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What does a freelance book cover designer do?

When describing what a freelance book cover designer does, it’s tempting to suggest they only provide a cover for a book. Capable book cover designers who regularly work with a variety of clients handle multiple responsibilities. A book cover designer must collaborate with various client stakeholders, including the author, the publishing company management, and the print production manager.

Freelance book cover designers handle the development of artwork appropriate for the genre, choose typography that fits with the artwork, and determine which artwork is best for the type of reproduction when the book goes to press (or is made available through digital copies).

A freelance book cover designer must have an understanding of the print production process, since not all artwork is easily reproduced at the printer. Cover design may include sketches, computer-aided design, or paintings. Regardless of the process for producing the cover design, it must meet the requirements of every method of reproduction and distribution.

What skills do I need to become a freelance book cover designer?

Freelance book cover designers offer a number of skills when providing services to their clients. While some book cover designers have a greater affinity for certain genres than others, many skills are common from one designer to the next.

Common skills a freelance book cover designer should possess include:

• An eye for design. A freelance book cover designer should have the ability to leverage their creative skills to create compelling designs for the necessary topics and genres. Whether they are large publishing companies or individuals attempting to self-publish, clients rely on the design expertise of book cover designers to create eye-catching designs that will capture the attention of the intended audience.
• An understanding of which artwork is appropriate for which genre. When developing a book cover, freelance designers should understand the type of artwork that is appropriate for the genre. They should know a foreboding cover design is suitable for horror or mystery novels, playful and inviting artwork is best for children’s books, and technical or complex designs are best for books about technology or aerospace.
• An understanding of the print production process. Not all types of artwork can be properly reproduced during the print production process. It’s incumbent upon the freelance book cover designer to have an understanding of print production in order to design a cover that can easily be reproduced when printing multiple copies.
• An ability to work well within a team environment. There are often many stakeholders associated with the production of a book. Whether designing a cover for works of fiction or nonfiction, children’s books or textbooks, the book cover designer will work with the author, the publishing company, the marketing team, and the print production team. It’s important that the freelance designer consider input from various sources and balance the client’s objectives with a design that checks the necessary boxes.
• Excellent communication skills. When working within a team, good communication is important. This includes listening to other points of view as well as conveying your thoughts and ideas. Good communication allows clients and designers to work effectively to produce results everyone is happy with.
• Familiarity with graphic design software. Developing book cover designs may involve traditional methods of creating artwork, such as sketches, painting, and photography, but today’s book cover designers rely heavily on graphic design software to create, refine, or edit final designs. Showcasing your graphic design software skills will go a long way in helping your profile stand out.

What are the core freelance book cover designer job responsibilities?

Clients will ask freelance book cover designers to handle a variety of tasks, depending on the genre, the company size, and the book’s target audience. While responsibilities may differ from client to client, there are core duties most freelance book cover designers will handle. These responsibilities include:

• Adhering to the company’s brand guidelines and objectives during the creative process
• Communicating effectively with stakeholders across the company, including marketing, print production, executive management, and the author
• Overseeing the print production process to ensure the cover design is replicated as intended
• Reading the manuscripts of each book requiring a cover design
• Ensuring all final art is submitted in digital format
• Providing opposing feedback, if necessary, if the client's intended design direction is unsuitable for the genre and intended audience

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance book cover designer?

In addition to developing your skills by successfully executing cover designs for other clients or employers, obtaining a degree and/or professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. Including proof of relevant credentials can go a long way in attracting new clients.

Degrees or certifications for freelance book cover designers include:

• An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in art, graphic design, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Adobe Creative Cloud Certifications —offered by Adobe