Advice needed: Craigslist "artist needed" ad

[bluefantasyz.livejournal.com]

Perusing the art/media jobs section in the hope that something besides a tattoo artist would be wanted in my area, I ran into the following post:

artist needed (hope hull al)

I have written a book and need someone to draw some pictures . It is a fairy tale . If u are interested pls email me.

Basically, I guess, would YOU go for it?  I haven't emailed them.  Frankly if this is the way they post online I'm not sure their book would be any good, but maybe they were using a cell phone or something and I can give them the benefit of the doubt.  If I do inquire, what would you expect the author to offer to make it worth my time?  Obviously people illustrate for books all the time, but I am completely clueless as to how they get paid for that.  Should I perhaps say I am interested and then see what they have to offer, maybe come back here for advice first?

I DID try to search the archives for this; I know there have been people asking for help for commercial works forever, but the "advice for artists" tag is quite... lengthy.

I need some advice..

[lackoflollies.livejournal.com]

Some time ago, a commissioner paid for a tail and ear set from me. They asked if they could pay with a money order since paypal was not an option. I said that's fine.

I received the money order, and it was made out to "Mander's Fur Shack", and not to me personally. Therefor, no matter where or who I went to, they would not cash it.

I'm not sure what to do. He paid $50 for a tail and ear set, and I feel so insanely guilty about all of this. I have 'some' fur to make it for him, but the fact of the matter is; I'll be doing it as a courtesy, since the money order was not usable.