It is common knowledge that the person who designs your book has the power to either make or break your publication. Who you hire, what the designer knows, how their work looks, and how they generally approach their work are a few aspects that make a huge difference. However, you simply shouldn’t expect a book designer to wave his or her wand and magically ensure your book’s success in the marketplace.
A basic internet search for “book design” or “book designer services” will uncover many possibilities, some of which are superior to others, as is the case with everything else. How exactly do you decide, and what should you keep in mind to find the ideal match?
Although we would all like a famous book designer to work on our masterpiece, the likelihood is that their services will set us back a fortune. Therefore, when you are looking for the ideal designer or studio to work on your book, what questions should you ask yourself that are realistic and practical? Let’s have a look:
How to Hire the Best Book Designer?
Finding and working with the perfect book designer for your project can be an uphill battle. You might already have an idea for the design of your cover, or you might have no clue how to get started with it.
If you follow the advice given below for authors and gain an awareness of the various design alternatives available, you can narrow your search.
What to Consider When Looking for a Book Designer?
#1 – You must ensure that you know and understand the financial implications of the design work. Inquire as to what features are incorporated into the design. As an illustration, many customers want their book cover converted into a cover for advance review copies. Request the designer’s assistance in determining how best to meet these needs.
#2 – Determine who owns the design by looking at the contract. Will you buy it outright or acquire a license to use it instead? Especially in the case of designs for book covers, some designers choose to keep ownership of their work and instead offer a license that allows you to use the design for a certain number of editions.
If your book is a commercial success, you may discover that you must pay additional license fees before your book may be reprinted. As the publisher, it is up to you to choose whether or not you find this arrangement satisfactory.
#3 – Many designers use contracts, and a contract should protect both parties by making your agreement more solid so it can be followed. Always get a copy of the contract before signing it. There is no point in negotiating your project if the designer is unwilling to move on a topic that could potentially kill the agreement in the contract.
You’ll also need to consider your agenda in the process. What will happen if the work is delayed, given that designers are frequently sole proprietors of their businesses? Ensure the designer knows all the precise dates you are working toward in your publication strategy and that you explain these dates to them clearly and concisely. In addition, if there is a deadline that cannot be missed under any circumstances, you should include it in the contract.
#4 – What steps need to be taken if you choose to terminate the project? Is there a “kill” price or an “escape” clause if you want to break the agreement? Direct negotiations should occur if there is no mechanism for early contract termination in the agreement.
If the cancellation occurs at the beginning of the project, it is frequently easiest to have a fixed charge. In that case, the contract can stipulate that payment for the services done to date is based on an hourly rate.
#5 – What sort of credit does the designer want in return for their work? Traditionally, it has been up to the publisher to decide whether or not to provide credit to the designer, and the most commonly used acknowledgment is a line on the copyright page. Find out whether the designer has any further requirements about how they should be credited.
#6 – Find out about the designer’s method before you sign the contract for their services. How many different designs are going to be made? Will there be an option available to you? Will you be required to pay if you wish to modify the designs after completing the initial round? Because the workflow of each designer is unique, you must understand their approach before beginning any collaboration. And if you find that it lacks the comfort you require, you should keep looking.
#7 – Ask the designer about their previous work experience. Are they familiar with the person who prints your books? Can they show you designs they’ve created for books in your genre? It’s beneficial to work with a designer familiar with the target audience and their preferences.
#8 – You should look for a book designer who answers quickly to your initial inquiry, is punctual for meetings, spell checks his emails, and delivers your quotation in a way that demonstrates he knows your project and all the steps that it will require. Keep an eye out for someone whose communication style may be described as professional without being unduly formal.
Take Away
It is much more likely that you will have a positive experience with a book designer if you do a little bit of study and some preparation beforehand. Additionally, your book will have more chances of succeeding if you do your homework. You want people to take your book seriously after all the laborious effort you’ve put into writing it. Before you release it to the public, check that it looks as good as possible.
It is extremely vital for authors who self-publish to ensure that the cover of their book has a professional appearance. It all comes down to that all-important first impression when potential readers decide whether to pick up your book off the shelf or pass it by.