How it works
The first step is to contact me so we can discuss your project in detail. This consultation is, of course, free of charge. You can contact me by phone or e-mail. You'll want to think about the following questions:
- Who is the intended audience for the book?
- Do you have any ideas for the cover? (it's fine if you don't)
- Do you have a title?
- What are the book's dimensions? Hard or soft cover?
- Do you have a length (page count) in mind?
- Will there be interior photos or illustrations, and if so, do you have these or will you need me to supply them?
Based on this information, I will provide you with a written estimate. For cover designs only, this will be the final price quote, subject only to the changes listed below. For book interiors, you will receive the final quote after I see your text files. Cost of the interior layout will depend on several factors: the type of book, photos or illustrations, complex formatting, etc. I do not charge you seperately for individual items, as some others do.
Once you approve the estimate, I'll send you a simple agreement which specifies payment and copyright terms. Depending on the project, I will require a 25–50% deposit. Upon final payment, you will own all rights to the work.
What I will need from you
For book covers, I'll need several pieces of information:
- Title (and subtitle, if applicable)
- Brief synopsis
- Target audience
- Hard or soft cover
- Book dimensions
- Back cover text (author bio, reviews, book description)
- Any thoughts or ideas you may have
For interior layouts, I'll need:
- Title (and subtitle, if applicable)
- Brief synopsis
- Target audience
- Hard or soft cover
- Book dimensions
- Target page count (if known)
- Photos or illustrations
- Text files (any computer format is fine)
What you will get from me
- Full-color, final-size proof of the cover, including back cover and spine
- High-resolution PDF file of cover, prepped according to your printer's specifications
- Proof print of book interior (if applicable)
- High-resolution PDF file of book interior (if applicable)
- All files will be sent directly to your printer if desired. You will also receive a CD with all of the files, including original cover artwork.
- Full rights to your cover
- An e-book version of the cover, at no additional charge