BOOK COVER DESIGN
AKOA offers fully customized book cover design for authors across a variety of media, including paper and hardback, eBook, and audiobook. Packages can include any combination of media, as well as title art, logos, social media graphics, or other marketing graphics designed to showcase and promote the Client's new literary work.





COMMISSIONING COVER ART
-
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
STEP 1 | Every project starts with a conversation. Start by thinking about what you'll need for your cover art.
- What formats will you need? Paperback? Hardback? Audiobook or eBook? Make a list of everything you are sure of- we can always add more later.
- What is your book about? What genre? What type of imagery do you want to see? You can be as specific as you would like - details are invaluable when trying to create a design that captures your work. Is there a color palette you want to use? Is there a mood you wish to convey? What about certain elements (objects, subjects) you might want to show in the art?
- When do you plan to publish your book? This helps with determining deadlines and milestones for your project.
- Will you need title page art, logos, or other imagery separate from the cover?
- Will you need marketing graphics for your book? Think social media post artwork, banners, postcards, etc.
-
LET'S GET STARTED!
STEP 2 | The Proposal and Contract
All of the details discussed are compiled into a Proposal and Contract for review and signing. The Proposal will list all of the details, such as deadline, subject matter, desired format(s) and sizes, initial layout ideas, elements to include, color palette, and project costs. The Contract lists all other project information regarding project updates, copyright, and payment. You will have the opportunity to discuss both documents and make any needed changes prior to signing.
STEP 3 | Downpayment & Project Start
A 1/3 downpayment is due prior to the project's start. Once the downpayment has been received, the initial sketch(es) will be created for your review so that the direction for the artwork can be agreed upon before project progression.
STEP 4 | Project Progression & Updates
You will be provided updates at pivotal times throughout the project so that any needed changes or additions can be discussed.
STEP 5 | Final Approval & Payment
The final artwork will be presented for approval. Once approval has been given, and final payment has been made, all final files will be provided in the formats agreed upon in the Contract.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I need to request additional materials I didn't include in our Contract, like an eBook cover?
No problem. We can always add additional items to your order, just contact me, and I can provide a quote.
What are your prices?
The final cost will depend on the formats you request (paperback, hardback, eBook, etc) and the amount of time estimated to complete the artwork. Generally, the original artwork for a paperback or hardback dust jacket starts at $500-$700+ and includes the final files in standard formats (PDF, InDesign, etc.) Additional fees will apply for adapting the final artwork to audiobook or eBook format. Please be as specific as possible when you request the layouts you think you will need (paperback, dust jacket, eBook) so that they can be factored into your cost. Any additional layouts not originally included may incur an additional fee.
How many revisions do I get?
The total cost includes a certain number of hours allotted to additional edits after the final artwork has been presented for approval. Edits that are estimated to take more than the number of hours specified in the Contract must be approved in writing by you, and are billed at $30/hr.
What file formats do you provide?
You will be provided the final files in any number of standard industry formats - PDF, TIFF, PSD, AI, JPEG, etc. Please note that editable, original PSD files remain the property of OA Graphic Design and are not included. If you are not sure what file formats you need or are unsure of how to upload or send them to your printer, let me know. For a small additional fee, I can assist you with this process.
What is your turnaround time?
Original cover art requires a minimum of 4 weeks and may take up to a few months, depending on the scope of the project. When considering your publishing schedule, please leave as much time for this process as possible to ensure the best results.
Do you hand-draw your covers? Or do you use stock photos?
I use both. Many of my covers are digitally painted originals. However, I can and have used stock imagery when needed, depending on the request of the Client. We can work together to ensure the best options for your cover art that suit your needs and budget.
Do you provide social media/cover reveal images?
Absolutely! Please let me know if you would like promo images, including cover reveal images. I would be happy to provide those for a small additional fee.
Can I also get the title artwork?
Yes. You can request a copy of the existing Title artwork as-is, in any standard format(s) to be provided to you at no additional charge. If you need the artwork adapted or edited for additional use, (such as style changes, additional artwork added, etc.) that will be an additional fee - please reach out to me with your request and I will be happy to provide you a quote.
Will you use my cover for another book?
No. I offer bespoke, fully custom covers for authors. Every commission is unique, and the artwork created for your book will not be used for another client.
CASE STUDIES
-
THE BRIAR CROWN
EXPLOREClient and author Helen Rygh-Pedersen required cover art as well as corresponding Title Page art for her fantasy novel "The Briar Crown".
-
THE REDEMPTION SERIES
EXPLOREClient required full-color dust jacket designs for each book in the Redemptions series as well as social media graphics.
-
THE GIRL WHO SINGS TO DRAGONS
EXPLOREThe Client required cover art for his fantasy novel The Girl Who Sings To Dragons, along with title page graphic.
-
A HUNDRED BREATHS
EXPLOREThe Client required cover art for her novel A Hundred Breaths, as well as ebook and audiobook layouts, a scene break graphic, and title page art.
-
TEMPER THE DARK
EXPLOREClient and author L. Ryan Storms required cover art as well as corresponding Title Page art for her fantasy novel "Temper The Dark".
-
MARIT UNSANCTIONED
EXPLOREClient and author L. Ryan Storms required original digitally painted cover art for her new fantasy novel "Marit Unsanctioned."
-
APPLE SEEDS IN THE SNOW
EXPLOREClient required cover art as well as eBook cover for her young adult fantasy novel "Apple Seeds In The Snow".
-
CARRIE BORDER
COMING SOON - Client and author Nancy Jackson required a hardback cover design and social media graphics for the release of her novel "Carrie Border".
-
WILL RISE FROM ASHES
EXPLOREThe Client required cover art for her novel Will Rise From Ashes, as well as ebook and audiobook layouts, a scene break graphic, and title page art.
-
A HUNDRED KISSES
COMING SOON - The Client required cover art for her novel A Hundred Kisses, as well as ebook and audiobook layouts, a scene break graphic, and title page art.
-
CHAOS BOUND
EXPLOREClient and author L. Ryan Storms required original digitally painted cover art for her new fantasy novel "Chaos Bound."
-
WHERE GOLDEN FEATHERS FALL
EXPLOREClient and author Helen Rygh-Pedersen required original cover art for her novel "Where Golden Feathers Fall".