For many self-published authors, hiring a freelance book cover designer is one of the most crucial steps in turning a manuscript into a market-ready product. A great cover can attract readers, convey genre, and build trust within seconds—while a poorly designed one can turn potential buyers away before they even read the blurb.
Working with a freelance designer offers flexibility, affordability, and access to diverse creative talent. But the process requires clear communication, mutual respect, and a good understanding of how the collaboration should unfold.
In this article, we’ll walk through the key do’s and don’ts of working with a freelance book cover designer to help you get the most from your investment and avoid common pitfalls.
DO: Research Before You Hire
Choosing the right book cover designer for your book isn’t just about style—it’s also about fit. Take time to:
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Review portfolios carefully. Look for work that reflects your book’s genre, tone, and professionalism.
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Check testimonials and reviews. Past clients can give insight into how reliable, communicative, and creative the designer is.
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Ask about experience. A designer who’s worked on multiple covers in your niche will better understand reader expectations and market trends.
Pro Tip: Don’t just fall in love with pretty art. Make sure the covers in their portfolio sell the books they’re meant to.
DON’T: Go With the Cheapest Option Automatically
It’s tempting to save money, especially for a debut book, but price should never be the only factor. Ultra-cheap designers may:
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Use stolen or unlicensed stock images
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Deliver generic or low-quality work
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Offer limited revisions or poor communication
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Disappear mid-project
Instead, think in terms of value. A $300 cover that helps sell hundreds of copies is a far better investment than a $50 cover that repels readers.
DO: Create a Clear and Detailed Design Brief
Your designer isn’t a mind reader. The more information you provide, the better the result will be.
Your design brief should include:
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Book title, subtitle, and author name
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Genre and age group
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Short synopsis or theme overview
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Mood and tone (e.g., dark and gritty, light and humorous)
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Visual references (covers you like and dislike)
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Format needs (eBook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook)
Bonus Tip: If you’re publishing a series, let your designer know so they can think ahead for consistent branding.
DON’T: Micromanage the Creative Process
It’s natural to feel protective of your work, but being too controlling can hinder creativity. Once you’ve provided a solid brief and discussed your vision, step back and let your designer do their job.
Avoid dictating every design element (“Make the dragon red, flying over a specific mountain at sunset with this exact font…”) unless absolutely necessary. Instead, trust the designer’s understanding of composition, typography, and visual balance.
Think of the designer as a partner—not a pixel-pusher.
DO: Be Professional and Respectful
Freelancers are professionals running their own businesses. Treat them as you would any creative collaborator:
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Respond to messages in a timely manner
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Meet agreed deadlines (especially if feedback is required)
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Avoid scope creep (adding extra work outside the original agreement without renegotiation)
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Credit their work appropriately when promoting your book (if agreed)
A courteous, professional relationship makes the entire experience smoother for both parties.
DON’T: Ignore Genre Conventions
Many authors want their cover to stand out—but standing out the wrong way can backfire. A cover that doesn’t clearly signal its genre will confuse or alienate readers.
Example: A thriller with pastel fonts and cartoonish characters will likely fail to attract the right audience.
Your designer will likely suggest visual conventions common to your genre. Instead of resisting, lean into them while exploring unique twists.
Remember: You’re not just designing art—you’re designing for marketing.
DO: Give Clear, Constructive Feedback
When it’s time to review drafts, your input is vital. Offer feedback that is:
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Specific: “The title is hard to read at thumbnail size” is more helpful than “I don’t like the font.”
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Actionable: Suggest changes that move the design forward rather than vague complaints.
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Respectful: Keep criticism focused on the work, not the person.
Designers appreciate collaboration, not vague dissatisfaction. If something feels off, talk through it openly.
DON’T: Expect Unlimited Revisions
Most freelance designers offer a set number of revision rounds—usually 1 to 3. These revisions cover changes in layout, color, font, and imagery based on your feedback.
Don’t assume you can endlessly tweak the design. Frequent indecision, last-minute changes, or dramatic direction shifts can cause delays, frustration, and extra charges.
Best practice: Make decisions confidently. Get outside input (from readers or peers) before sending final revision requests.
DO: Discuss Deliverables and Rights Upfront
Before work begins, make sure both parties agree on:
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What files you’ll receive (JPG, PNG, PDF, source files)
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What formats are included (eBook, print, audiobook)
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Usage rights and licensing (especially for stock images or fonts)
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Turnaround time and milestones
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Payment structure (deposit, final payment, refund policies)
Having these details in writing—via contract or email—avoids future misunderstandings.
DON’T: Forget About Marketing Assets
A great cover goes beyond the book itself. Ask your designer if they offer or can create:
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3D mockups of your book for promotional use
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Social media banners
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Ads or thumbnails for Amazon and BookBub
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Series branding elements
You don’t need everything right away, but investing in cohesive design across platforms strengthens your book’s presence and professionalism.
DO: Leave a Review or Testimonial
If your designer delivered great work, let them (and others) know! Reviews help freelancers grow their business and build credibility.
You can:
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Leave a review on their website or portfolio platform
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Share your experience in author groups or forums
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Credit them in your acknowledgments or social media posts
Strong relationships can lead to discounts, faster turnaround times, and better collaboration for future books.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a freelance book cover designer can be one of the best investments you make as an author—but only if the collaboration is handled thoughtfully. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll position yourself for a smoother process, a stronger working relationship, and a final product that enhances your book’s chances of success.
Key takeaways:
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Research and vet designers carefully
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Provide a solid brief and actionable feedback
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Respect the designer’s creative process and professionalism
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Communicate clearly and plan for all deliverables
A great book cover doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of strong collaboration between author and designer. Treat it as a team effort, and you’ll end up with a cover that not only looks fantastic but sells your story to the right readers.
