I am looking for several maps all in the same fantasy world (sword & sorcery). I have made a few distressing attempts with photoshop on my own and it is plain that I simply do not have the abilities needed for what I want. I happened on this site while searching for some simple map making software and without being too dramatic - hope sprang anew.
I have been in the process of writing a fantasy novel series and desperately need some maps to help me with my ever-changing timeline. I have copied and pasted the questions from the 'Requesting a map? Read me' below:
Time Constraints
I have (once again) tossed out all but the roughest drafts of my story and so a deadline is not my strictest concern. I suppose it would be nice to have the maps by the end of the year but I am not certain how long it takes to make a map so I would likely defer to your suggestions.
Style
If you have ever seen the map in the front of a fantasy novel - that is the style that I am looking for Hand drawn look?
Description of Map
The world is roughly earth-sized and I will be working mainly with one continent and several close islands but the whole world will consist of 5 major continents, several large islands and numerous smaller islands. Again, since I am (re-)beginning much of the story can be arranged around the new map.
In the end, I would like to have: 1. world map marking territories/kingdoms, capitols, large cities, mtn ranges, rivers, forests, roads, landmarks etc. 2. more detailed city maps for the major cities showing the layout of the roadways, palace and inns, etc. 3. floorplans of several of the major buildings (keeps/palaces/etc) if possible.
Much of the placement can be decided by the cartographer; I can either give a list of most of the 'names of things' before or after the map is finished although, if there is a way - I would like the ability to change them if needed?
Quality & Size
I am looking for professional quality as if the novels ever are completed, I would very much like to print at least the world map in the books.
I would also like to be able to print, for myself, a rather large copy of the world map - say, 3ft x 6ft or whatever the dimensions work out to be.
Copyright
I am not entirely sure whether I would need the copyrights to the maps or not... is it possible to leave that open and purchase the copyright later if it is needed?
These two below sound more along the lines of what I would need:
I would like reproduction rights to the map
I will have the right to use the image for commercial purposes, the artist will have the right to exhibit the image as part of his portfolio but not to exploit it for commercial gain.
I am, of course, willing to pay what I can for the work although I have no idea how much something like this should cost so, please email me with questions or offers or suggestions...
Thanks a lot for considering and for any advice that you might have!
-Jenny