Hire a Children's Book Illustrator With 75+ Published Books
Hand-drawn illustrations · cover · formatting · Amazon publishing
You've written your story. Now you need an illustrator you can trust. Here's what makes the difference — and how to verify it before you spend a single dollar.
The books I showcase aren't concept art or practice projects — they're real children's books published by real authors and available on Amazon. You can browse them directly, see the finished results, and then decide whether I'm the right illustrator for your story.
Every manuscript comes directly to me. When you hire a children's book illustrator through ePublishingeXperts, I personally read your story before we talk about illustrations. I recommend the exact illustration style, page count, and publishing approach that fits your book. Also, explore my dedicated faith-based illustrations and Christian children's books if your project has a spiritual foundation.
I'll review your story and send you a personalised illustration plan: recommended spread count, layout approach, and publishing options — free, no obligation.
Click any cover to see the live listing — published works available for independent inspection.
Before you read another word — search "Gaurav Bhatnagar children's book" on Amazon and browse 75+ books with my name on them. Independent verification before spending a penny.
From Manuscript to Amazon — the complete publishing roadmap
Every step is handled personally by me — your children's book illustrator, Gaurav Bhatnagar.
Imagine reading your own book to your child for the very first time.
For many authors, there's nothing quite like holding their finished book for the first time. Because when you decide to hire a children's book illustrator, it isn't just about pictures — it's about the moment you hold the physical book in your hands.
Published Authors Holding Their Finished Books
If you have a story, you're welcome to start the conversation.
How to hire a children's book illustrator (in 5 steps)
A practical way to choose — whether you hire me or anyone else.
Verify published work. Before you choose an illustrator, ask for links to real books on Amazon where they are credited, and verify the credit yourself.
Check character consistency. Open one of their books and compare the main character across several pages — same face, same proportions, every time.
Confirm sketch approval is part of the process. You should approve pencil sketches of every scene before coloring begins — which can help prevent expensive surprises.
Get everything in writing. Ensure your agreement covers scope, milestones, payment schedule, revision policy, and copyright terms on completion.
Start with a story evaluation. Ask whether your artist will review your story and recommend an illustration plan before you commit to the project. That's how I work — get your free plan here.
What to know before you hire a children's book illustrator
These are the questions every first-time author has — including the ones nobody says out loud. I've answered all of them honestly.
How do I know I can trust you?
I don't ask for full payment upfront — we work in milestones, so you only pay for work you've seen and approved. I've been doing this for 8+ years, collaborating with authors in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and India.
What if I don't like the illustrations?
Sketch-stage revisions are included — we keep refining until it’s right. If a character doesn't look right, we redraw. If a scene doesn't match your vision, we adjust. Nothing is ever finalized without your sign-off.
What if you misunderstand my story?
How does payment work? Will there be hidden charges?
1. A deposit to begin (confirms the project and books your spot)
2. A payment at sketch approval
3. Final payment on delivery of completed files
Every cost is agreed in writing before work begins. There are no surprise charges at any stage.
Will my characters look the same throughout the whole book?
This is also why AI-generated illustration has limitations for picture books — maintaining character continuity can be challenging. My final illustrations are created specifically for your story, with an approved character reference sheet guiding every scene.
Can you draw children of different ethnicities, animals, or fantasy characters?
How long does it take to illustrate my book?
I've never published before. Will you guide me through everything?
I explain every step in plain language before we move to it, so you'll never feel lost or expected to already know technical details. Read more in my guide for first-time authors.
Do I need to finish writing before I contact you?
Can you accurately illustrate Black children and children of color?
Who owns the illustrations? Do I have ownership of my book?
Can you help me publish on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark?
IngramSpark files are also available. Because I've published 75+ books this way, I ensure your files match exact publishing guidelines.
How quickly do you reply? Will I know what's happening each week?
You'll receive regular progress updates throughout the project so you always know where things stand. A project schedule with milestones is agreed before we begin, so there are no surprises.
How much does it cost to hire an illustrator?
How many illustrations does a 32-page children's book need?
What does a book illustrator actually do?
What file formats do I receive when the illustrations are finished?
The question nobody asks — but everyone is thinking.
"Will you care about my story as much as I do?"
Every author I work with has spent months — sometimes years — writing their story. I understand that you're not just hiring an illustrator. You're trusting someone with something deeply personal.
I take that seriously on every single project.
Don't take my word for it.
These are authors who had the same questions you just read — and reached out anyway.
Why authors choose me instead of hiring on a freelance marketplace
If you need a single illustration, a marketplace may be all you need. If you're creating a complete children's book, the process involves much more than individual pictures.
What does it cost to hire a children's book illustrator?
Every project is quoted individually — because no two books are alike. Here's how to set realistic expectations.
Custom Pricing Tailored to Your Story
Most complete projects fall between $800 and $2,000, depending on your story. Covers, formatting, and publishing support are tailored to your specific goals.
Factors Influencing Project Investment
The final investment depends on:
Planning Before You Publish
Many authors contact me before finalizing page counts. Because of this, I help you understand exactly what your story needs before providing any quote.
Example projects
Free personalised quote · 24 hours · No obligation
Your story deserves this
Ready to bring your story to life?
Let's create it together.
I'll personally evaluate your story and tell you exactly how many illustrations your book needs, what style would work best, and what it will cost — free, with no obligation.
Get My Free Illustration Plan
Tell me a little about your story — characters, age group, any style you love. I'll take it from there.
Your story deserves more than impressive illustrations.
It deserves a book children ask to read again.
More than 75 children’s books successfully published on Amazon & IngramSpark. Yours could be next.
Get My Free Illustration Plan →