How custom book cover design works
submit your request
Complete and submit the Custom Book Cover Design request form (below). Please answer as many questions as possible and include excerpts from your book. The more detailed information you provide, the more on-point we can get in nailing the right imagery and fonts for your cover design.
project quote
I respond within 1-2 business days with any questions, as well as time-frame for first drafts (usually within 1-5 business days of the projected start date). Grand package authors provide a copy of the manuscript, so I can immerse in story, theme, and mood before drafting. Once we’ve clarified specifics, I’ll send a Paypal invoice for the deposit (half of the project total).
concepts
Now, we enter the first collaborative phase, which is mainly a lot of brainstorming of concepts and imagery that could capture the essence of your book at a glance. Ideally, your final cover image hits the sweet spot of the four critical elements of book marketing: Genre, Theme(s), Mood, and Hook.
drafts
Once we have the concepts nailed down, I’ll go to the drawing board. Drafts are a loose interpretation of the final cover design with rough masking and effects using comp (watermarked) stock images. Depending upon the complexity of the designs and my current work flow, this stage could take from 1-5 business days.
revisions
You select a draft (or combination of draft elements) to revise to a final cover. I lean toward a more flexible and collaborative style of revisions based on your needs and the time budget of your design package. Though the Basic package isn’t locked into a set number of revisions, reasonable limitations of time will apply, while the Grand package allows virtually unlimited leeway to tweak the design.
finalize
Once the revision process is completed, I’ll do the last polishes and checks, and provide you with a final watermarked draft (or drafts of ebook + print covers). On your approval, I’ll send a Paypal invoice for the project balance. Upon payment, I’ll provide completed files of all included assets.
you get a snazzy new book cover!
Have more questions about custom book cover designs?
Check the FAQ page for answers.
Want to get started?
Submit your Custom Book Cover Design request form (below) now!
A few fine-print details about custom book cover designs:
• Authors who wish to select their own stock images are encouraged to browse the collections at DepositPhotos, Shutterstock, or iStock (including Signature images – please see package details for allowed images per package). However, stock may come from any reputable micro-stock agencies, as well as specialized providers such as Period Images.
• Cover fonts are selected from those owned by and licensed to Artful Cover. Authors may request a specific font, at the discretion of Artful Cover, though additional charges to purchase font(s) may apply. A wide range of excellent professional grade fonts designed by independent artists may be found at Creative Market.
• Authors who wish to supply existing art for their cover must provide proof of stock license purchase, copyright, or permission by the copyright holder to confirm their right to use. Photos without stock licenses must also include a release form for any model(s) pictured.