How Much Does It Cost To Have Someone Design A Book Cover?

Your book cover is the first thing readers notice, whether they’re browsing a digital bookstore or flipping through a shelf at their favorite shop. And while writing a book can take months (or years), a poorly designed cover can undo all that hard work in seconds. That’s why authors, especially those self-publishing, often hire a professional designer to get the job done right.

But just how much does it cost to have someone design a book cover?

The truth is, prices can vary drastically—from under $100 to several thousand dollars—depending on what you need, who you hire, and how custom you want the result to be.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The realistic costs of book cover design.
• The factors that influence pricing
• What you’re actually paying for in a cover package.

Whether you’re budgeting for your first book or comparing design options for your next release, this guide will give you the clarity you need to make a smart investment.

Average Cost to Hire a Book Cover Designer

If you’re looking for a straight answer, here’s the quick snapshot: Book cover design can cost anywhere between $50 and $3,000+, depending on the designer’s experience, quality, and what’s included.

Let’s break it down by design tier:

Design Type	Cost Range	What You Get
Pre-made cover	$50 – $150	Ready-made design with limited customization; best for quick projects
Beginner freelancer	$150 – $400	Simple custom design; fewer revisions; often ebook only
Experienced freelance designer	$500 – $1000	Professional layout, tailored to your genre, multiple concepts and revisions
Top-tier designer/agency	$1,000 – $3,000+	Fully custom design, market research, branding, and promotional graphics

Ebook-only covers tend to cost less, while print book covers (which require spine and back design) increase the total price. If you’re publishing in both formats, expect a $50–$150 upcharge for the full wraparound cover.

Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble Press all require specific dimensions, so many designers include multiple format exports in their package.

What Factors Influence Book Cover Design Costs?

You might wonder, “Why do some covers cost $150 while others go over $1,500?” The answer lies in what you’re paying for. Here are the main factors that affect pricing:

1. Designer’s Experience and Reputation

A designer just starting out will likely charge less to build their portfolio, while a designer with dozens of bestsellers under their belt can command premium rates. High-end professionals often specialize in a genre (romance, sci-fi, nonfiction, etc.), which increases their value due to market insight.

2. Custom vs. Pre-Made

Pre-made covers use existing artwork or templates, customized with your title and author name. They’re fast and affordable—but they’re not unique. Custom covers are built from scratch around your story, brand, and audience. Naturally, this level of attention costs more.

3. Stock Images vs. Custom Illustrations

Most designers use royalty-free stock photos for your background or imagery, but some authors want a fully hand-drawn or digitally illustrated cover. Custom illustrations or photo shoots can easily add $500–$1000+ to the total.

4. Number of Revisions and Concepts

Some designers offer only one or two design concepts and minimal changes, while others include 3+ options and several revision rounds. The more time spent perfecting your vision, the higher the fee.

5. Print and Ebook Versions

Designing a front cover for an ebook is relatively straightforward. But a print cover requires spine dimensions (based on page count), back cover layout, and often a barcode. That extra work adds cost. Some designers bundle this, while others charge separately.

6. Rush Orders or Package Add-ons

Need it in a week? Expect to pay extra. Also, if your designer offers add-ons like social media banners, 3D mockups, or book launch graphics, these are often priced separately or bundled in deluxe packages.

DIY vs. Professional Design – What’s the Tradeoff?

If your budget is tight, you might be tempted to try designing the cover yourself. Tools like Canva, BookBrush, or Adobe Express make it easy to put text over an image. But before you hit publish, here’s the honest truth:

• DIY can work for practice or placeholder covers
• But generic-looking designs are easy to spot—and readers notice
• If you don’t know visual hierarchy, typography, or genre expectations, you may unintentionally turn away your target audience

A professional designer doesn’t just create something pretty—they design for conversion. They understand color psychology, font pairings, balance, and how to make a book look like it belongs on the virtual shelf next to bestsellers in your category.

Hiring a professional gives you:

• A genre-appropriate, eye-catching design
• Higher trust with readers and reviewers
• A cover you’ll be proud to show off (and market)

That said, if you’re just starting out and want to test your concept, pre-made designs or Canva Pro templates can be a short-term solution while you save for a premium cover.

What’s Typically Included in a Book Cover Design Package?

When you hire a designer, you’re not just paying for a static image. A proper design package includes multiple services that bring your book to life—and make it usable across platforms.

Here’s what a standard cover design package often includes:

a.  Front Cover Design

The minimum requirement for all ebook formats. It includes your title, subtitle (if any), author name, and graphics tailored to your genre.

b.  Full Print Wraparound (Spine + Back Cover)

Required for physical books. Includes back blurb text, barcode space, spine title, and publisher logo if applicable.

c.   File Formatting for Different Platforms

Designs are formatted and exported to meet the specs of Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Smashwords, etc. Sizes vary slightly, and a good designer ensures your files are correct.

d.  Multiple File Types

You’ll usually receive JPG, PNG, and PDF versions, and possibly source files (PSD, AI) depending on the designer’s policy.

e.   3D Mockups and Marketing Graphics (Optional)

Some packages include visuals you can use for social media or your website—great for pre-launch promotion.

f.   Revision Rounds

Most designers offer 2–3 rounds of revisions. More revisions may cost extra, so clarify this before signing the contract.

Before you hire, ask exactly what’s included in your quote so you don’t face unexpected costs later.

Conclusion: A Great Book Deserves a Great Cover—At the Right Price

Your book cover is more than just decoration—it’s a marketing tool, a first impression, and a signal of professionalism. While prices vary widely, the investment is worth it if you want your book to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars—but you do need to choose a designer whose style matches your vision, and whose experience reflects the results you want. Think of it this way: a strong book cover doesn’t just sell the book—it sells you as an author worth reading.

Whether you’re spending $200 or $2,000, make sure your cover is working as hard as your words do.

 

FAQs

Q1: Can I get a professional book cover for under $200?

Yes, especially if you opt for a pre-made cover or work with a new designer looking to build their portfolio. Just make sure the designer has strong samples and understands your genre.

Q2: What if I need revisions later—will that cost extra?

It depends on your agreement. Most designers include 1–3 revision rounds. Major changes after approval (like a new title or layout) may incur an additional fee.

Q3: Should I pay extra for custom illustrations?

If you’re writing fantasy, children’s books, or want a highly unique look, then yes—custom illustrations can be worth the cost.

Q4: How do I know if a designer is worth the price?

Look at their portfolio, read client reviews, and ask how many revisions are included. Great designers understand both visual storytelling and reader psychology—not just how to make things look “nice.”