Have you just finished your first work of fiction? Congratulations! You must want to get it published now. If you’re thinking your job is done with the last chapter, you’re mistaken. You need an impressive cover to represent your story on bookstore shelves.
The cover is the first thing that people see when they pick up your work. It should be interesting enough for them to consider buying the work. You may not be able to craft one yourself. This is why you need to hire a professional designer for it.
If you’re confused about how to find one, this guide is for you.
How to Look For a Professional Designer for Your Book
Here are some steps you can take to search for a good cover artist.
- Ask Fellow Writers
Reach out to others in your field for recommendations. If you have an author friend, it’s the best place to start. However, you may not have a network as a new writer. But don’t worry, you can still find a good designer.
- A recent survey suggested that 57% of readers made purchases solely based on the front appearance, making it essential for book success.
Join writing groups like Book Designers UK or Children’s Book Publishers online on social media platforms. They are usually very responsive and provide a lot of valuable insights and suggestions. If you still haven’t had any luck, consider attending networking events and author conferences. You’ll be able to establish meaningful connections with those who can recommend you reliable creative professionals.
- Look Into Your Book Genre
The best strategy when hiring a professional artist is to conduct thorough research. Making a list of possible designers will be very helpful. You can contact them individually.
Search for books by other independent writers. Many of them mention their cover artists on the front layout. Look out for books on platforms like Amazon. Click on the “Look inside” to find out the name.
- Use Ads
Several platforms allow you to hire a professional artist on a freelance basis to design your cover. The process is fairly simple. Just mention specific details you need, and artists will start reaching out to you.
Additionally, contact specific designers on their respective websites for book projects. If you don’t have any luck with networking and researching, posting ads is a great option.
Tips on Hiring a Professional Cover Designer
Now you know how to find a designer. Here are some steps to work with one.
- Ask For Samples
Before working with any artists, ask them to provide their portfolio. Examine each project carefully to determine if the art style aligns with your needs. This will give you insight into their range and versatility.
Don’t stop searching until you find a designer that matches your preferences. It will result in a much smoother publication process. See if the professional can use color schemes and typography effectively.
- 85% of readers decide to buy books because of the use of colors on the front covers.
- Look For Reviews
Don’t hire any artists before checking their reviews. See what other people’s experiences have been like. This will make the decision easier for you. Look out for any negative feedback.
Client testimonials are a great way to judge the professional’s work ethic, communication style, and delivery time.
- Consider Your Budget
Discuss the pricing with the artist beforehand. Be clear about how much money you’re willing to spend on the project. Keep your own budget in mind.
Don’t compromise on the quality just because you want to cut out on this one expense. You’ll be able to find an artist who doesn’t charge too much for a good cover. Remember, it speaks for the story inside. You need an attractive design to catch people’s eyes and boost sales.
- Provide Examples
You may have an idea of what you want on the front layout. It is beneficial to provide visual examples so that the professional understands your vision. Just explaining ideas verbally might create confusion. To avoid this misunderstanding, search for other works in your genre.
Take out examples from other books and show them to the artist. You can also contact the best children’s book cover design company for it. This will make the process much smoother. If you wish to use stock images or specific artwork, please provide all the relevant files.
- Plan Ahead
This is an important step if you plan to publish a series of books. Request multiple mockups if your budget allows. Request that similar visual elements be added to each cover to use them alternately for your series.
Additionally, keep the designer’s contact details. If you need to reach out again, you won’t have any issues finding the phone number or email.
- Know What To Include
For a successful project, provide the professional with a clear and concise brief. It will contain details about the story and descriptive information for guidance.
Here’s what you should focus on:
| Title and author name | Add a subtitle, tagline, and series name. |
| Summary | This will guide the designer to choose colours and to match the themes. |
| Blurb | Include reviews, author bio, or blurb at the back. |
| Genre | Genre-specific imagery and typography will tell readers what to expect. |
People Also Ask
- What should I look for in a portfolio?
Look out for specific experience with designing a cover for your specific genre. The samples should show a strong understanding of colour schemes and typographies.
- How do I contact an artist?
Send the artist a short, clear message outlining the details of your project. Request information regarding the design process, pricing, and turnaround time.
- Will the professional need my entire manuscript?
No, you can provide a well-written design brief to summarise the work’s main themes. Add details about the plot as well. The professional will know how to create a cover accordingly.
Conclusion
A good cover design will do wonders for your success as an author. This is the first introduction readers get to stories. So it’s your first and only chance to encourage them to buy your text. The process of creating a book cover is a long and challenging one. But it cannot be overlooked.
By hiring a professional designer, you can get an impressive front layout for your story. This will make your writing stand out from hundreds of others in stores. So if you’re considering taking help for it, this is your sign.
Take the mentioned steps to find a suitable artist. Provide details about the project and discuss the pricing and turnaround time beforehand.
