✨ Ever wonder what publishers or agents are looking for in an illustration portfolio? ✨
This reel breaks down some key elements that can make your portfolio stand out in the world of children’s publishing.
If you’re an illustrator looking for more personalized feedback or guidance on your portfolio, I’d love to help! I offer one-on-one consultations where we can dive deeper into your work and tailor advice to your goals.
You can find all the details in the services section of our website: /services
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or thoughts after watching the video—always happy to chat!
If you are trying to get your foot in the door, or level up to the next floor, illustration can feel hard to navigate.”
I’m Nathan Bond and as founder and creative director of Fair Share Publishing and a teacher at Parsons School of Design for 17 years, I have seen and reviewed 1000’s of portfolios.
One thing I see all the time is very talented artists who are stuck. The work is good, but the portfolio isn’t showing publishers what they need to see. And most illustrators don’t have a real way to get honest feedback. They submit and hear nothing back, or they get compliments from people who love them.
I’m now offering one-on-one portfolio chats. Once you sign up, you’ll send me your biggest questions first. Then I do a deep dive on your portfolio before we meet. After that, we hop on a one-hour video call and together we go through what’s working, what isn’t, and what to do next.
So if you’re stuck on questions like: what’s missing, what to refine, how to pitch publishers, how to get an agent, or what art directors look for, this is designed for you.
Book through the link in my bio on Stan. I’ve opened up some slots for the new year.
https://stan.store/NathanBond #stanstore
🍄 BOOK BUILD Ep. 4 – What Happens After a Publisher Says Yes?
The book’s been pitched. The editor is in. You’ve got a “yes.”
But before there’s a contract… there’s the deal sheet (also called a term sheet).
In this episode, I’m cooking and explaining what actually gets decided before the lawyers show up—
from royalties and payments to page counts and deliverables.
It might not sound exciting, but this is when things start getting real.
Because a good deal sheet = fewer surprises, lower costs, and better alignment for everyone involved.
Next time, I’ll be serving up what actually goes into the full contract—
and what creators really need to pay attention to. #publishing #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #fairsharepublishing
Excited to share a small clip of an interview with the authors @shanimking and @njeremiduru of their upcoming book “You Are My Favorite Story” . Available for preorder now!
Here in Portland OR for the @ibpalovesindies annual conference! Looking forward to sharing some of the insights I gain from this amazing group of publishers and industry professionals! And wow- that one beard hair really wanted to have its film debut!! lol. It’s all I can look at now!! 😑
Ever wonder how a picture book cover gets decided upon? Swipe to hear illustrator John Jay Cabuay talk about bringing this one to life — and get your first look at the cover of You Are My Favorite Story. Follow along for more from our conversations with the authors and illustrator. The book arrives June 1st. Pre-order now at the link in bio.
Had an amazing interview with the super talented artist and illustrator of our upcoming children’s picture book - “You Are My Favorite Story” . @johnjaycabuay John Jay brought amazing talent and sensitivity to the art for this amazing book written by @njeremiduru and @shanimking . I can’t wait to share the cover (tomorrow!) and clips of the interview with him and the authors over the next couple of weeks. So great to work with such talented humans!!
NASA accepts less than 0.1% of applicants. Astronauts aren’t born with better reflexes — they train for them, and they train their minds too. Did you pause in time? Mike Mongo’s KID Astronaut Training Manual. Training starts now. Link in bio.
Written by Mike Mongo
Illustrations by Raghav Arumugam
ISBN
978-1-963981-08-7
Paperback 120 pages
Escalator royalties sound complicated, but the idea is simple: as a book sells more copies, the creator’s royalty rate goes up.
That can be a fair way to balance risk early on while making sure authors and illustrators share more in the upside when a project succeeds.
The key is not just the percentages — it’s the fine print:�How are sales defined?�How are returns and reserves handled?�And are those sales thresholds actually realistic?
At Fair Share Publishing, we usually keep it simple with a flat 50% of sales royalty after earn-out. But when a stepped structure makes sense, clarity and fairness matter most.
Because a royalty clause should reward success — not hide confusion.
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a message from Mother Earth herself? 🌎💚
In “Whispers From Mother Earth: Celebrate the Skin You’re In” written and illustrated by @maryamart.illustration , gentle letters from Mother Earth remind children that their skin, no matter the color, tint, or tone, is a beautiful reflection of the world’s natural wonders.
This story encourages children to embrace their individuality and see their own unique beauty reflected in the world around them.
Available now in bookstores and online. Link in bio to shop, or visit the Fair Share Publishing.com to learn more.
“KID Astronaut Training Manual” selected for print edition review of Publishers Weekly👏🏽👏🏽available where books are sold, ask for it by name! #nasa #artemis2 #independentbookstore #childrensbook #spacecamp
