This article is part of the Self-Publishing Series, informational guides aimed at self-publishing authors seeking advice on how best to approach, communicate, and work with a professional book cover designer.
Blog post cover illustration by Lauren Hall
First up, read this article by Micaela Alcaino which outlines the important role that book covers play in book sales and explains why talented artists deserve to be paid for their craft.
Next, watch this video about how to be a solid client.
Now, if you’re reading this article, then you’re here for a reason. There are plenty of unfiltered design directories out there–the wild, wild, west. We are not competing with those sites! If your cover budget is in the $99 range, you’re in the wrong place.
This website was created with the purpose of cataloging the work of top-tier cover artists who are contributing designs to the industry at the highest levels. These people are busy and sought after. If you’re interested in hiring one of these talented folks, you should expect to pay them at a ballpark range that they’re currently receiving from other clients.
But what is an appropriate range? The purpose of this article is to inform you of the current industry-standard rates (updated for 2026) so that you can figure out what you can afford and feel confident about what you’re spending.
If the numbers on the higher-end listed below are outside of your budget, no sweat. Stick to what you can afford.
But, if you are excited about the thought of working with the same designer who created your favorite Michael Lewis, Colleen Hoover, or Stephen King jacket, then you should be realistic about offering them rates worthy of their expertise and of the years they’ve spent honing their craft.
Sounds fair, right?
*All budgets are listed as ranges. Specific factors defining the scope of work will affect a designer’s final fee.
Large, Commercial, Big 5 Publishing Houses
$2,500 to $3,000.
Sometimes up to $5,000 USD
Final fee depends on the specific nature of the project.
Is custom illustration involved? Is handlettering required? Does the desired look for this cover involve highly intense photoshop skills? These specialties will push something to the higher range.
Other factors include the number of unique designs that are ultimately submitted. If a project runs through many, many rounds, a designer is compensated for their time going above and beyond the initial scope.
Medium-Sized Commercial Publishers
$1,500 to $2,000+ USD
American University Presses
$750 to $1,500+ USD
Small Presses
$600 to $1,000+ USD
Nonprofit presses and small poetry houses
$500 to $800+ USD
If you’re reading this while you’re in the middle of posting a creative brief on our Jobs Board, here’s some advice on how to enter your design budget:
1. If you have a very specific budget to offer, stick to it. State your budget as a single number and do not offer a range.
2. If your fee is somewhat negotiable, list your budget as a range. If a seasoned designer contacts you, agree to pay the higher amount. If you hire someone with less experience, you may negotiate for an amount within your lower range.
Providing a range may attract more bids and help you arrive at a fair price that benefits both parties.
Good luck!
*This article was written with US design budgets in mind. Budgets in other countries will differ.
*This article relates to designed book covers. Jackets with custom illustrations have different budgets. More information about custom illustrated jackets is <COMING SOON>
