In regard to the various comments about whether or not cover artists who are
illustrating books have actually *read* what they are illustrating: probably
not. Illustrators are selected by a committee of editorial and managing
editors, usually on the basis of their portfolio style, having been
preselected by the publisher's design team or senior designer, usually via an
art rep. It is the editors (who presumably *have* read the book) who give
direction to the illustrator, though they sometimes select from already
available material. If the illustrator had to read everything he/she
illustrates, the illustration would never get done and he/she would never
earn a living. Having worked from both directions (as writer and artist), I
think I am pretty accurate about this. So--next time you wonder "what was
that *illustrator* THINKING" think again! Ask instead, what editor thought
THAT was a good selling point for this book? And, if you think it is hard to
get your words published, try getting your images printed! (just a small
divergence)
Barbara
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