We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But let’s be honest, we do it all the time. Whether it’s a paperback on the shelf or a thumbnail on your Kindle, that cover is your book’s first impression. And if you’re wondering how I find someone to design a book cover, you’re already ahead of the game.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right designer, what to avoid, and what makes a truly standout book cover. Whether you’re publishing fiction, a memoir, or a niche how-to guide, your cover should work just as hard as your words.
Why Book Covers Matter (A Lot More Than You Think)
Your book cover not a piece of decoration and nor is it placed first because it looks nice, it’s all purely marketing. The right design signals quality, genre, and tone in seconds. A professionally crafted cover shows readers (and retailers) that you’ve taken the time to invest in your book. Not to mention that readers will decide on picking up your book based on whether they liked your cover or not.
Good cover designers understand these elements and use them to help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Why Hire a Book Cover Designer?
A good cover designer will make a good cover; a great one will get you sales. An expert book cover designer doesn’t just create a pretty picture. They offer complete book cover design services, which include:
- Aligning your vision with genre expectations
- Preparing files for both print and digital formats
- Adapting covers for different versions (eBook, paperback, hardback)
They’ll also answer common technical questions, like what is the best format for book cover, what format does KDP use for book covers, or what size should a book cover design should be, without batting an eye.
Most importantly, they’ll help you avoid common design pitfalls and build a cover that actually sells your story.
How Do I Find the Right Cover Designer?
So, let’s answer the big question: how do I find someone to design a book cover that fits my story and attracts readers?
Start by looking for designers who specialise in your book’s genre. A horror cover artist might not be the best fit for your romantic comedy. Many platforms let you search by genre, making it easy to find relevant portfolios.
Take time to review past work. If you already have a vision, maybe moody lighting, hand lettering, or a minimalist design, look for someone who’s done similar projects. If you’re not sure what you want yet, exploring these galleries will help shape your taste.
When you’re ready, shortlist a few designers (three to five is ideal). Reach out with a simple project brief: your book title, genre, tone, and any specific ideas you have. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the designer to bring your vision to life.
How Much Does a Book Cover Designer Cost?
Rates vary widely depending on experience, scope, and the complexity of your project. Here’s a rough guide:
- Basic eBook-only covers: £40–£150
- Professional covers (eBook + print): £200–£600
- Custom illustration or Big 5-level design: £800+
Covers with custom illustrations cost more than those using stock images. And yes, do book cover illustrators get royalties? In most cases, no. They’re usually paid a one-time fee, although some may license their artwork under specific terms.
Please note, prices may vary depending on project scope, duration and other factors. Consult us to learn more about pricing for your particular project.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Cover Designer
Just finding a great cover designer isn’t enough, knowing what not to do is just as important. If you’re thinking, how do I find someone to design a book cover without making costly mistakes?, keep reading.
1. Skipping the Portfolio Review
Always look at past work. A designer might be brilliant, but if their style doesn’t match your genre or vision, the results won’t resonate with readers.
2. Hiring Based on Price Alone
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option on Fiverr. But your cover is a marketing tool. An unprofessional design can hurt sales, no matter how good your story is.
3. Not Asking the Right Questions
Before hiring, ask things like:
- How many revisions are included?
- What’s the turnaround time?
- Will I have the right to the final design?
These questions help avoid last-minute surprises.
4. Poor Communication
If your designer doesn’t respond promptly or brushes off your feedback, it’s a red flag. You want someone collaborative, professional, and responsive.
5. Rushing the Process
Don’t leave the cover design to the last minute. Start early so there’s time for feedback, revisions, and file prep, especially for different formats.
6. Forgetting About Technical Requirements
Be clear whether you need an eBook cover, a paperback, or a hardcover. If you’re publishing on Amazon, your designer needs to understand what format KDP uses for book covers, typically a PDF for print and JPEG for eBooks, with specific dimension and bleed requirements.
7. Ignoring Reviews or Feedback
Always check testimonials or reviews. They offer insights into reliability, communication, and how easy (or difficult) someone is to work with.
Ending Note
So, how do I find someone to design a book cover? Start by thinking of it not as a task but as an investment. This is your book’s face, its first impression, and a key tool for attracting the right readers.
Look through portfolios, ask the right questions, and don’t rush the process. Whether you’re working with a boutique creative, a freelance illustrator, or a trusted team like Wright Book Associates, the goal is always the same: create a cover that reflects your story and resonates with your audience.
Design matters. And when it’s done right, your book doesn’t just look good, it sells.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I design my own book cover?
Yes, you can. Tools like Canva make it accessible, but without design experience, it’s easy to make genre or formatting missteps. If you’re wondering how authors create book covers, many start this way before eventually hiring a pro.
Do authors have control over their covers?
Suppose you’re self-publishing, yes. You make the call. Traditionally, published authors often get some input but not the final say.
What format does KDP use for book covers?
KDP uses PDF files for print books and JPEG or TIFF for eBooks. The files must meet Amazon’s dimensions, bleed, and resolution specs.
What size should a book cover design should be?
It depends on your trim size and page count. A common 6” x 9” book with 300 pages needs a full wraparound size of around 12.52” x 9.25”, including bleed.
What should be on the back cover of a book?
Your blurb, author bio, ISBN barcode, and maybe a review quote or website link. It should reflect your genre and keep the layout clean and readable.