Why Should I Hire a Book Designer or Cover Artist?

That's one of those questions that people ask. Sometimes even when they're asking for a quote on a project. Why should I hire you? Or any designer?

Of course my first response to that tends to be "you shouldn't!" Probably not what you expected me to say, right? My thoughts are this. If you're at the stage where you don't believe a professional can help you, then you shouldn't be out looking for one. You have to believe that a partnership with the right professional is the right way for you to go before I want to work with you. Otherwise, you are not likely to end up happy through the process and nor will I be. I want to be as excited by a project as you are. It's true. It makes it much more fun for me.

You should hire a book designer/cover designer if you are new to the publishing field and you want to be successful (as much as we can help you!). There are conventions and expectations that need to be met within the industry that we have spent years learning, crafting and perfecting. And in this every-changing-but-ever-the-same field, we can maybe save you some heartache.

Yes, we're going to charge you a fee. Sometimes a hefty one. But when you hand over your files to the printer, they're going to print (or we'll make it right), and when they do print, they are going to look good. More importantly, when you head out to sell your book, your book should be indistinguisable from those produced by the big publishers. There's a whole language in the publishing industry, just like in other industries, which can make it a steep learning curve. Ease of entry into the industry means that it's awfully easy not to be taken seriously. You only get one shot at it usually, so why not make it count?

Designers:

• know convention and the industry standards
• understand "printer speak", "publisher speak" and know they are not always the same thing
• know what's happening in the industry
• are likely to share insider info, whether you want it or not, so that your project is more successful
• have probably worked with the big players
• know about the sales and marketing of books
• have expensive software to make your book look right
• knows what is likely to sell
• can save you from costly errors

There are things you need to consider when choosing your path:

• what are you goals?
• do you plan on doing one book, or more?
• what is your market
• who do you plan on selling the book to?
• what's your commitment to the project?
• do you have the tools (including software, resources and knowledge) to do it alone?

If you plan on making a few copies for friends and family, by all means do it yourself! Take some time to have fun with it, research the bits and pieces that you need to do, and go for it. There are even great online resources to make gorgeous books for your family out there (one of my favs is Blurb http://www.blurb.com/).
If you plan on making it something more, it's part of your business plan, or this is a step you have to take to bring you sucess, do it right. Designers have the right tools, the right knowledge and the right ideas to help you succeed. In the long run, you'll likely save money by doing it right.
I believe in what I do. I believe that I do it well, and I've got happy clients to prove it. I am selective about the clients I choose though. I don't accept everyone just because they can pay. I will turn down jobs that don't fit my skill set, or because I don't think the partnership between myself and the author will work. This is a very collaborative process and we need to work well together. It's your book -- but it's my job to make it look good. A different designer might go in a completely different direction, and that's ok too -- we all bring a slightly different vision to the table. So the next time you're wondering if it's worth it to pay to have someone to do a book... well, you be the judge. You're the one that has to decide. But don't ask me... I might say no. :^)