FAQs

1. How much does a custom book cover cost?

An ebook cover is $1,200 USD, and a full print + ebook cover is $1,500 USD.

Both packages include custom artwork, typography, layout and final high-resolution cover files.

The full print package also includes the spine and back cover, supplied as one print-ready edition for your chosen trim size, binding and print platform.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due upon approval of the finished cover.

2. How long does the design process take?

Most projects take around 3–4 weeks from the start of the design process to completion, depending on the complexity of the project, the artwork involved and the revision process.

3. What does the cover design process involve?

Once your project is booked, I review your brief and any supporting material before developing ideas for the cover.

Projects begin with a sketch and concept phase, allowing the overall idea, composition and visual direction to be established before the finished artwork is developed.

Once a direction is agreed, I create the final artwork, typography and layout, with revisions used to refine the design through to completion.

4. What’s the difference between an eBook cover and a print cover?

  • eBook covers are single images, optimized for platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo.

  • Print covers include the front, back, and spine, formatted to your book’s page count and printer requirements (KDP, IngramSpark, etc.).
    I can create both versions so your book is fully ready for self-publishing.

5. Do I need spine text for KDP?

Spine text can only be included on KDP paperbacks with at least 79 pages. For eligible books, I’ll design the spine so it meets KDP’s formatting requirements and works with the available spine width.

6. Can I use images I find online for my book cover?

Only where the appropriate commercial usage rights are available. Images found through Google, Pinterest or social media cannot automatically be used simply because they are publicly visible online.

I primarily create custom artwork, but where licensed stock photography, public-domain material or client-supplied imagery is appropriate, I’ll make sure it can legally be used for the finished cover. If a particular image or specialist asset requires an additional licence purchase, I’ll let you know before using it.

The same applies if you request a specific commercial typeface that requires a separate licence.

7. Will my cover work for KDP and other self-publishing platforms?

Yes. The full print + ebook package includes one print-ready edition formatted for your chosen trim size, binding and print platform, such as KDP, IngramSpark, BookVault or Lulu.

If you later require additional versions — for example, a hardcover, different trim size or another print platform — these can be created separately.

eBook covers are supplied as high-resolution files suitable for the major ebook platforms.

8. Can you redesign an existing book cover?

Absolutely. I can refresh or completely rethink an existing cover while considering its genre, positioning and the strengths or weaknesses of the current design.

A redesign can range from refining an existing idea to developing an entirely new visual direction.

9. Are revisions included?

Yes. Revisions within the agreed design direction are included throughout the project through to completion.

The initial sketch and concept phase is where the main visual direction is established. If, after a direction has been approved and developed, you decide to return to the concept stage or explore a substantially different cover idea, additional design fees may apply.

10. Do you also create marketing graphics for my book?

Yes. Audiobook covers, book mockups, social media graphics, advertising artwork and promotional banners can all be created to complement your finished cover.

These are additional services and are not included in the standard cover packages.

I do not currently provide book trailers or animation.

11. What genres do you design covers for?

I specialize in modern horror, thrillers, and literary fiction, but I’ve also designed covers for fantasy, romance, and sci-fi. My goal is to make your book stand out online and in print while reflecting the tone and positioning of your book.

12. How do I get started with a custom book cover?

Visit the Commission a Cover page to view current pricing and availability, then send me your project details through the enquiry form.

If the project is a good fit and I have availability, I'll confirm the schedule and next steps.

A 50% deposit secures your booking.

13. What rights do I receive to the finished cover?

You receive an exclusive commercial licence to use the finished cover artwork and design for your book and its associated promotion and marketing.

The artwork created specifically for your cover will not subsequently be licensed to another author for use on another book cover.

I retain copyright to the artwork and design, including the right to display the finished work in my portfolio, website and promotional material.

Any third-party assets, such as licensed stock photography or fonts, remain subject to their respective licence terms.

14. Do I receive the editable source files?

Editable working files, such as layered Photoshop or InDesign files, are not normally included as part of the standard commission.

You will receive the finished files required for the formats included in your package, prepared and ready for publication.

Source files contain the underlying working artwork, licensed assets, typography, construction and production setup used to create the finished design, and may include elements that cannot legally be transferred under their original licences.

If editable source files are specifically required, this can be discussed separately and may involve additional fees or licensing requirements.

15. Do you need to read my manuscript?

Not always. A detailed synopsis, brief and any relevant reference material are often enough to begin developing a cover. However, if the manuscript is available and the project would benefit from a deeper understanding of the story, themes or characters, I'm very happy to work from it.

16. How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible, particularly if you have a fixed publication date. My availability varies throughout the year and projects are booked into specific time slots, so getting in touch early gives us much more flexibility. You don't necessarily need to have every final print specification ready when you book.

17. Can you design covers for a series?

Absolutely. For a series, I can develop a cohesive visual identity that carries across each book while still giving every title its own recognisable character. If several covers are planned, it's helpful to discuss the series as a whole from the outset so that the system can be designed with future books in mind.

18. What happens if I need another format later?

That's no problem. Additional formats such as paperback, hardcover, audiobook or promotional artwork can usually be created from the original design at a later date. I'll just need the relevant specifications at that stage, and any additional work will be quoted separately based on the format required.

19. Do you use AI to generate your designs?

No. I do not use generative AI to create artwork for commissioned covers.

The artwork and design are created by me using traditional and digital illustration and design methods, alongside appropriately licensed or public-domain material where required.