Readers will notice your book’s cover before anything else, so it needs to make a good impression. In fact, a conventional or sloppy design can drive people away.
That's why professional help is so worthwhile, especially for self-published authors. Below, are several top book cover design services that can produce high-quality artwork for digital and printed publication.
1. eBook Launch
Designing a book cover is complicated, but the result should be the same: a striking composition that smoothly combines text and images, whether stock or illustrations.
eBook Launch consistently meets that standard, which is the main reason why it's among the best cover design services around. Its portfolio is full of well-made and unique book covers in a range of styles, from contemporary and illustrated to sci-fi and horror.
Unless a $99 pre-made cover fits the bill, eBook Launch's team tries to make each author's vision a reality. That said, a custom ebook cover design costs $449. It's a steep price, but this essential part of the publishing process rarely comes cheap anyway.
You could always dive into easy-to-use graphic design apps and create your own cover. But, if you're going to spend money, you might as well go all the way. Invest in strong artwork and let your book market itself.
2. The Book Designers
If you like the idea of a dedicated team focusing their expertise on your book, get to know The Book Designers too. The cost depends on your project's demands, but expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars. However, you won't regret the outcome.
Browse its portfolio and you'll see how meticulous and diverse its book cover designs are. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, it can create the perfect package for your manuscript.
Even so, it's okay to ask for changes to a design you're not happy with. Professional services like The Book Designers will act on your feedback until your cover meets your expectations. Just make sure your expectations are realistic.
3. Damonza
Another great service to consider for your cover design is Damonza. Despite its pricing, starting at $645 for an ebook, it's a popular choice among indie authors. Its money-back-guarantee policy is comforting when you're spending that amount of money.
As always, the first point of interest is its existing creations, which don't disappoint. You can see the company's high standards in each design, so you can look forward to the same attention to detail with your book.
In fact, the team behind Damonza is known for its good eye for each project's marketability. You can trust their ideas as much as their artistic skills.
4. 99Designs
Apart from ready-made cover design services, you'll come across platforms where self-publishing authors can find expert freelancers. 99Designs should be your first stop.
You can either approach a designer you like or start a contest. Providing a clear, detailed, and realistic brief is important, especially for a contest.
This method works like an ad. It calls for submissions that meet your instructions. Then, you can choose the winner and collaborate further.
The variety of options and professionals on the website means that prices vary. The lowest you can expect to pay is around $300, but paying more can lead to better covers. Just be extra careful with your choices.
5. Reedsy
Following the same concept as 99Designs, Reedsy is now a diverse and highly-respected community of publishing professionals ready to help with anything indie authors need.
In terms of book cover designers, they display their experience, previous projects, reviews, and other qualities on their profiles. You can request quotes from up to five people for a particular project.
Whoever you choose, Reedsy handles every aspect of your collaboration, from communicating and exchanging documents to paying your installments.
The service is easy to use, and good partnerships can result in superb covers, whether for ebooks, printed books, or both.
6. Bailey Designs Books
Then there are individual professionals offering their book cover design services. While there are many on the market to choose from, some deserve special attention.
Bailey Designs Books is one of them because of her distinctive style and reasonable prices. A premade design can be as low as $99, and a custom ebook cover is $399. If you're also going for a printed edition, it'll be $499.
What you get in return is an eye-catching illustrated design to breathe life into your book's look. If you prefer more artistic, bubbly, or minimalist covers to stock images, you should explore what this service has to offer.
7. Jessica Bell Design
Here's another name thriving on the book cover scene. Jessica Bell Design produces stunning works for all kinds of literature, including materials for branding and marketing campaigns.
You'll find illustrations as well as stock image-based creations in her portfolio. Whether you want a classic, minimalist, or really unique design, this is a great service to get involved with.
Pricing comes in bundles. For example, a starter pack is around $500. This delivers an ebook and print-ready cover alongside a 3D mock-up for your website, two licensed image downloads, and three revisions. Fees can change for illustrated projects.
8. Baki Boquecosa
Depending on your budget, you have several reliable options for the perfect book cover. Baki Boquecosa stands out as a talented graphic designer, offering his art to the publishing industry too.
You can choose between a pre-made or custom cover. Whether you go for something simple or surreal, you'll get impressive artwork that fits your book's spirit and turns heads.
The cost of a pre-made design can start at $100, so Baki Boquecosa is another great choice if you want a nice cover without having to spend too much.
9. Julie Metz Design
If you're after a classic and clean-cut cover, Julie Metz Design is a good website to look at first. Expect a very professional and creative mindset that will result in a first-rate cover for your digital or printed book.
Julie Metz's expertise in graphic design and photography, not to mention her collaborations with the likes of Hachette and Penguin Random House, promise a smooth and constructive partnership.
The quality of her work speaks for itself. Mainly based on stock images, each cover is simple, attractive, and produced to publishing standards. Her style would fit writers of romance, contemporary fiction, and modern thrillers, for example.
10. Vanessa Mendozzi Design
Effective book covers don't have to be complicated. The simplest elements can merge into something beautiful and original, something that Vanessa Mendozzi Design has mastered alongside more intricate designs.
Whether your work is a biography, thriller, or children's book, you can look forward to a flexible style. It can produce both subtle and vivid effects—whatever the manuscript needs to shine.
When it comes to standing out from the competition in the publishing industry, tailored book cover design is worth the price.
Budget for a Great Book Cover
A trick to self-publishing is learning to do things yourself. This DIY attitude not only teaches you valuable skills, but it lets you put your money towards more important and difficult tasks like book cover design.
Even if you're just publishing an ebook, creating your own cover page or editing your manuscript's whole interior can help you save enough to invest in the pricier services above. Smart and careful planning can produce the book of your dreams.