sketches for fantasy and sci-fi novels / shortstories

I'm a middle aged guy who has a reasonably well paid job and who loves fantasy and sci-fi novels. For the past years I've tried to practice writing as a hobby, and today I have a few shortstories, fantasy and sci-fi themed, that I'd like to publish. I'm looking for illustrators for a few relevant snapshots of said stories. Money is not an issue, I want quality work. I was thinking black & white drawings might be a good place to start. I prefer NON- asian/manga styles; I like gritty-looking stuff. We might need different artists because there are locations (both grand and small), characters, and also action scenes to be done. Also, the sci-fi stuff is completely different from the fantasy stuff. I desire privacy and intelectual ownership over the work. I have a few friends in the publishing industry so getting printed is not a far fetched possibility, although I'm taking my time at my leisure to do so... All in all, this might be a sweet deal for an aspiring illustrator, pray forgive my lack of modesty.