What Book Authors Want to Know About Book Design
Cover Redesigns
Do you create new covers to replace old ones? Yes, I design new covers to replace existing covers. I work with authors who are ready for a new cover because their first one did not look professional or didn’t appeal to their target audience. A professionally redesigned cover can help reposition your book, attract new readers, and better compete in today’s marketplace. If you have regained the rights to out-of-print books from your former publishers, your book will need a new cover and ISBN.
Working Together
Do you read the book before you create the design? Yes, I read your manuscript. I need to understand what the book is about, especially if it’s fiction. Recently, an author asked, “Why do you want to read my book? I’m not intending to rewrite any of it.” My reply: “I read the book because it will help me understand the story and formulate ideas for the cover.”
Do you collaborate with authors? Do you seek the author’s input and offer a preliminary layout before finalizing? Yes and yes. I always work with clients on both the cover and the interior pages. Book cover ideas begin with listening to you describe your book in a few sentences; reading the book description if it has been written; and reading much of the book before I begin to design.
The Design Process
What is the design process? The process starts with researching other books in your genre and taking screen shots of the best covers as reference. Next, I search for images on stock photo websites. I save my favorite images in a folder to show you before I begin the cover layouts. The next step is showing you first layouts, including the title, subtitle, and your name; then, tweaking the layouts per your input. Interior-page layout begins with establishing the book size, setting up a grid, and looking at font styles for the chapter name and body copy. The last step is showing you a sample page spread (left and right facing pages) for your approval before I design the entire book’s layout.
How do you deliver the final product, what sort of file? I deliver a high-res, print-ready PDF (both covers and interiors) to the author. The PDF will meet the print-on-demand company’s requirements.
Self-Publishing
Do you upload covers to Amazon and IngramSpark? Yes, I help authors prepare files for both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. Because these platforms require access to your publishing accounts, I typically share my screen or have you share yours while I guide you through the upload process step by step. This keeps your account secure while ensuring your cover and interior files are uploaded correctly. If you’re publishing an eBook, I’ll also explain any platform-specific requirements and help you prepare your files for a smooth publishing experience.
Pricing
What makes you worth the price? Experience. Creativity. A thorough understanding of the self-publishing process. I will set-up your book cover and interiors files correctly in order to meet printing standards. My job is to create a polished, professional book, so it does not look DIY or amateur. There are so many details an author needs to know. I help you with those details and advice.
What is a price range, common average cost for a completed book cover?
Prices vary depending on the project. The more detail you provide, the more accurate my estimate will be. Costs depend on genre (some are more complicated than others) and searching for the right images, which can be time consuming. Other factors that influence price: Are you providing a photo or illustration? Do you want an eBook and a print version? How many designs would you like to see? Estimated costs for a completed book cover range from $300 to $500.
If this is your first experience working with a book designer, of course, you have a lot of questions. As we move through the design process, you will probably have more, and I will try my best to answer them. Playing a role in bringing your book to fruition can be fun, educational, and satisfying. Working with a designer is a great partnership.
Every project is different, and every author has unique goals. If you’re wondering where to begin—or whether your current cover needs a redesign—I’d be happy to help. Schedule a free consultation, and let’s talk about your book.