Why I Offer Unlimited Changes?
When I first started illustrating picture books, I kept coming back to one question:
How can I create the best possible version of this story, the one the author dreamed of, without allowing for changes along the way?
The truth is: I can’t. Not without listening. Not without refining. Not without the freedom to respond to what the book is becoming.
That’s why I offer unlimited revisions. It might sound unusual in an industry of package deals and capped feedback rounds. But for me, it’s about more than policy, it’s about pride, partnership, and creative integrity.
It’s Not About Perfectionism — It’s About Collaboration
I don’t offer unlimited changes because I want to tweak things endlessly. In fact, when I’ve had in-depth conversations with an author at the start and we’ve explored their characters, their world, and the emotions they want the book to carry together, I usually don’t get flooded with feedback at all.
It’s because we’re already walking in the same direction.
And when feedback does come, it doesn’t feel like a burden. It feels like co-creating. We’re both leaning in and noticing details that elevate the story. Sometimes the changes even come from me, small tweaks to improve the visual rhythm, strengthen a page turn, or enhance the emotional impact of a moment.
A Real-Life Example: Direction, Journey, and Flow
Example:
This is the very rough screenshot that I sent to the author when I made those changes !
In Daisy and the Dream Bus, a book I recently illustrated, the characters go on a journey, physically and emotionally. When I reviewed the print version, I realized that the direction they were walking on some pages felt inconsistent. They weren’t always heading forward.
So, we flipped a few spreads; a simple change that completely transformed the flow of the story. Suddenly, their path felt intentional. The book had a natural sense of movement, as if the characters were truly going somewhere.
That kind of shift might seem small. But it’s the difference between “nice” and just right.
This Is Your Story — I’m Just Helping It Shine
As an illustrator, I never forget that this book is your creation. I’m not the author of the story, I’m the one interpreting it visually, like carefully following a family recipe you’ve handed down.
Yes, I bring my own creative flair, my style, and my sense of visual storytelling. But my job is to translate your vision, to make sure your story lives and breathes on the page the way you imagined it.
The Goal? For You to Be Deeply, Completely Proud
I always tell my clients: I’m not done until you’re absolutely thrilled.
This isn’t just about creating a marketable product. It’s about making something you’ll want to keep on your bookshelf forever, something your younger self would have treasured, and your future readers will fall in love with.
If it takes one change, or eleven, we’ll make them. Because the moment you hold your book in your hands, I want you to feel a sense of joy, pride, and “yes, this is it.”
That feeling is worth everything.
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
What’s your biggest worry or hope when it comes to revisions?
Drop a comment below, I read and reply to every one!
