FAQ for indie authors
1. What information should I provide when I initially contact you for book cover design?
When you initially contact me, I just need to know the following:
2. How much does it cost to hire you for book cover design?
The cost of book cover design services can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the services you require. I will provide you with a customized quote after discussing your needs and the scope of the project. You can see some prices of common packages here.
3. What is the typical timeline for book cover design projects?
The timeline can vary depending on my availability and the complexity of your project. Generally, you should plan for two to three weeks from your assigned start date to the day you receive final files. It’s essential to book me in well in advance to ensure your book cover is ready when you need it. Sometimes I am booked out two months ahead.
4. Will I have input and feedback during the design process?
Yes, I value your input and collaboration. I will initially provide you with a minimum of three design concepts and then ask for your thoughts.
5. What file formats will I receive for your book cover design?
You will receive high-resolution digital files of your book cover in formats suitable for both print and digital publishing. These may include JPEG, PNG, and PDF files.
6. Can you create matching promotional materials, such as bookmarks or banners for my book?
Yes, I can create additional promotional materials that match the design of your book cover, such as bookmarks, banners, or social media graphics. These services may be included in your design package or offered separately.
7. Is there a refund policy or satisfaction guarantee?
I aim for 100% customer satisfaction. Before the final delivery, you will have multiple opportunities to provide feedback and request revisions to ensure the design aligns with your vision. If you decide to terminate our collaboration at any time, either before or after I begin work, the 50% deposit you paid to secure your booking will not be refunded.
8. Can I see examples of your previous work?
Yes, you can view a portfolio of my previous book cover designs on this website—just begin from the home page. This will give you an idea of my style and capabilities as a book cover designer. If you don’t see your genre, please get in touch. It may just be a case of me deciding not to display them on my website.
9. How do I get started with you for my book cover project?
To get started, use the provided contact information to reach out, and I will respond within 48 hours. Please note that I do not work weekends.
10. What information do I need to know before you start my book cover design?
Before commissioning me, there are several key things you should have ready. Here’s a checklist of items and information you should gather:
11. What payment methods do you accept?
I accept payment via Wise, Stripe, Credit/debit card, or direct deposit. Details on how to pay will be on your invoice.
12. What’s your design process like?
13. Do you offer rush services for tight deadlines?
Yes, I do offer rush services for clients with tight deadlines. Please contact me to discuss your specific timeline, and I’ll provide you with the costs for expedited services.
14. Do you offer package deals for multiple book covers (e.g., a series)?
Yes, I offer package deals for authors with multiple books, especially for series covers. These packages can be tailored to your needs, providing consistent and cohesive designs for your book series.
15. What happens if I need revisions after the final delivery?
I understand that sometimes revisions are necessary. My standard packages include a set number of revision rounds. Any additional revisions may be subject to an extra fee. I typically charge 40 EUR per hour for post-production revisions.
16. Can I provide my own images or artwork for the cover design?
Absolutely, you can provide your own images or artwork. However, please ensure they are high-resolution and that you have the necessary permissions for use. I can work with you to incorporate your materials into the design.
17. Can I make creative changes to the design after it’s finalized?
After finalization, making significant changes can be challenging and may incur additional costs. I recommend providing detailed feedback during the design process to minimize the need for post-finalization creative changes.
18. What are the copyright and licensing considerations for images used on book covers?
It’s important to obtain proper licenses and permissions for any images or artwork used on your cover. My non-illustrated designs typically include standard licenses from Adobe Stock.
With a Standard license from Adobe Stock, you may:
With a Standard license from Adobe Stock, you may not:
I hope these answers provide a clearer understanding of our book cover design services. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me.
When you initially contact me, I just need to know the following:
- The title and genre of your book.
- A brief description or synopsis of your book.
2. How much does it cost to hire you for book cover design?
The cost of book cover design services can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the services you require. I will provide you with a customized quote after discussing your needs and the scope of the project. You can see some prices of common packages here.
3. What is the typical timeline for book cover design projects?
The timeline can vary depending on my availability and the complexity of your project. Generally, you should plan for two to three weeks from your assigned start date to the day you receive final files. It’s essential to book me in well in advance to ensure your book cover is ready when you need it. Sometimes I am booked out two months ahead.
4. Will I have input and feedback during the design process?
Yes, I value your input and collaboration. I will initially provide you with a minimum of three design concepts and then ask for your thoughts.
5. What file formats will I receive for your book cover design?
You will receive high-resolution digital files of your book cover in formats suitable for both print and digital publishing. These may include JPEG, PNG, and PDF files.
6. Can you create matching promotional materials, such as bookmarks or banners for my book?
Yes, I can create additional promotional materials that match the design of your book cover, such as bookmarks, banners, or social media graphics. These services may be included in your design package or offered separately.
7. Is there a refund policy or satisfaction guarantee?
I aim for 100% customer satisfaction. Before the final delivery, you will have multiple opportunities to provide feedback and request revisions to ensure the design aligns with your vision. If you decide to terminate our collaboration at any time, either before or after I begin work, the 50% deposit you paid to secure your booking will not be refunded.
8. Can I see examples of your previous work?
Yes, you can view a portfolio of my previous book cover designs on this website—just begin from the home page. This will give you an idea of my style and capabilities as a book cover designer. If you don’t see your genre, please get in touch. It may just be a case of me deciding not to display them on my website.
9. How do I get started with you for my book cover project?
To get started, use the provided contact information to reach out, and I will respond within 48 hours. Please note that I do not work weekends.
10. What information do I need to know before you start my book cover design?
Before commissioning me, there are several key things you should have ready. Here’s a checklist of items and information you should gather:
- Book Title: Finalize your book title, as it will be a central element of the cover design.
- Genre and Target Audience: Understand your book’s genre and who your target readers are. This information will influence the design style and imagery.
- Cover copy: Have a well-written book description that captures the essence of your story, as this can help me understand the content and themes. You will also need this for the back cover of your paperback file. If you’re creating a print book, prepare the back cover blurb and any additional text, such as author bio or reviews.
- Cover Type: Determine whether you want a front cover only (for eBooks) or a full wraparound cover (for print books). Wraparound covers include paperback, hard cover laminate, or hard cover dust jacket.
- Dimensions: Decide on the book’s trim size to provide me with the right canvas size and proportions. I will also need to know the final page count of your typeset interior file, and the colour paper you wish to use, as these details affect the spine width.
- Distributor: The most commonly used among indie authors are KDP, IngramSpark, Bookvault and Draft2Digital.
- Examples: Gather examples of book covers you like, especially those within your genre, to show me your preferences and style expectations.
- Author Name: Decide how you want your author name to appear on the cover.
- Series Information: If your book is part of a series, provide details on the series name, numbering, and how it should be displayed on the cover.
- High-Resolution Images: If you have specific images or artwork you want to include, make sure they are high-resolution and have the necessary permissions for use.
- ISBN (for print books): Obtain an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for all formats of your book, e.g., eBook, paperback, hard cover, audiobook.
- Copyright Information: If necessary, provide copyright information and credits for images or artwork used on the cover.
- Marketing and Branding Guidelines: If necessary, share any existing branding guidelines or marketing strategies you have in place to ensure the cover design aligns with your overall branding.
11. What payment methods do you accept?
I accept payment via Wise, Stripe, Credit/debit card, or direct deposit. Details on how to pay will be on your invoice.
12. What’s your design process like?
- Initial Consultation: Once you’ve got yourself booked in and paid your 50% deposit, you’ll communicate your book, its genre, your preferences, and any specific ideas or concepts you have in mind, through my client questionnaire.
- Concept Development: Based on your questionnaire, I’ll create a minimum of three design concepts for your book cover.
- Feedback and Revisions: You’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback on the initial concepts, and we’ll work together to refine the design until it aligns with your vision.
- Finalization: Once you’re satisfied with the design, I’ll provide you with the high-resolution files for both print and digital publishing.
13. Do you offer rush services for tight deadlines?
Yes, I do offer rush services for clients with tight deadlines. Please contact me to discuss your specific timeline, and I’ll provide you with the costs for expedited services.
14. Do you offer package deals for multiple book covers (e.g., a series)?
Yes, I offer package deals for authors with multiple books, especially for series covers. These packages can be tailored to your needs, providing consistent and cohesive designs for your book series.
15. What happens if I need revisions after the final delivery?
I understand that sometimes revisions are necessary. My standard packages include a set number of revision rounds. Any additional revisions may be subject to an extra fee. I typically charge 40 EUR per hour for post-production revisions.
16. Can I provide my own images or artwork for the cover design?
Absolutely, you can provide your own images or artwork. However, please ensure they are high-resolution and that you have the necessary permissions for use. I can work with you to incorporate your materials into the design.
17. Can I make creative changes to the design after it’s finalized?
After finalization, making significant changes can be challenging and may incur additional costs. I recommend providing detailed feedback during the design process to minimize the need for post-finalization creative changes.
18. What are the copyright and licensing considerations for images used on book covers?
It’s important to obtain proper licenses and permissions for any images or artwork used on your cover. My non-illustrated designs typically include standard licenses from Adobe Stock.
With a Standard license from Adobe Stock, you may:
- Reproduce up to 500,000 copies of the asset in all media, including product packaging, printed marketing materials, digital documents, or software.
- Include the asset in email marketing, mobile advertising, or a broadcast or digital program if the expected number of viewers is fewer than 500,000.
- Post the asset to a website or social media site with no limitation on views.
- Include the asset in some types of products, such as inside a textbook, as long as the primary value of the product is not the asset itself, and the product is not reproduced more than 500,000 times.
- Share the unmodified asset with your employees and contractors who have contractually agreed to abide by the license terms.
- Transfer the license to your client or employer.
With a Standard license from Adobe Stock, you may not:
- Distribute the stand-alone file.
- Create merchandise, templates, or other products for resale or distribution where the primary value of the product is associated with the asset itself. For example, you can't use the asset to create a poster, t-shirt, or coffee mug that someone would buy specifically because of the asset printed on it.
- Transfer the license to more than one employer or client, unless separately licensed for each.
I hope these answers provide a clearer understanding of our book cover design services. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me.