Self-publishing Guide – Pre-made Book Covers vs Custom-made Book Covers

Whether you’re an author or a typical reader, when looking around the books and eBooks being sold at Amazon or in any book shops in a local area, the first elements we commonly look at is the book cover then the title or the title then the book cover. Normally, we never look directly on what’s on the back description or who the author is. Usually these last two things are noticed after reading the title and glancing the book cover. This is the main reason why self-published authors and publishers should really do their best into coming up a great book cover and a title.

In the world of self-publishing, you as a self-published author can either choose pre-made book cover design or custom made covers but this decision relies of course on your personal choice and your budget.

Why choose custom-made book covers?

If money is not your problem and you really don’t care spending $70 or $500 or more just for the cover, then this option perfectly fits you. Most authors or critiques would really recommend hiring a design professional who can do a custom-made cover for your book. This is to make sure that the output is entirely unique, excellent and can truly give you and the typical readers a wow factor.

Couple of custom-made book cover designers:

  • BookCoverCafe
  • eBookLaunch
  • Marsdorian
  • CreativIndieCovers

When to choose Pre-made book covers?

Pre-made is less-expensive that the custom-made ones. Usually, authors who are on a tight budget would choose designers who do pre-made covers. Although this option is not really recommended by most authors and established authors, yet this option is still better than doing a book cover design on your own or the DIY approach.

Here are couple of pre-made cover designers with impressive designs.

  • ExtendedImagery
  • BeauteBook
  • CoverMyBook
  • CoverTopia

Finding a design professional to do your book cover design

coversThere are thousands and thousands of graphic designers around the world but not all of them are skilled enough to make a professional and great-looking book covers. Although some of them may be considered professional graphic artists, yet are they knowledgeable about the important elements of an ideal book cover in various genre?

When choosing a certain designer, see to it that they have wide experience in designing eBook cover or book covers from various authors and clients. Check their website, their portfolio, about page, client’s testimonials

Lastly, before you commit to them, make sure that you carefully read their package offers and don’t forget to ask questions if anything is not clearly stated on their offer.