Martin Salisbury contact

As I am interested in the topic of being an author and illustrator of children’s books I contacted Martin Salisbury. He runs the illustration department at Cambridge University, he is also a critic of children’s books. He has brought out two books based on picture book illustration and his expertise led to him being featured on the BBC’s Picture Book programs. I am going to be writing about “the rise of the authorstrator” for my issues and practices report. As Martin Salisbury coined the term authorstrator he seemed like an obvious choice to contact. His response has shed some light on the industry and he has outlined the options available. My questions are grey and his responses are black.

Firstly I would like to ask if illustrators who write their own children’s books as well illustrate them tend to have some sort of training in literature. Whilst watching the Picture Book programs I found it very interesting that certain traits within a story often contribute towards the success, like bringing animals and toys to life or liberating the child characters from home before taking them on an adventure. Do courses or books exist which teach people to write in such a way or is this something which comes naturally to an author?

Firstly- no, I don't think many picturebook author-illustrators will have taken any formal lessons in writing. Here on the MA Children's Book Illustration course that I lead people often ask me 'do you teach writing'. I suppose we do but it is embedded in the teaching of visual sequence. Creating or composing a picturebook is more like directing a film. It can often begin as a visual idea (Sendak called it a 'visual poem') which gradually resolves itself sequentially. Often the words come last. Many of my students who say 'I can't write' find that they can when they allow themselves to think visually. Then it becomes a matter of 'sequential structuring' rather than 'writing'.
As well as our own MA here there is an MA in Authorial Illustration at Falmouth.

As an illustrator starting out in the children’s book industry, do you think it would be better to try and build up a reputation illustrating other peoples literature before attempting to approach publishers as an illustrator and author? In your experience does there seem to be any publishers more willing to give freshly graduated illustrators a chance more than others. In a recent trip to London I discovered how hard it is to even attain an interview with a publisher, so it would be great if you have any tips on publishers willing to try someone new.

Re your second question- it's good to be able to tackle as many things as possible, especially illustration for older children's readers, black and white work etc. Making a living just in picturebooks (as opposed to illustrated story books) is very difficult unless you are very lucky. Have you entered the Macmillan Prize? It's a good way to get a foot in the door if you are successful in that. Yes, it's hard to get to see editors. Our students are lucky because most publishers know the course well and will see people on our recommendation.
Some smaller or newer publishers are more open to seeing newcomers e.g. Little tiger Press, Childs Play, Barefoot Books. I recommend a visit to the Bologna Children's Book fair in Italy in March/April if you want a real overview of the industry.