“Since it was my first book cover there, I learned a lot. There was a big process involved. Lots of figuring out, print lingo, making sure things are where they should be. So it was definitely a learning process.” - Anna Leitensdorfer
In this How to Write the Future podcast episode, titled “How To Find the Right Illustrator for You with Anna Leitensdorfer” host Beth Barany interviews book illustrator Anna Leitensdorfer, who creates maps, character art, interior illustrations, and recently completed her first book cover.
Anna explains how authors can choose the right illustrator by narrowing in on style and, for covers, matching genre expectations through comparable titles.
She shares ways to avoid scams, including watching for unsolicited DMs, inconsistent portfolio quality, and verifying prior projects, referrals, and a clear online presence.
Anna discusses timing for commissioning maps and character art, emphasizing the importance of knowing trim size for print work and planning ahead for an artist’s lead time.
She outlines her process and booking system, including contracts, revision stages, deliverables for web and print, and provided specs and files. She also notes she specializes in fantasy and romantasy and enjoys collaborative communication.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:38 Meet Anna the Illustrator
01:18 From Maps to Book Covers
02:38 Choosing the Right Style
05:52 Avoiding Artist Scams
09:09 When to Commission Art
13:01 Booking and Lead Times
14:39 Anna’s Mapmaking Workflow
18:56 Genres and Creative Freedom
20:29 Write the Future and Farewell
ABOUT ANNA LEITENSDORFER
Anna Leitensdorfer is an illustrator specializing in fantasy art dedicated to assisting authors with bringing characters from their books and scenes from their worlds to life in a visual format. With a background in animation, her art style reflects cinematic framing and dynamic posing while also channeling that inner old-timey fantasy vibe! The best part? NO AI in ANY of her work! Projects with dragons are particularly her favorite. She currently lives in Missouri with her 2 Shetland Sheepdogs and is working on writing her own novels while pursuing doing illustration full-time.
Website: https://www.annaleitensdorfer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkyrie_hero/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.leitensdorfer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-leitensdorfer-288558138/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valkyrie_hero
ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST
The How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers and get curious about the future of humanity.
ABOUT BETH BARANY
Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter — blending practical craft guidance with a big-picture commitment to imagination, meaning, and possibility.
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- SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
- SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade
- EDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompart
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
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