Rates of Pay

Note: the rates of pay are based on the Australian Society of Authors, and are a guide only. We are in the process of reviewing and updating our rates of pay for 2026

Book Illustrations

These are only rough guides and do not factor in any usage or other requirements of the project. These are meant only as a base rate for you to build your own price from.

These are generally for ‘Book’ illustrations

Roughs

Black and white $90
Colour $120

B&W illustrations

Quarter page, chapter head, spot $230
Half page $360
Full page $500
Double page spread $600

Colour illustrations

Quarter page, chapter head, spot $350
Half page $500
Full page $800
Double page spread $1100
Cover $1400

Other places you can find pricing information for illustrators are:

Australian Society of Authors (ASA):
https://www.asauthors.org.au/rates-of-pay/

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance:
https://www.meaa.org/download/recommended-freelance-rates/

Books on business for illustrators:

‘Starting your career as a freelance illustrator or Graphic Designer’ – Michael Fleishman
‘Between the Lines: a legal guide for writers and illustrators’ – Lynne Spender
‘Australian Book Contracts’ – ASA
‘Inside the Business of illustration’ – Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman
‘Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines’ – Graphic Artist’s Guild (currently up to 13th ed)
'Nuts & Bolts' - Charles Hively (3X3 magazine)
Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist - Lisa Congdon
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative - Austin Kleon
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered - Austin Kleon
Marketing Illustration: New Venues, New Styles, New Methods - Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman