- Genre: Certain genres, such as children's books, graphic novels, and illustrated nonfiction, almost always benefit from illustrations. For other genres, like literary fiction or thrillers, illustrations may not be necessary unless they serve a specific purpose.
- Target audience: If the book is intended for a younger audience, illustrations can help capture their attention and enhance their understanding of the story.
- Complexity of text: If the text is complex or contains a lot of information, illustrations can help readers visualize the concepts and data, making the content more accessible and engaging.
- Author's vision: Ultimately, the decision of whether to include illustrations lies with the author. Some authors may have a clear vision for how they want their book to look and may even provide their own sketches or ideas for the illustrations.
- Budgetary considerations: Hiring an illustrator can add to the cost of publishing a book, so it's important to factor this into the project budget when deciding whether to include illustrations.
In general, it can be beneficial to seek feedback from potential readers or publishing professionals to gauge the value of adding illustrations to a book before making a final decision.