You’ve finished your work, edited all the chapters and now it’s time to create your book’s visual elements. Putting out a book that sells and stands out depends on how stunning the cover design is. But the key point is: What is the cost of designing a book cover?
The price of your book cover will depend on what design you want, how quickly you want it and what other needs you have. Let’s take a close look at what’s out there and figure out what fits your book and your budget.
Option 1: Pre-Made Book Covers – Cheap, Swift Service and No Hidden Hurdles
Premade book covers are professionally made covers that an author can use to fit their needs. All you have to do is select a style that matches your genre and the designer will change the title, author’s name and subtitle for you. Quick. Simple. Done.
Pricing Most Commonly: $50 – $150
What Is Usually Included:
- An eye-catching front cover.
- Editing the font and style of the title and author name.
- The book is available in high-resolution eBook format (print may be an additional cost).
What Makes It Preferable?
- Budget-oriented: A great fit for authors, indie publishers or people creating shorter forms of content.
- Convenience: Perfect when you need your content out fast.
- Wide range of styles: Many different design choices in any genre you like.
What to Keep in Mind:
- This has happened elsewhere, too. Someone else might end up with the same product as you.
- There are not many customization options available.
- Your book’s cover design will not get much attention.
- However, for a lot of independent authors, premade covers give them just what they’re looking for at a good price.
Option 2: Custom Book Cover Design – Made Just for You
Hoping your cover stands out as much as your book itself? At this point, custom book cover design is very helpful. With this method, you team up with a designer to make a unique cover that matches the tone, genre, and emotions of your book.
Average Cost: $200 – $1000+
Prices vary based on the designer’s experience, the complexity of the artwork, and whether you need extras like spine and back cover designs.
What You Usually Get:
- Front cover (eBook and/or print).
- Full wrap design (front, spine, back).
- Multiple rounds of revisions.
- Consultation to understand your book’s tone and audience.
- Custom typography and branding elements.
Pros of Going Custom:
- Uniqueness: No one else will have your design.
- Genre targeting: Covers are designed specifically to appeal to your target readers.
- Professional polish: Custom covers often sell more because they look legit.
A Few Caveats:
- Longer turnaround times (usually 2–4 weeks).
- Higher cost, especially with experienced or in-demand designers.
A custom book cover is an investment — but for many authors, it pays off in credibility, sales, and long-term branding.
Option 3: DIY Book Cover Design – Save Money, But Tread Carefully
If you’re a designer at heart or love experimenting with Canva, Photoshop, or other design tools, you might be tempted to go the DIY route. This can be a zero-cost option — aside from your time and effort.
Average Cost: $0 – $50 (for software and stock assets).
DIY Pros:
- Total creative freedom.
- No waiting on turnaround times.
- Extremely budget-friendly.
DIY Risks:
- Lack of design expertise can result in amateur-looking covers.
- Poor font choices, bad image resolution, and layout errors can hurt credibility.
- Potential copyright issues with image use.
Unless you’re experienced in graphic design, it’s often best to leave cover design to the professionals — first impressions matter!
What’s Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- What’s my budget?
- Do I want a quick release or a longer-term investment?
- Am I publishing a series or a standalone book?
Should you publish a short story or begin exploring another genre, using a ready-made cover design could be the most beneficial choice. So if you’re building a brand, launching a series or intend your book cover design to attract notice, then a custom book cover is a solid investment.
We realize at Cover of the Book that authors and their stories are all unique. That’s why we have both standard and personalized covers, so you can get what you want at the price you need.
Suggestions for Optimizing Your Cover Design:
In every case, ask for high-quality files to ensure they can be used for printing and online displays.
- Match the design to the typical rules of your chosen genre.
- Check if the asset package contains commercial and source files as well.
- Pay equal attention to the text’s style because it’s just as vital as the pictures.
Final Word
A book’s cover is its first chance to impress, so it can either make or break a potential reader’s interest. Choosing a design that matches your vision or a professional premade book cover will make your story stand out and grab attention in a crowded market.
Ready to make your book shine? Discover many different designs for your books at CoveroftheBook.com — where quality and affordability unite.
