I hired an artist that had never done a book cover before and I would not recommend that! However, what I DID do that I would recommend is doing some market research and seeing what bestselling books in your category look like ... what's already selling that you notice you could derive inspiration from for your book cover?
My advice for first-time authors is to look at other book covers in your same genre. The book cover communicates a message about the mood, the audience, and other aspects of the book's themes. I own a mom-and-pop shop for editing, formatting, marketing, and design. My amazing husband, Isaac, is an artist and has designed hundreds of covers. Sometimes, authors have a particular vision, but they often don't. It is okay to leave the design to the professionals sometimes and then critique or edit it to match your vision.
Of all the aspects involved in self-publishing a book, your cover art needs to be a top priority. If you are serious about the success of your book, this is one area where it pays to work with a pro. Cover design can be quick, cheap and easy by hiring a contractor or a friend. We all want to save money, right? The trick is that people do judge a book by its cover, contrary to popular belief. The book cover needs to convey an accurate feeling about your story in 7 seconds or less. The first step is to get clear on your targeted reader (and no, it is not everyone). Next, choose colors that appeal to this segment of readers. Ask yourself for example, should the cover be pink or black, and why? What come next is to ensure that your imagery on the cover aligns with the words in your Title and Sub-Title. Finally if you are going to do it right, then take the time to solicit an endorsement or foreword from a celebrity to feature on the front cover.
For my book The Forgiveness Fairy, I designed it myself and then partnered with a creative artist to finalize the cover and entire layout. Having a dual partnership with an experienced artist who had experience in the book publishing industry worked very well for me.
I decided to hire a designer on Fiverr for my book cover, and it turned out to be a great choice! I didn't have a clear vision of what I wanted, but the designer really captured the essence of my book and created something that was both simple and relevant. If you're not a graphic designer or just don't feel confident in your design skills, my advice is to trust the professionals. It's important to share your thoughts with them and work together to develop the concept. They have the knowledge and experience to create covers that not only look great but also reflect current trends and appeal to your audience.
When designing the cover for my self-published book, I chose to hire a professional designer rather than taking a DIY approach. I knew the cover would be the first impression potential readers have of the book, and I wanted it to reflect the quality and value of the content inside. A professionally designed cover not only captures attention but also conveys credibility, which is critical in the crowded world of self-publishing. My approach began with clearly defining the book's themes, target audience, and the emotions I wanted the cover to evoke. I created a detailed brief for the designer, including references from other books in the same genre and specific elements I wanted to include. For example, I requested a bold, minimalist design that would stand out in both digital thumbnails and physical copies. Collaborating closely with the designer, we went through several iterations, refining the colours, typography, and imagery to ensure everything aligned with the book's message. For those considering self-publishing, my advice is to treat your cover as an investment. If you have design expertise, a DIY approach can work, but it requires time, tools, and an understanding of design principles. Otherwise, hiring a professional is well worth the cost, as they bring expertise in design trends, market expectations, and technical aspects like resolution and formatting. Remember, your cover isn't just about aesthetics-it's a marketing tool. A well-designed cover helps your book stand out, attracts the right audience, and ultimately drives sales. If you're unsure where to start, platforms like 99designs or freelance marketplaces are excellent resources for finding skilled designers who can bring your vision to life.