If you are an author, then you know that your book cover is the first thing that will catch someone’s eye. Choosing a designer can be daunting for many authors, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve compiled some tips to help you choose the best designer for your project.
1) Determine what type of design style you like: abstract or realistic? You might want to take a look at other covers in your genre and see which one speaks to you the most; this will give designers an idea of what direction they should go in while designing your cover.
2) Choose how much flexibility (or not!) that you want with your design: do you need everything on there, or would something more simple work better?
Most people get this task done by graphic designers, but it is also a good idea to get it done by professional book cover designers, since most top book writing agencies offer these services in addition to book writing and editing.
Steps To Choose The Best Book Cover Designers
Know the Difference Between a Book Cover Designer and a Graphic Designer
A book’s cover is one of its most important aspects. The front-cover image, text, colors, and composition all combine to draw in the reader. And if a potential reader isn’t drawn in?
They’ll likely put it back on the shelf. A good cover design will convey the tone of the book without giving too much away, make the book stand out in the crowd, and give it a professional feel.
It’s hard to believe that many self-publishing authors still opt for just slapping an image onto their cover or utilizing stock art, then calling it done.
Because there is so much potential in cover design, it makes sense that authors would want to seek expert help.
Here are some tips to tell the difference, then discover how you can get started creating your own professional covers with Photoshop.
A book’s cover is one of its most important aspects – it’s often what draws in a reader.
What Does a Book Cover Designer Do?
A book cover designer uses their expertise in design, typography, photography, and more to craft the best possible cover for your book.
They are experienced, skilled artists who know what makes an effective cover design. For instance, they’ll have experience in layout design.
This is the decision-making process to determine how the cover art will look, where elements like the title and author name will be placed, what size type needs to be in order for it to be legible, etc.
They’ll also have an eye for color – finding just the right shade that fits with your book’s genre without looking too cliché or drab.
Book cover designers also understand copyright and trademark laws. So they will never use an image without purchasing the proper licensing rights.
A book cover designer is a true artist, capable of creating just the right mood for your book with their design skills.
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Many people call themselves graphic designers when they’re actually only capable of using pre-made templates to create covers.
They might even have the ability to do some photo editing with programs like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Aperture.
Graphic designers can sometimes create unique covers, but they will always rely on purchased art.
This means your book cover could look similar to another work. And it is because it has the same type of photo on it.
Graphic designers are proficient in design software. They are capable of using pre-made templates or stock images to create cover designs.
The Difference Between a Book Cover Designer and a Graphic Designer
Despite what others might tell you, there is a huge difference between book cover designers and graphic designers.
With millions of books published last year alone, authors need to be able to stand out in the crowd. An amateur with stock art and a template just doesn’t cut it.
To find an expert book cover designer, look for someone with experience in your genre. Who is willing to share samples of their work. And can offer you references from other authors they’ve worked with.
2. Determine Your Budget
The cost of a book cover design is based on two factors: who you hire and how much time it takes to complete your project.
Some designers have set rates, while others charge by the hour or ask for a flat rate for each design. If they are experienced, in demand and have a portfolio of beautiful, eye-catching designs, they may charge more per design.
If you’re hiring an up and coming designer with little experience, it’s possible to receive a quality book cover for $100 or less.
There is the chance that this inexperienced designer will take twice as long as another experienced one.
3. Understand What You’re Looking For in a Design
The art of book cover design is an age-old profession, but with the evolution of the internet
- not only as a platform for commerce,
- but also as a huge marketplace for creative goods and services
- it’s never been easier to launch your own career in design.
If you’ve got an idea for a book, but can’t draw or design to save your life (like most authors), then hiring cover designers is often the best way to go — it’s certainly cheaper than paying your bills with royalty money.
4. Consider The Color Scheme of your book cover design
The color scheme used on the book cover should be consistent with what is written inside. It’s important to ensure that the colors you use are consistent throughout the design of your book, including its fonts and layout.
Furthermore, you will want it to reflect how you would like to portray yourself or your book. One color may represent something positive while another may represent something negative.
For example, the color red is considered to be a very strong and powerful color. It can also convey danger and excitement which makes it an ideal choice for action books or thrillers.
5. Check the designer’s portfolio to see if they have a style that you like
You should always do a deep-dive into the designer’s portfolio to ensure that their style matches your vision before you choose them for your book cover design project.
Some designers have multiple styles, but others have just one or two, so it is important to see if they are the right fit for you and your book’s needs.
If a designer’s portfolio does not have a style of book covers that you like. Then you should move on to the next one.
You want to find a designer whose portfolio reflects your desired measurements and styles so that they can be used in your cover for your book.
There are many options for finding designers with different styles on websites like DeviantArt, Elance, and Behance.
If you are not sure where to start looking for a book cover designer that matches your desired style, then look at the portfolios of designers whose work you have already seen before on displays in bookstores.
If they have a style that you know appeals to you, then there is a good chance that their portfolio will have a style you like.
Ask Designer For The Type Of Work You Want
You should also ask the designer what type of style they would use if you do not have a specific vision for your book cover design project.
If you are very hands-on and want control over every step, then it is important to ask if they can provide this for you.
If the designer is unable to give you these options or does not have a style that appeals to you, then it will be harder for them to do their job well and create a truly stunning cover for your book.
Some designers might offer different styles of book covers in their portfolios instead of specific samples. Therefore hiring one can sometimes be a bit of a gamble.
This can be problematic because it is difficult to get an idea of what your book cover will look like if the designer has not shown you covers with similar dimensions and layouts to your own .
