The cover of your book is one of the most important parts of your new book. It is the first opportunity you have to capture the attention of potential readers. It’s important you pay as much attention to the design of your cover as you do to the creation of your manuscript. I will make sure your cover does everything it can to catch the eye and communicate the content of your book. I’ll work with you to incorporate your ideas, photos and graphics to give you a one-of-a-kind cover that fits your vision!
Cover design process
1. Free initial consultation
Call or email me to arrange for your free 30-minute phone or Skype consultation. We’ll discuss your book and what you would like help with. We’ll talk about what ideas you have for your book and I’ll answer any looming questions you may have. We’ll get to know each other a little before deciding whether to work together. There is no obligation.
2. Quote
I can then follow up with a quote based on your unique book if you desire to continue. The pricing I have on my Pricing page are general estimates so you can get an idea of what it costs, however, I will give you an firm quote based on our conversation. There is no obligation.
3. Getting started
When you’re ready to get started, you’ll let me know and I will send you a simple contract. It will include a final quote. For me the contract is to make sure we know what to expect from each other and make sure there are no misunderstandings. You will own all rights to your final book design.You will send me your back your signed contract and you will need to send me 50% of your quote via check, credit card, or PayPal. Once I receive that payment, we can get started!
4. Conversation
Initially I’ll be concentrating on the front cover of your book. I’ll ask questions and we’ll discuss the look you want for your cover.
- What ideas do you have?
- What images would you’d like to include?
- Do you have a font preference?
- What feeling do you want your book to convey?
- and anything else I come up with to help me create the cover of your dreams.
5. Rough proofs of your cover design
In two weeks or less, I will email you 2-3 rough drafts of your cover.
6. Fine-tune your cover design
We will talk about the rough drafts I sent:
- What do you like about them?
- What do you not like about them?
- How can I make it perfect?
I’ll then focus in that direction and your front cover will evolve to its final version.
7. Finish full cover
When have a final design, I’ll create the full cover—spine, back cover and flaps (if applicable). We will work on the elements until you are satisfied with it. You will then sign a proof approval, confirming that you are totally satisfied with the design. At this point you will send me the final 50% payment of your account.
8. Printing or uploading
I’ll contact your printer or print on demand site to get their desired specifications for the pdf file. I will make sure it will work smoothly.
9. Final proofing
You will order and receive a proof of your book. This is your last opportunity to find any small errors and get them corrected.
10. DVD of all your files
Once we are finished, I will mail you a DVD. It will include all the digital files used to create your cover. I’ll provide you with various sizes of images of your book’s front cover to use for promoting your book online and in print.
If we lose track of each other in the future, you’ll be able to take the DVD to any graphic designer and they will be able to work with the files. You will own all rights to your cover, I will retain the option to use your cover design in any of my promotional materials in the future.
11. Marketing your book
Congratulations you now have a beautiful cover for your book.
Click here if you want to learn about my Interior Design process.
Click here is you want to learn about my Book Marketing Kits that will help you market your book.
Please mail me a copy of your finished book for my records—hopefully a signed copy.