Everything You Need to Know About Book Cover Design

By Mary Kole

Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.

As an aspiring writer, you know that books are actually judged by their cover all the time. A compelling book cover is crucial to catching the eyes of potential readers. However, not everyone has the skills to create an exceptional cover design. Working with a professional book cover designer can help you create a stunning piece of marketing that accurately reflects the content and style of your book. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about collaborating with a professional on a book cover design, from finding the right designer to budgeting and evaluating the cover design itself.

Finding a Cover Design Provider

The first step is finding the right person to collaborate with on cover design for your book. Here are your action items:

  • Research: Start by researching designers online. Some great resources to explore include Reedsy, 99designs, and Dribbble. Take a look at their portfolios and read reviews from their previous cover design clients.

  • Referrals: Ask other writers or publishing professionals for referrals. If you know someone who has worked with a cover designer before, ask them about their experience.

  • Social Media: You can also use social media to find a cover designer. Follow hashtags on Instagram and X like #bookcoverdesigner or #bookdesignstudio to find professionals in the field.

Budgeting for Your Cover Design

Once you’ve found a designer you like, it’s important to establish a budget for the project. The cost of cover design can vary widely depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of your intended book cover design vision. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more for a professionally designed book cover.

Elements of an Effective Book Cover Design

So what makes a book cover effective? (Check out my conversation with Casey Moses, cover designer of bestselling novels at Penguin Random House YA.) The best book covers accurately convey the content, genre, target audience, and tone of the book while also standing out among competing titles. Some elements of effective book cover design include:

  • Evocative imagery or symbolism

  • Bold typography that is easy to read

  • High-quality graphics and images

  • Eye-catching color palette

  • Professional formatting and design

Evaluating a Book Cover Design and Asking for Revisions

Finally, it’s essential that you evaluate your book cover design and ask for revisions if you find the first version was off the mark. A professional cover designer should be open to feedback and able to make changes to your design until you’re completely satisfied with the final product. It’s important to note that your book cover design will never exactly match what’s in your head. Your emotional reaction to your draft should be only one of your criteria for judging whether it’s a good cover. Be specific about your concerns and provide examples of what you’d like to see changed. Feel free to pull from comp titles to better communicate what you’re asking for. The final product might not match your mental image perfectly, but go back to the above criteria. Does it achieve these objectives? There are many ways in which a book cover design can be compelling and, best of all, an effective piece of marketing for your work.

Working with a professional on your book cover design can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these steps and keeping the above considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning cover for your book that will attract readers and help you stand out among the competition. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cover design, so take your time and find a designer who understands your vision and is willing to work with you to bring it to life.

Ready to expand your writing and publishing knowledge? Covering a wide range of topics for all stages of the writing process, my books will help you navigate the publishing world and refine your craft. The publishing landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m always looking for new and innovative resources to help writers succeed.