Paid Map Revision

[CollinsAuthors]

Hello All,

My wife and I have written a trilogy of high fantasy novels, with the first to be published in January 2025. We are putting the final touches on everything along with our small press publisher, and one thing that I decided to take on myself is the world map. I found Wonderdraft and a couple of the add-ons, and I drew up what I think is a pretty decent map for a total beginner. It's a close-up, all land, black and white map without borders since I think that will print best over two pages in the finished novel. I did my darndest to fill it in to avoid looking too plain, but it still feels like it's missing something, or could be done better.

Is there anyone here that would be willing to look it over and potentially take it on as a paid commission to polish it up? Unfortunately, I'm also reaching out pretty late in the game as I only have until late November to submit the final map. In my total hubris, I figured I could get everything clicking on my own. I think I'd be okay submitting what I've already done, but some more professional touches could really go a long way.

I don't have a sense as to what my budget is, as I'm not sure if this simply needs touch-up work or needs to be completely redone. I believe in paying artists what they feel is fair, so feel free to provide rates for consideration.

Thank you very much for your time!

[wminish]

For something like this, if you can afford a budget of around $500 (Or maybe even a bit less depending on the artist), you could get a really nice hand-drawn redo of this map with commercial rights.

I would offer to do it myself but the timeline is too tight for me with the other projects I have on the go at the moment. I'm sure there are others on the guild who would be happy to help with this though, and I'm sure they'll sound off below.

[Tiana]

It's an okay map, but you didn't consider that you're going to cut it in half vertically in the design, and there's going to be some things that get broken because of that. You have to draw a line down the middle and avoid putting anything important .5 inches away from that line on either side. No text, no vital illustrations.

What you want if you want to stick with yours, to give it that extra finishing touch, is my Terrain Outliner Paths. https://cartographyassets.com/assets...r-wonderdraft/ They're a great way to add transitions between zones if you want a little texture.

I don't edit people's work, but I'd make a new map for $220 and with hand lettering for $300. This kind of map comes together relatively fast.