When effective, the synergy between words and pictures in forming and driving a narrative, can be seamless. Who can think of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo without also conjuring in their imaginations Axel Scheffler’s brilliant illustrations; of Roald Dahl without considering the energetic pen and ink illustrations of Quentin Blake; of Dick Bruna’s Miffy without visualising his iconic rabbit or Doctor Seuss without bringing to mind the Lorax, or the Grinch? There is an alchemy in how words and pictures cohere to form a consistent narrative. This is achieved through numerous interrelationships, often completely invisible to end-readers and yet as a consequence of these, the finished narrative operates as a cohesive whole.

This chapter examines the various external influencers that shape visual narratives. Economic factors, technology and production all exert influence over what is able to be published and the way in which this happens. This chapter will explore some of the decisions publishers make and the impact this has on readers. An understanding of the ways in which publishing works can help to contextualise how and why certain decisions are made, how this affects the final reading experience and the ways in which libraries, schools, bookshops and educational establishments can collaborate with publishers to create opportunities for reader engagement.

Agents

The journey to publication often begins with an agent. They represent clients, which involves putting them forward for projects, liaising with publishers on their behalf to promote their work and negotiating the best publishing deals. Here we talk with agent Vicki Willden-Lebrecht (2019) who founded The Bright Group International in 2003. The Bright Group is an illustration agency with an international reach, known for its forward thinking approach to the power of illustration.