The Kaz Windness Blog

Publishers, librarians, teachers, readers and fans want to pronounce your name correctly. Here are some ways to make that easy for them.

1. Include phonetic spelling or “sounds like” or both.

Join us at Boulder Bookstore on August 26th, 2026 at 6:30PM to celebrate a BAWKtastic book launch party! Seats are limited so RSVP now HERE and enjoy a drawing demo, an egg hunt for EGGciting prizes, and a behi...

Feel free to modify and use this contract template when working with independent publishers (writers hiring illustrators, for example). This fairly covers both parties’ interests. I’ve updated as of 06-28-27 to include “No Generative AI” verbiage. Note, I am not a lawyer, so seek legal counseling and advice as needed.

I’m seeing a lot of businesses and authors hiring illustrators being tricked into thinking they are getting human-made art, only to discover it is AI when they post samples online. If you use generative AI, it will wreck your reputation, and you will be subject to public outrage. It’s also not copyright protected and made from stolen artwork, so it could get you into legal co...