Disclosure: I’m Toby Mikle, the illustrator behind MyBookIllustrator. This article explains our own U.S. referral-partner pilot and the commissions we pay.
First-time children’s-book authors often ask the people they already trust—editors, teachers, librarians, writing coaches, book bloggers, community organizers, and administrative professionals—where to find practical illustration and production help. A referral can be genuinely useful, but only when the arrangement is clear to the author and fair to the person making the introduction.
Why we made the program simple
Vague affiliate offers can damage trust. Our pilot uses two verified milestones, gives the referred author visibility into the referral, and does not require anyone to buy a course, pay a joining fee, hit a quota, or follow a posting schedule.
This is an independent, commission-only referral arrangement. It is not employment, an hourly job, a base-wage role, or a promise of earnings. It is intended for U.S.-based people who naturally encounter aspiring authors and can make an honest, relevant introduction.
What a partner can earn
- $15 at a qualified project start: after the author’s deposit clears, the written project scope is accepted, work has begun, and the 14-day verification hold has passed.
- $35 after completed paid delivery: after the author’s final payment clears and the completed files are delivered.
That is up to $50 for one referred project when both milestones are completed. Refunds, chargebacks, cancellations before the milestone, duplicate leads, and self-referrals do not earn a commission. Those safeguards are there so the rules are the same for everyone.
How attribution and payment work
Each partner receives a referral code to share openly with a relevant author. The author can see and confirm that code, so the relationship is not hidden. A new lead is attributed for 60 days, subject to the program’s published eligibility and prior-lead rules.
Verified commissions are paid monthly by the 15th, with no payout minimum. PayPal is the default. A U.S. business check can be requested when the partner provides a valid U.S. mailing address. The payout notice identifies the referral, amount, date, method, and transaction or check reference so partners can reconcile what they were paid.
What responsible promotion looks like
A good introduction sounds like: “I know the illustrator and may receive a referral commission if you hire them. Here is the public offer and the full program terms.” It should appear only where it is relevant and where the community allows it.
We do not want spam, copied mass-posts, misleading testimonials, undisclosed endorsements, or cold messages to people who have not asked for help. A partner should never pretend to be a satisfied customer or promise that a book will sell. The value is the introduction itself: connecting an author who is actively seeking help with a real working illustrator.
Who this may suit
The program can be a fit for editors, proofreaders, writing-group organizers, children’s-book reviewers, educators, librarians, author coaches, publishing assistants, and community newsletter owners who occasionally meet people developing their first children’s book. It is less useful for anyone seeking a salaried role or guaranteed income.
If an author asks for help with illustration, layout, or KDP-ready production, share the public page and disclose the relationship. The author can review the current offer, the referral terms, and the privacy details before deciding whether to inquire.
Read the complete terms or apply: MyBookIllustrator Referral Partner Program.
Questions are welcome. Please do not send bulk referrals or personal data for someone who has not consented to an introduction.
