Self-Publishing Update: Getting a Book Cover
Deciding to self-publish my novel has come with a steep learning curve and a lot of decisions. To make the process as transparent as possible, share process, successes, and failures, I have decided to do a series of updates to take you along on my journey.
Hopefully this will help others considering self-publishing.
So how do you get an awesome book cover inside your budget?
All gurus, resources and common sense says that everyone does judge a book by its cover. Due to this, I have been spending a lot of time on this step. There were two parts:
1. Research similar covers
2. Determine budget and choose how to make the best cover for my book
1. Research similar covers
A cover should communicate what kind of book the reader will get, work great in thumbnail size and look professional.
The first step is to understand your genre, then look in bookstores for similar books. I decided to buy https://publisherrocket.com/ ($87 for lifetime access) to help understand Amazon categories, keywords and market. I used this to find some of the top selling books in my genre, but you can also search completely free.
Even if you hire a professional to make your cover, it is important to understand the market!
What did I do?
1. Set your Chrome Browser to Incognito Mode
2. Go to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk (often big publishers have different covers for different markets to identify who you are targeting)
3. Select “Kindle Books”, then “Bestsellers and More”
4. Understand overall bestsellers, bestsellers in your genre, and both “Most Read” (includes Kindle Unlimited and free books) and “Most Sold”—where do you expect your book to fit in?
2. Determine budget and choose how to make the best cover for my book
I looked at three different kinds of cover services: DIY, marketplaces where freelancers offer their services, well-reputed companies. This is not a complete overview of all the ways there are to get a book cover but a quick overview of the options I considered and the associated costs.
DIY ($0-$100)
Are you crafty and willing to learn the ins and outs of book covers? If yes, go with the cheapest option.
$0 Amazon.com—when uploading your manuscript on Amazon.com you can use their stock photos to create a cover
5 downloads for $49 https://www.shutterstock.com/ —buy a picture or several that fit your novel and make your cover in a graphic editing program or even Word MS
~$100 https://www.selfpubbookcovers.com/ —select a professional, pre-made cover. All you have to do yourself are the fonts
Freelancer ($30-$110)
I searched on https://www.fiverr.com/ for cover designers in my genre (fantasy), identified three freelancers based on number of reviews (above 100), star rating (at least 4.7), and comparing their portfolio to what I was looking for. They ranged from the cheapest one at $30 for eBook only cover (back or spine), to $110 for eBook and hardcover, incl. marketing materials—very good value for money!
Other platforms to try if you want to go this route
Book cover company ($497-$1,700)
I researched two well reputed companies with award winning covers. This is the gold standard. Both companies are dedicated to provide authors with services to bring their books to market
$497-$595 https://ebooklaunch.com/ —they have a great portfolio on the website and several independent blogs and review sites recommended them. Prices are transparently presented on the website. Even if you do not go this route, I suggest clicking the “Order eBook Cover” and using the entry form questions to determine what you want on your cover.
$1,500-$1,700 https://bookdesigners.com/info —reputed book cover designers with very pretty covers (can be used as inspiration also if you go another route). I could not find their prices on their website and contacted them for a quote. This is by far the most expensive book cover design I have seen and, while the cover is important, for me, they priced themselves out.
Are you writing a series? Often you can contact the designer and get a discount on future books where they can reuse a lot of the design.
Which way will you go? I have made up my mind and hope to reveal my new, gorgeous cover for The Last Spiritwalker in the beginning of October!
Choosing a book cover is one of those details that can shape how a finished project is presented. Construction projects also depend on careful attention to different stages and details throughout the process. An nvq level 4 construction site management qualification can help develop practical knowledge around organising site activities and responsibilities. The College of Contract Management provides learning opportunities that can support this type of professional development.
A normal day on a construction site can involve far more than the work that was planned that morning. A delivery arrives late, a subcontractor needs clarification, paperwork needs checking, and suddenly the day's priorities have changed. Learning how to manage those situations is a big part of progressing into site leadership. That's where level 6 nvq construction management may be relevant for someone looking to build on their existing construction experience. The College of Contract Management offers information about the qualification for people considering further study in this area. Looking through the course content alongside your current responsibilities could help you decide whether it is appropriate.
Many professionals consider a quantity surveyor course when looking to strengthen their knowledge of construction finance and commercial management. Construction projects involve a wide range of financial activities that require careful monitoring and control to maintain profitability and performance. Learning how quantity surveyors manage these processes can improve understanding of project economics and contractual obligations. Formal study provides an opportunity to explore these topics using recognised industry methods. This knowledge remains valuable across multiple construction disciplines.
I like how this article encourages preventive maintenance rather than waiting until concrete damage becomes more serious. Addressing small cracks and surface imperfections early can significantly extend the life of driveways, sidewalks, and floors. Concrete Repair In Jacksonville, FL appears to be a practical investment for protecting valuable property.
With more people choosing remote education, is reed courses legit remains a frequently searched phrase among those comparing training providers. The College of Contract Management provides flexible online study opportunities focused on practical knowledge and professional development. Discussions often highlight learning accessibility, career-focused education, and transferable skills.