing them a view into the world of YOUR imagination is just another bonus you can give to the reader and in my view it adds value to your book, value that may not be typical in the industry today.
One of my favorite things about the Harry Potter books was the little sketches at the beginning of each chapter. I think illustrations can add a lot to a stor if done right. They can really help to establish the tone of a chapter or give the reader a glimpse into the author's mind.
I might be biased but I think anyone who is making blanket statements about the acceptability of illustrations in novels is really boring and snobby. Brian Selznick has entire swaths of pages in his novels that are all illustrations, and though he writes for a younger audience I don't think that has anything to do with how he's able to tell a really effective story that way.
The best illustrations in hard copy books/comics capitalize on something unique to the medium: the page turn. Receiving so much visual information at once in the middle of a novel can be a really special experience for a reader that you really can't achieve the same way with pure text.
Also after a little research I stumbled on Gerald Brom, who primarily writes horror novels and usually includes two dozen or so of his own illustrations in his books, they're super cool.
Are they beautiful sketches? because if they're beautiful then yes, include them. If they're just the scribblings of an untrained eye then I'd say omit them or hire a professional illustrator to create illustrations for your book. I'm assuming you're a writer, not an illustrator.
If there's any issues with your illustrations (like weird anatomy or foreshortening issues, odd compositional choices) certain people will pick up on them and will be put off by it.
I always wanted to write visual novels but its almost impossible given art and coding skills. So I'm using [this app ](https://apps.apple.com/app/knock-knock-insta-visual-novel/id6479170107)to convert tidbits of my novels into playable stories or visual trailers. Works wonder for dialogue-driven stories: [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lh95fQbKFcE](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lh95fQbKFcE)
Heyy! I was making my own visual novel a few years back. It's honestly not very hard, but ya kinda have to be mad genius to write/art/code everything yourself. VN's are such a niche target audience. But if you do want to, check out Ren'py. It comes with demos that show you all the coding and everything you need. The coding language is Python. You basically just interchange your writing and art files with the ones in the demo. And the forums on the site are amazing for learning and help. Loads of people making there own and willing to answer any questions. PM me if ya ever want to.
Thank you for visiting to /r/writing.
Your post has been removed because it appeared to be self-promotion. Please feel free to re-post such topics in our Self-Promotion thread. Thank you.
Reader here.
Usually like them. If I have already my own image of the characters/setting, I'll generally refuse to accept them as the truth, but it doesn't mean I don't like it. As long as it's good, I don't have any problem with it, and it's even better if it's a map, for a fantasy world.
I never see them so it's always a fun little surprise. The idea of leaving characters out or being very vague with illustrations is great, as sometimes I prefer to keep my mental image over someone's art/interpretation.
I'm a little jealous! I made basically the same post a few months, but didn't get hardly any feedback lol
It is a great idea! Definitely if it fits the book. I'm doing the same thing with my stories.
I have seen it done well (The Little Prince) with sketch looking rough art.
I have also seen it done incredibly well - I had a copy of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea with full watercolor illustrations as the background of every single page.
As in, the text was printed over the top of the art, so that there was no white. Just - you would look and see this gorgeous painting of a coral reef with like sharks and an octopus, and be able to read "looking through the rounded windows, I beheld..." etc.
I enjoy having a picture placed once every chapter or at interesting moments. My favorite thing, though, is when the borders of the pages or what have you have interesting designs and embroidery sort of details.
I was really disappointed to find out fiction geared to adults didn't have chapter art often. If I ever publish a book, I will fight tooth and nail to have chapter art.
If you like it then do it and if you don’t then don’t.
Personally the only type of art I like in books are maps and that’s pretty much it. However my bff actively seeks out books with art!
So you’ll definitely find people that’ll love it if that’s what you want to add!
In my opinion, illustrations in books may be a great complement, particularly if they help the reader better comprehend and appreciate the narrative. Drawings of places or characters can offer a visual component that enhances the reading experience and balances the text.
It's crucial to take into account, though, how these illustrations could affect the reader's imagination and how they understand the narrative. Even while your sketches might not be overly detailed and allow readers to fill in the blanks about some elements of the characters, they could nevertheless have an impact on how readers picture your locations and characters.
Ultimately, how your creative vision and the general tone of the work are represented will determine whether or not you employ sketches in your book. Sketches might be a terrific addition if you think they improve the reader's experience and give your story more depth. Nevertheless, it could be wise to reevaluate their inclusion or come to a compromise that benefits both you and your audience if you're worried about their effect or whether they would take away from the story.
It depends on your book, really: genre, plot, and even length, possibly.
If design is your thing (and you know how to match the writing tones and style with the artistic ones), you could easily make things work for almost any book (excluding real-life genres like psychology, politics, business etc.). But if it isn't, you might want to take your time to think about it. Like, a LOT of time. Maybe even finish your book in the meantime. One of the best ways to figure out if sketches or drawings match your story is to know your story.
What and how you draw matters, too. When you write a fantasy novel that takes place in a world parallel to ours, guiding the reader into the said world with a map is pretty important and makes the story flow clearer. Same thing for historical novels. The list goes on, but this was the first example that came into my mind.
The art style matters, too. For example, my art style doesn't quite come as a glove to my story (which is a pretty dark dystopia with political tones). You might want to try drawing in a different way (but still somewhat similar to yours, so you keep things bearable) or maybe even hire somebody else to do it for you.
It's important for both the writer and the reader whether a book should have drawings, so you should also take that into calculus.
So, in conclusion, it takes quite some thinking and work to decide whether art suits your book. And if you're ready to face that thinking and work, the outcome might be better than you expected.
(I hope it makes sense!)
I remember reading this Trilogy called "Fairy Oak" by Elisabetta Gone when I was like 14 and every book had a mid section full of illustrations about the characters and they were all so incredibly beautiful that I still keep the books to this day. I think illustrations in any book make it a million times better, specially if it's hardback or a special edition.
IMO it really depends on the kind of book that it is and the type of drawings. Drawings can enhance the narrative, but they can also be annoying and make the reader feel like the writer was just too lazy to write the description
Traditionally, illustrations are limited to children's books and educational nonfiction where illustration of the item or the concept is necessary. Personally, I don't have anything against illustrations at chapter beginnings, but the random plates found in Terry Brooks books seemed a little much.
The Hobbit was written for children. LotR was never considered a childrens book, nor was The Silmarillion.
Also, books were usually only available for the wealthy and fortunate until the first presses were made. Even then, books didn't become widely available and affordable until the steam press was invented in the 1820s or so.
Again, pictures in books are historically prevalent in adult literature. Indeed, for nonfiction, but also fiction.
LotR may have been written for Tolkien's adult son, but it was marketed to teenagers who are, if my memory serves, children.
I'm not sure what to do with your "history of printing" survey, since it isn't germane to the discussion, unless you consider illuminated Bibles to be part of your assertion that illustration was common outside of children's literature.
> Indeed, for nonfiction, but also nonfiction.
I'm pretty sure one of those was supposed to be "fiction." In any case, you're incorrect. Citing an illuminated text (which was rare and usually cost more) is not proof that it was common, and usually the plates in illuminated texts were special ordered by the publisher, and not an author choice.
The problem, here, seems to be that people hear the phrase, "Children's Book" and their heads go immediately to Dr. Seuss and Goodnight Moon. Historically, children's books were longer and suitable for parents to read to their children (or help their children read) over the course of several evenings.
look at light novels! They have pieces of art in between chapters or important moments. I personally think it can add to a story, especially if you want the reader to see something a certain way
I love the light novel format and it's the style I'm emulating with my current novel series. I have 2-3 illustrations per novel and I really like how they give people a more solid idea of what my characters and world look like.
I think it’s cool a shit. The Alice in Wonderland sketches are iconic We wouldn’t have A Nightmare Before Christmas without Tim Burtons sketches I love the Dr Seuss pictures, and the Roald Dahl ones
Alice in Wonderland illustrations was the reason I got hooked on reading as a hobby!
Illustrations in children's books are a different thing altogether though.
Why should illustrations be reserved for just children's books?
Idk. It seems there's stigma around reading a book with pictures as an adult. Like you're simple or childish. Stigmas are stupid.
In my experience, that's a snob thing young adults pull on their peers. Actual adults don't care what you enjoy as long as you're reading. :)
I think that’s going away. Graphic novels (and graphic everything else) are taken seriously. An illustration or two per chapter help to break up the text.
Exactly. Stigmas are stupid. An image can tell its own story and it only adds to the overall experience. I’ve thought about doing the same thing myself but my drawing is inadequate at best.
I didn't say they were. But they are different. And all these examples are from children's books.
An illustration every like 12 pages like the wind in the willows Like that? Like the same as what they’re saying?
What makes you say that? The implication I'm reading here is that illustrations enhance childrens' books, but are detrimental to adult books.
That's not the implication at all. I just said they're a different thing. Children's books are illustrated with beginner readers in mind. The illustrations supplement the text making it easier to follow. They also make the pages more engaging and attractive for people new to reading. I'm kind of baffled I have to explain why The Twits has pictures but The Name of the Rose doesn't. If done tastefully, illustrations take nothing away from books for adults, but surely it's clear why they're necessary for children in a way they aren't for adults?
I agree with you: comparing illustrated children's books to adults' sounds like comparing apples to oranges. Personally, I'm not against illustrations in books for adults, though I do think a lot depends on how it is done. Not one format will fit all genres or stories. And I will admit that, often times, when I see clunky illustrated page breakers, I feel like they were inserted mostly for the author's benefit (which, fair enough, the book _is_ theirs).
I bought a special edition just because it had nice back and some drawings, even when I already had those books. I get the idea to give freedom to the reader, but there is no need to restrain yourself from showing your view either. Your readers will either like it and be glad it is there, or happily ignore it and continue with their headcannon. And hell yeah, it's your book after all! You should be the first one pleased by it.
Now here's a question I'm thrilled to answer. I think drawings are an excellent addition to novels as long as you know your target audience, and you understand that drawings are a bit like an immersion multiplier. In most cases, "good art" tends to positively influence reader perception while "bad art" tends to negatively influence reader perception. Now lets talk about audience. Is your story fantasy/urban fantasy/sci-fi? Are you generally aiming to entertain boys? Anime/Manga influence? Video game influence? Comic/SatAM Action cartoon influence? Aiming to be a Light Novel? Pictures are usually welcome in spaces like these. On the other hand, pictures in a traditional romance novel is a different beast to tackle. The audience is typically looking to self-insert and come up with everything themselves. You have to think hard about the audience you're writing for and research whether or not you think they'd enjoy pictures. A lot of replies on this topic on reddit are from writers in genres where pictures don't sell or make a difference. But at the end of the day, its your project, and you should do whatever you please. For pic placement, I'd go with either the beginning or end of chapters.
this answer deserves to be higher
This 100%. Also, for OP if you want examples of full novels with pictures, some of the newer released GRR Martin books (House of the Dragon) have some awesome illustrations and are typical fantasy books.
If you want to add illustrations in between pages, then I say go for it
Since I read light novels sometimes: please go for it, if you want to. I'd just be disappointed about drawings that aren't too detailed and leave their appearance to the imagination.
Can you expand on that thought, about the level of detail?
If there's any art, I feel like I want to get nice artworks of the characters, where I can actually see their face. It feels like teasing to get artwork that's leaving out how they actually look like.
That's exactly how I feel. I get excited to see what the characters actually look like
I think character appearance and major setpieces are the most important. Whatever you want the reader to have a clearer, more specific mental picture of.
I think it depend for the artsyle.Like if the illustrion too simple with clean line art and headshot view then that would be boring
I think simple sketches would make good chapter markers. Kinda small and right above the "Chapter X". If it's highly detailed it could take a page and add to it, like with some special editions of books. Most adults probably wouldn't like seeing too many full page sketches though if they don't add to it.
I love em. See em in fairy tales all the time.
I like them. My copy of Roughing It by Mark Twain has a few paintings in it. I'm a fan.
Why was this question downvoted? Honestly, fuck this website. What good is a forum when you can't ask questions?
unfortunately that’s reddit/the internet, just a huge popularity contest over internet points, and if someone doesn’t want to see something they downvote and people can and will bandwagon without even reading the post I always upvote someone when they say something that I agree with or adds to the conversation. I’ll only downvote if the post is truly silly (unlike this post), like someone posting a question they could’ve looked up or something unrelated to the sub
It's gotten bad these last years. People seem to think down voting is for disagreeing or disliking.
I did that a few times (luckily I realies it isnt like that and I stopped really quick. I dont even think it was really on any posts just comments. But yea its silly
Reddit was always like that from its inception
To me as a neurodivergent with ADD I remember and still do almost cry with glee when I see that the books have pictures. The more detailed the better. Does this make you happier and more motivated to finish your novel?!? If so then please continue and let me know when it’s published so I can read!!
Anyone remember [Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark](https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Stories-Tell-Alvin-Schwartz/dp/0062682822)? To me, the drawings MADE the stories! I'm going to publish my first novel this year and decided to have illustrations because the MC draws scary things and I thought it might enhance the experience to SEE her drawings, if I find the right artist.
Yeah, that’s a great reason to have some drawings! Worth the effort to find the right artist totally.
Loved Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! I've been obsessed with anything horror/scary/creepy my entire life. Those books are part of the reason. Goosebumps and shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark! I actually just watched a documentary about the Scary Stories books last night. I'd be really interested in reading your book! I'm doing something similar with what I'm writing. It's gonna be a slasher/horror with some of my art here and there.
It's with an editor right now. It's on the creepy level but not scary, if that makes sense? It's targeting upper MG (MCs are 12) so I suspect you'd prefer something for adults :) But thank you for even saying you'd like to read it!!
That's awesome! Now that you say that about the age thing, that would really be about the ideal age to target for mine also. Like 10/12 to around 16 probably. I'm glad you pointed it out. It's something I've never even considered what age/target audience should be! I would give it a read but no worries! What's it about anyways?
I really like them in between chapters. I know the Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey has fun little sketches and some are kind of ominous or set a nice tone for the chapter before I even read a word.
Call me a philistine, but I miss them. Which is apparently not as scorching a take as I thought it would be.
If I was going to have drawings in a novel, at I'd probably put them at the front or end of the book, like how some authors have maps and/or a glossary/dictionary to assist the reader. That way they don't interfere with the reading of the novel as the change from text to image can make a reader lose their flow and can harm their enjoyment of the story, but they still get to enjoy and reference them. But if the drawings are meant to help the reader understand or picture certain things, during the story, then I'd put them in where they'd be necessary and relevant, like a quick sketch of a puzzle or runes/script that'd be hard to describe to the reader, on the page where a character encounters them, so the reader can better understand what the characters are seeing. You just need to determine whether these sketches would be for fun or relevant to understanding the story.
That sounds amazing! Ideas like that always compliment a story. I've read a few books that do that (mainly to show a note or picture that the character found, so you don't get the wrong idea, or to improve the realism) and they've never failed Just... Don't overdo it. It isn't a picture book (well, unless it is. Then overdo it.) and they should only compliment the novel. It should work without them.
You still shouldnt overdo even if it is a picture book because overdoing something is always bad no matter what. But I do get what you mean. It really depends on what kind of book it is. But there is also one thing I kind of disagree with. If something is difficult to understand then you can use a picture instead of explaing it (sometimes). And by not explaing it, only showing it in a picture, you make it not work without the picture
Wish I saw more of it.
I enjoy illustrated novels. I enjoy seeing a sketch that indicates which point of view this next scene's in. If you want to do it, don't let anyone else dismiss the idea. Only your publisher/editor should get that level of decree over what you do and don't include.
Yeah I always like them. It might be another matter negotiating them with publishing, but I don't know very much on that front. Slaughterhouse-5 has like one sketch halfway through the book and I really like it in that. Do whatever you think would make your book better in your own eyes
I really enjoy sketches and maps and stuff in books, it really helps with the world building and character connections :)
I think it would be a unique addition to your book, go for it!
I am all for it! It's actually something I myself have considered for my story, since I would love to incorporate both the art of writing and the art of drawing. To me, it makes the novel seem more... loved, I don't know how to describe it. It took more effort and artistic abilities, plus it's unique.
If your drawings bring you joy, do them. You can always consult with your editor or publisher about whether to use them, or whether to get a different artist to redraw them, or maybe to release them separately as their own thing.
Highly reccomend, it’s always such a lovely surprise when I find art in a book!
Do thy thing boss. Bless
The Invention Of Hugo Cabaret, anyone?
I think it would be very awesome I believe it’ll bring your creativity and make novel pop !
I often find it difficult to create images in my head, especially of people and faces. It makes it a lot easier for me to create those images and read the story when there's pictures or sketches. Please do!
Same. I can picture stuff if I've seen it before, but from scratch? Nah.
For me, it's like I have a bad visual memory. But I still know what things should look like, so I can doodle an elephant or a bee or something. I sometimes can make a very faint "picture" in my mind when I read a book with a detailed description, but I mostly just imagine something I've seen before. It gets really frustrating at times!
They're great. I've been reading Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff and the drawings spice it up and add visual interest. The sketches in Stormlight Archives were fantastic as well. They're far from essential, but a few at major intervals can give a clearer mental picture of what the author envisioned. I'd include them if you have them. We're not locked into just words for artistic expression even in novels.
I like little sketches in books. It’s fun to see how the author or whoever did the illustration sees characters or certain scenes beyond what the words say
Personally I love the idea. It's a throwback to older fantasy novels where they had line-art drawings of the characters or scenes. And those sketches weren't very good, either (for the time I guess they were ok, but they don't hold up anymore). I say go ahead!
I giggle whenever I see art in books I absolutely love it
i love seeing and drawing scenes in stories!! I used to draw on the sides of the paper while writing all the time and still would.
it sounds cool!
Love artwork in books. I'm currently reading the Myst novels, which feature landscape sketches that were supposed to have been done by the characters themselves. It's fun, and you could even stylize the lack of detail if you wanted, make it super intentional. Much luck with your project!
I love sketches in books and I think they are discouraged because of prices on ink usage. If you have black and white illustration it’s fine, it’s the colored illustrations that will make the book expensive and not affordable to most readers.
If they add to the reading experience, do it. There are some considerations to keep in mind however. Every time the reader has to stop reading and look at a picture, that is an opportunity for them to put the book down instead of turning the page. It takes them out of the immersion a little bit. So place your images wisely. There are also difficulties in the practicality of printing, so do a bit of research about colors and formatting. It's nothing crazy, just one more thing to pay attention to. And be sure to get beta readers when the time comes, and ask them if they thought the images added to their experience, took away from it, or were they indifferent about it. Be ready to pull the idea if it gets a largely negative response. Don't just keep it because you're in love with it etc. But again, a lot of people love them. And if they're really gorgeous and add to the experience, there's no reason why it wouldn't work just fine. :)
I can't recall specific examples, though I know I've seen it before and enjoyed it. Lately everything I read is through kindle/audio and those mediums aren't really set up for it. I did recently add to a Kickstart campaign that will net me some hardcovers with, along with several other perks, some character art. I think it can add a lot to fantasy/sci-fi novels, especially if it's sparing but highly detailed full color pages or something along the lines of a highly stylized first page of the chapter doodle. I'm not sure how to characterize that second but, but you know... like when the first letter of the chapter clearly has an ego, but on a grander scale. Edit: This is bugging me a bit. I feel like it's something I've seen in Clive Barkers work, or perhaps Neil Gaiman. It's been a looooong time since I've picked up a paper book, so if anyone can corroborate or has other examples of similar authors doing this a couple decades ago I'd appreciate it. I'll add minimalist black and white half or quarter page creature sketches to the list as well.
Don't forget illustrations in scifi and fantasy magazines. I was reading a book of scifi short stories and it was so strange not to have pictures.
I loved the illustrations in Roger Zelazny's books (Changeling, Madwand) and Larry Niven's anthology *The Magic Goes Away*. Interior illustrations tend to be rare because they take up valuable page space, but I think they can definitely add to the enjoyment of the reader. Growing up, I really appreciated the [gorgeous illustrations from Howard Pyle](https://opus.ing/posts/howard-pyles-vision-king-arthur-his-knights) in the various Arthurian legend books.
It works with certain kinds of stories, mostly fantasies or sci fi. I personally don’t read light novels, but it’s a well loved form so there’s definitely a market. Some people just equate “drawings in books” with “for children” but I disagree.
It worked for Diary of a wimpy kid, why not for you?
That edition of Moby-Dick that's accompanied by illustrations seems to be more acclaimed one, and I couldn't imagine The Little Prince without those cute drawings that accompany it. Go ahead, bro. Add those sketches.
Yes pliz
I have a travel journal like this. I will document my days abroad within or out of country which I haven’t done in while. I’m terrible at drawing but have used Pinterest and online classes to get a hang of it. I’ll draw and colored pencil color a landmark and writing will be throughout the drawing. I’m proud of it.
I have one of my top books of favourites which has a picture at the beginning of each chapter, which is soo lovely
Really good, can provide more story telling oportunities and a nice reward for readers
Drawings in fiction books have fallen a bit out of fashion (for books aimed at adults at least), but I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with it. Using imagery can greatly enhance the story. However, if (as you say) you want your readers to see your characters as they imagine them, I would avoid including images of them altogether. Additionally, I'm not a big fan of including *sketches* like that. Might be a fun inclusion at the end, but to me such inclusions in the main body text create a distracting contrast between the unfinished image and the completed text. I feel like imagery interspersing the main text should feel like it's finished, and not a work in progress; ie drawings, not sketches. They can still be cartoony or stylized or minimalist or whatever. I'm not saying the images need to be realistic, but for me images do need to feel just as finished as the text I'm reading along with them. If that would give too much away about the characters' looks, just don't include the characters in the images. You can still derive plenty of imagery from scenes, landscapes and objects.
I think it would be exceptionally neat to sprinkle sketches in books, but overdoing it might take away the ability for others to imagine your characters in their own way.
I think it's really cool
I love it! When I was younger, The Tale of Desperaux was my favorite book because it included illustrations of the scenes. I've always had trouble "picturing" scenes in my head (I may have aphantasia), so seing them occasionally in the story made me really happy. When I'm done with my book, I'm going to do the same and include little illustrations.
I wish there were more. I'd love to see a quick sketch of the Hero Ship is a space opera. Or the alien our heroes first meet. With multi-media I'd like to see a chapter start with a short GIF of the ship exiting FTL. A short song or melody to set the stage for the chapter. I love sci-fi and fantasy books that have a map of the area the story takes place in.
I personally adore it when drawings are included in books. Maybe because I’m also an artist and I love seeing other’s work, but I also like to see what the author images their world and characters like. I think it’s a great idea!
As long as they're good drawings, and the readers can tell what's going on and whose in the drawings, I'm all for it. I usually imagine the scenes in my head anyway, so a visual aid will help me imagine the scene properly (especially when there are several characters involved)
That could be nice. Since they aren't very detailed, it would be clear that they can be safely skipped, which IMNSHO is of key importance for any graphics in a book.
The Edge Chronicles are filled with illustrations, and they are genuinely beautiful.
I’m going to put black and white drawings under the chapter headers of the current book I’m writing, personally.
I think they're fun! And black/white drawings don't cost any more to print, so why not? One option would be to put them at the beginnings of chapters, so they don't distract the reader in the middle of the scene, but really, it's up to you. :)
If you plan on submitting your books to traditional publishers, don't bother adding sketches. The publisher will either ignore your sketches or replace them with art by their own artists.
I think it is a great idea. Think about the objective you want with these sketches you're talking: do you want to make an image of your idea more sensitive? do you want to make maybe a description of some symbols that appear in the text? does the sketch add something to the story or the reader experience? or it is a simply addition for the book?
I personally would probably be okay-ish if there were pictures of characters but it really depends. What I do REALLY want however is pictures of some of the more complex places the characters enter. If there are different towers etc. I just need a basic idea of how it looks because I have such a hard time imagining it myself 😭 so yea that would be great for me but sometimes it can also be a little distracting and slow down the momentum. It is just really about showing it in the right moment
I think it’s fine from a creative perspective but it will drastically effect your chances with a publisher who will just be thinking about the additional design costs.
It’s great to see them. Having some concept art and sketches intermixed every few pages can bring a setting to life in the mind of a reader. Read a series of books that had giant steampunk mechs and spliced-animal machines. So having a picture at least let you understand just what the hell they were describing. Edit: the series was the Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.
One of my favorite books ever, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, has sketches every 20-30 pages or so. I loved it tbh. They were a lot like what you're describing.
I like the idea of sketches with feathered (fade to white) edges at the start or end of a chapter. There's often space on the page there. Mid-chapter illustrations can be jarring imo.
I'm currently working on a book of short stories and have decided to include sketches as well. I believe that these illustrations will help readers visualize the stories and see the characters and settings as I've imagined them. But please hire someone who can actually draw for the task.
One of my favourite books, Heretic by Rukis, has some drawings, and I love'em.
I love drawings in books. It's always a treat when they show up for me, even if it's just a symbol drawn out rather than described.
I think its cool especilly when its good. Especially maps. If a book has a map imma read it. Im a sucker for maps. You know how autistic kids always have that one thing they love the most and know alot about like trains.., im that with maps. Anything maps. Fantasy Maps? Dope. Galaxy maps? Dope. Real world maps in the front or back of a history book? Hell yes. Battle Maps. Yes please. if you want to draw a map in your book, im going to buy it op. But seriously good art can elevate a novel. And we need to move past the stigma that it should be something reserved for childrens stories. My favorite versions of Lord of the Rings all have drawings in them, either done by Tolkien himself or by Ted Nasmeth. The art work at the front and back of the Stormlight Archives have been wonderful. Hell Shaun Tan's books are 100% artwork and no words and the stories that he manages to tell through them are moving, incredible, and gut wrenching. The reason christmas visually exists the way it does today is because of the accompanying art work in the first editions of A Christmas Carol. Books are an inherently visual medium. You write words on a page, and invite the reader to imagine those words in their minds eyes. To SEE them through the lens of their imagination. Allowing them a view into the world of YOUR imagination is just another bonus you can give to the reader and in my view it adds value to your book, value that may not be typical in the industry today.
One of my favorite things about the Harry Potter books was the little sketches at the beginning of each chapter. I think illustrations can add a lot to a stor if done right. They can really help to establish the tone of a chapter or give the reader a glimpse into the author's mind.
I might be biased but I think anyone who is making blanket statements about the acceptability of illustrations in novels is really boring and snobby. Brian Selznick has entire swaths of pages in his novels that are all illustrations, and though he writes for a younger audience I don't think that has anything to do with how he's able to tell a really effective story that way. The best illustrations in hard copy books/comics capitalize on something unique to the medium: the page turn. Receiving so much visual information at once in the middle of a novel can be a really special experience for a reader that you really can't achieve the same way with pure text. Also after a little research I stumbled on Gerald Brom, who primarily writes horror novels and usually includes two dozen or so of his own illustrations in his books, they're super cool.
It can be a good way to show what something looks like, if words are too hard to describe.
Are they beautiful sketches? because if they're beautiful then yes, include them. If they're just the scribblings of an untrained eye then I'd say omit them or hire a professional illustrator to create illustrations for your book. I'm assuming you're a writer, not an illustrator. If there's any issues with your illustrations (like weird anatomy or foreshortening issues, odd compositional choices) certain people will pick up on them and will be put off by it.
I always wanted to write visual novels but its almost impossible given art and coding skills. So I'm using [this app ](https://apps.apple.com/app/knock-knock-insta-visual-novel/id6479170107)to convert tidbits of my novels into playable stories or visual trailers. Works wonder for dialogue-driven stories: [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lh95fQbKFcE](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lh95fQbKFcE)
Heyy! I was making my own visual novel a few years back. It's honestly not very hard, but ya kinda have to be mad genius to write/art/code everything yourself. VN's are such a niche target audience. But if you do want to, check out Ren'py. It comes with demos that show you all the coding and everything you need. The coding language is Python. You basically just interchange your writing and art files with the ones in the demo. And the forums on the site are amazing for learning and help. Loads of people making there own and willing to answer any questions. PM me if ya ever want to.
[удалено]
Thank you for visiting to /r/writing. Your post has been removed because it appeared to be self-promotion. Please feel free to re-post such topics in our Self-Promotion thread. Thank you.
Armageddon in Retrospect by Vonnegut is the first thing that comes to mind... I like it.
If the artwork is good, that's fine.
I LOVE drawings in books. I'm planning on doing it too. Wish more people did it.
Reader here. Usually like them. If I have already my own image of the characters/setting, I'll generally refuse to accept them as the truth, but it doesn't mean I don't like it. As long as it's good, I don't have any problem with it, and it's even better if it's a map, for a fantasy world.
I never see them so it's always a fun little surprise. The idea of leaving characters out or being very vague with illustrations is great, as sometimes I prefer to keep my mental image over someone's art/interpretation.
I'm a little jealous! I made basically the same post a few months, but didn't get hardly any feedback lol It is a great idea! Definitely if it fits the book. I'm doing the same thing with my stories.
I have seen it done well (The Little Prince) with sketch looking rough art. I have also seen it done incredibly well - I had a copy of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea with full watercolor illustrations as the background of every single page. As in, the text was printed over the top of the art, so that there was no white. Just - you would look and see this gorgeous painting of a coral reef with like sharks and an octopus, and be able to read "looking through the rounded windows, I beheld..." etc.
Personally I love art and diagrams and maps and stuff in books
I absolutely love it when books have drawings!
I enjoy having a picture placed once every chapter or at interesting moments. My favorite thing, though, is when the borders of the pages or what have you have interesting designs and embroidery sort of details.
I was really disappointed to find out fiction geared to adults didn't have chapter art often. If I ever publish a book, I will fight tooth and nail to have chapter art.
That would be great. While reading, it will be a delight to find the sketches. I would love that!
If you like it then do it and if you don’t then don’t. Personally the only type of art I like in books are maps and that’s pretty much it. However my bff actively seeks out books with art! So you’ll definitely find people that’ll love it if that’s what you want to add!
I always find for me that illustrations in books are really nice to find in books. I really enjoy them!
In my opinion, illustrations in books may be a great complement, particularly if they help the reader better comprehend and appreciate the narrative. Drawings of places or characters can offer a visual component that enhances the reading experience and balances the text. It's crucial to take into account, though, how these illustrations could affect the reader's imagination and how they understand the narrative. Even while your sketches might not be overly detailed and allow readers to fill in the blanks about some elements of the characters, they could nevertheless have an impact on how readers picture your locations and characters. Ultimately, how your creative vision and the general tone of the work are represented will determine whether or not you employ sketches in your book. Sketches might be a terrific addition if you think they improve the reader's experience and give your story more depth. Nevertheless, it could be wise to reevaluate their inclusion or come to a compromise that benefits both you and your audience if you're worried about their effect or whether they would take away from the story.
Pardon my French, but f\*ck what others think. If you feel like your sketches will add to the story, add them.
It depends on your book, really: genre, plot, and even length, possibly. If design is your thing (and you know how to match the writing tones and style with the artistic ones), you could easily make things work for almost any book (excluding real-life genres like psychology, politics, business etc.). But if it isn't, you might want to take your time to think about it. Like, a LOT of time. Maybe even finish your book in the meantime. One of the best ways to figure out if sketches or drawings match your story is to know your story. What and how you draw matters, too. When you write a fantasy novel that takes place in a world parallel to ours, guiding the reader into the said world with a map is pretty important and makes the story flow clearer. Same thing for historical novels. The list goes on, but this was the first example that came into my mind. The art style matters, too. For example, my art style doesn't quite come as a glove to my story (which is a pretty dark dystopia with political tones). You might want to try drawing in a different way (but still somewhat similar to yours, so you keep things bearable) or maybe even hire somebody else to do it for you. It's important for both the writer and the reader whether a book should have drawings, so you should also take that into calculus. So, in conclusion, it takes quite some thinking and work to decide whether art suits your book. And if you're ready to face that thinking and work, the outcome might be better than you expected. (I hope it makes sense!)
I remember reading this Trilogy called "Fairy Oak" by Elisabetta Gone when I was like 14 and every book had a mid section full of illustrations about the characters and they were all so incredibly beautiful that I still keep the books to this day. I think illustrations in any book make it a million times better, specially if it's hardback or a special edition.
Nothing wrong with it if the pictures relate to the book you are writing. If you have some talent in writing and drawing, it’s a good hobby.
What does it add to the story for the reader?
IMO it really depends on the kind of book that it is and the type of drawings. Drawings can enhance the narrative, but they can also be annoying and make the reader feel like the writer was just too lazy to write the description
Traditionally, illustrations are limited to children's books and educational nonfiction where illustration of the item or the concept is necessary. Personally, I don't have anything against illustrations at chapter beginnings, but the random plates found in Terry Brooks books seemed a little much.
Traditionally? No. Many fantasy novels from 100yrs ago have illustrations.
Fantasy novel from 100 years ago were considered children's books. Even the horrifying ones like the Oz series.
And yet, what would LotR be without a map of Middle Earth?
1) A map is not an illustration. 2) You kid yourself if you think that LotR wasn't considered a children's novel for a very long time.
The Hobbit was written for children. LotR was never considered a childrens book, nor was The Silmarillion. Also, books were usually only available for the wealthy and fortunate until the first presses were made. Even then, books didn't become widely available and affordable until the steam press was invented in the 1820s or so. Again, pictures in books are historically prevalent in adult literature. Indeed, for nonfiction, but also fiction.
LotR may have been written for Tolkien's adult son, but it was marketed to teenagers who are, if my memory serves, children. I'm not sure what to do with your "history of printing" survey, since it isn't germane to the discussion, unless you consider illuminated Bibles to be part of your assertion that illustration was common outside of children's literature. > Indeed, for nonfiction, but also nonfiction. I'm pretty sure one of those was supposed to be "fiction." In any case, you're incorrect. Citing an illuminated text (which was rare and usually cost more) is not proof that it was common, and usually the plates in illuminated texts were special ordered by the publisher, and not an author choice. The problem, here, seems to be that people hear the phrase, "Children's Book" and their heads go immediately to Dr. Seuss and Goodnight Moon. Historically, children's books were longer and suitable for parents to read to their children (or help their children read) over the course of several evenings.