Its a scam!
Its a scam!Illustrative Agency...Hudson Books Publisher....fake!I disputed my charge with my bank, and the frustrating part is that I did create a lot of the illustrations, concepts, and designs. Their work is trash, and you can tell it's AI-generated. I actually used Procreate to create my designs and elements. As an author who contributed to the illustrations, I need to figure this all out.The phone number on the website does not work. The online rep said he's from another company...I can go on and on
J A
Book Services are Okay, DO NOT use their "marketing" scam
I worked with this agency to publish my first children’s book. While I’m somewhat happy with the final book, the process was far more frustrating and complicated than I expected, and I want to share my experience so others can make an informed decision.The positives:The team can produce a finished book for first-time authors.They do offer guidance throughout the process, which can be helpful if you have no prior experience.The negatives (important to know):Communication issues: They were often poor listeners. I had to repeat my requested edits multiple times — sometimes up to four emails — before changes were actually made. I would provide detailed numbered or bulleted lists, but they often only addressed one or two points, ignored others, or even made changes I never asked for.Slow and frustrating revision process: The back-and-forth was exhausting and unnecessarily long.Marketing problems and broken promises: They talked me into their marketing service with a “money-back guarantee” if I didn’t make $9,000 in sales within six months. June 30, 2025: I formally requested the refund after sales revenue was far below the guaranteed amount (I made about $20 in sales from my own friends/family).July 1, 2025: I was offered a three-month extension as they'd failed to previously inform me that supposedly their social media accounts hadn't been working the last three months. I declined as they'd made me so little in sales and I had been the one reaching out to them instead of the other way around. I requested the refund immediately.August 1–26, 2025: The agency gave multiple excuses for delays, including “technical issues” and supposed problems with their billing/merchant systems, then tried to say it was because my card expired. I repeatedly confirmed that my card was valid and offered safe alternatives (signature required check, online safe offerings-they wanted me to EMAIL them my banking account details HUGE red flag), yet the refund still did not,and has not, appeared.September 10, 2025: They sent a "screenshot" of a supposed refund receipt, but my card issuer did not show any pending or completed transaction.September 23, 2025: I again confirmed with my card issuer that the refund was not issued. Illustrative Agency proposed paying the $2800 refund in $500 installments, now claiming a merchant hold due to customer disputes. I declined because the contract clearly required the full refund and I was not about to change the contract agreement after going back and forth with them for MONTHS.Overall, while I appreciated finally having my book published, the communication issues, repeated delays, and then numerous difficulties with the guaranteed marketing refund made the experience very frustrating. I cannot recommend the agency for marketing or for authors who expect responsive, detail-oriented support. If you are primarily looking for a first book published and are prepared for extensive back-and-forth, you may find some value, but proceed with EXTREME caution regarding their marketing promises as so far it appears it's a MASSIVE scam.
Mandie
These people are SCAMMERS
These people are SCAMMERS. They trick you and act like their publishing your book for months then will have you make a good review when it’s “almost done”. Then you will never recieve the book or illustrations. They will mislead you for MONTHS. Schedule zoom calls, trying to seem legit then you will never recieve your things. I learned the hard way. Worst experience of my life. Pleaseeee do not fall for it.
Dionna C
I wish could give them a zero
I wish could give them a zero. I paid for illustrations and book formatting. It’s been a painful process. Illustrations would have too many fingers or chopped off hands. The book formatting for my chapter book was centered and all out of wack. When I read over it, there were whole pages of my narrative missing. Now they are not taking my calls and aren’t responding to my texts and emails. **STAY AWAY FROM THEM!**
Carrie Tyus-Brooks
This experience was extremely well and…
This experience was extremely well and I appreciated the professionalism throughout this process. My first book was great and I will be writing another!
Art
I recently worked with John Albert and…
I recently worked with John Albert and his team, and I found the experience to be professional and efficient. John was responsive and attentive throughout the process, which made communication easy. The team demonstrated a clear commitment to the author’s vision, making adjustments when the illustrations didn’t align with my expectations.The process is entirely online and conducted via email, which is convenient, but I do wish their "Zoom" calls allowed for video on their end. It would have been nice to put a face to the names and feel a bit more connected.Overall, I’m happy with the illustrations and the team’s effort to bring my project to life. I’d recommend their services to anyone looking for a professional and accommodating illustration team.
Bailey’s Mom 🐾
I worked with this agency to illustrate…
I worked with this agency to illustrate my first book. They were accommodating to me throughout the process. Made adjustments and listened carefully to my vision. I am thrilled with the book.
Alicia Russ
Steven Smith and his team were a…
Steven Smith and his team were a pleasure to work with! I would recommend them!
Julia
Excellence at its Best!
My dream transformed beautifully from a couple of thoughts to reality. THAT MADE ME CRY HAPPY TEARS. May Green and her supportive Digital Team blew my mind. The illustrations exceeded by expectations. The company accommodated my endless questions and I am EXTREMELY impressed with the professionalism and hardwork of the digital team!!!!!!
Michelle Scott
Steven Smith and his talented team of…
Steven Smith and his talented team of Illustrators made the visions for my story come to life so much more than I could expect. They were patient and quick to make any changes that I requested. They are very professional. I will be using them again for my next book! I highly recommend this business.
Cindy DeFuria
this company is a scam
this company is a scam! do not send any money to them - look at their google reviews because the ones on this site must be fraudulent.
Alice B
Sergio and team were great overall
Sergio and team were great overall. My only feedback is be honest with how long the proces takes. Was told 6-8 weeks and it’s been 10 months. However, the end results were worth the wait!! I am so happy with my illustrations and final book copy! The mini movie trailer that was created for my book turned out fantastic as well and was a quick turnaround. I will definitely use them again when I write my sequel!
Stacy Faust
Absolutely fantastic work by…
Absolutely fantastic work by Illustrative Agency! A BIG thank you to Steven Smith, Sr Brand Consultant and his team for a fantastic job on my newest children’s book series, “Mr. Mau Adventure's with more to follow soon! As a new author had more than many questions, worries and concerns about how things were and are done! Your in good hands with Steven Smith as he walked me through the process in every way, he was very timely and informative with everything! For sure my worries had vanished completely! Then making everything ready for my publisher again was there in every way walking me through the process and making sure all my questions were answered, with the needed publisher’s format went perfectly! I will continue to work with Steven Smith and his team! My children’s book series “Mr. Mau Adventure’s”, is full of amazing illustrations and characters we created together. Wow! A BIG Thank You Steven! Working on my third book of the series now and can’t wait to work together again! I highly recommend, Illustrative Agency, Steven Smith, Sr Brand Consultant along with his remarkable team.Rest easy, give them a call today!
Steve Z
The comic illustrations were amazing
The comic illustrations were amazing! The characters and scenes were so dynamic and detailed, perfectly complementing the narrative. The artist's ability to convey emotion and action through their illustrations made the comic truly immersive and enjoyable to read. Their work has been praised by readers and critics alike. Excellent jobs!
Trista Prater
The children's book illustrations…
The children's book illustrations brought my story to life! The colorful and imaginative artwork captivated my young readers and made the storytelling experience magical. Each page was filled with intricate details that kept children engaged and excited. Thank you for making my book a visual delight that both kids and present adore.
Rita Graham
These people will scam you
These people will scam you! I tried working with them for months on my children’s book with no progress. I would tell them my edits and they would change everything BUT the edit. Countless emails, texts, and calls and I finally realized they were not a good fit. They say 100% back money guaranteed all over their website and in the contract. When I went to pull the project, they all of a sudden couldn’t give me my money back or call/email me back. Bunch of scammers…don’t waste your time or money. It is currently September 12, 2024. I finally heard back from the company and it is only because of this review… Which I guess is great! They said they would issue a refund which I was sent a “Receipt” That it had been processed. However, when I went to call the number on the receipt It was a disconnected number and when I looked up the address, it was to a home.They have asked me to take down this review and I said once the money has been refunded, I will do so. So waiting for that to go through.Still believe my first opinion about them that this company is a scam.
Hana Baloh
I was self-publishing my first…
I was self-publishing my first children's book and needed an illustrator who cloud create engaging and page-appropriate illustrations. Illustrative Agency was the perfect fit. They were able to create colorful and whimsical illustrations that brought my character to life and helped make my book a success.
Juanita Forrest
