The #AtoZChallenge 2017 Theme at Operation Awesome is the Publishing Journey.

If you’re searching for a book designer, the options seem endless. My Twitter feed is full of freelance designers. So, how do you choose the right designer for your book? You probably have an idea of how you’d like it to look, but also would like an expert to add in her ideas.

At Rebelight Publishing, I’ve had the privilege of working with a fantastic designer. Over and over, Melanie Matheson has produced stand-out book covers that have thrilled our authors and readers alike. She has over twenty-years experience in book design, so she knows her stuff. Recently I had a conversation with Melanie about how authors can spot a good designer and what elements they should be looking for in cover design. Here’s the advice she gave.

Take some time to look around a bookstore and see what stands out. The ones that stand out are fresh and new and interesting. That’s what you want for your book. You don’t want it to blend in with all the rest.
Take off your writer hat and put on your reader hat. What type of cover would make you want to pick up and read your book? What writers want on covers and what readers want are often two very different things.
If you see a book cover you like, find out who designed it.
Look for someone who is honest and a good communicator.
Make sure you feel comfortable with whoever you choose otherwise it will be difficult to convey what you want and to ask for changes.
Ask to see the designer’s portfolio. You are hiring the designer for a job, so treat early conversations like an interview. Ask questions.
Hiring an inexperienced book designer my save you money initially, but you’ll end up paying more at the printer when costly changes have to be made to fix mistakes.
Book covers are their own design specialty. Someone who specializes in corporate logos, may not be the best choice for a book designer. Find someone who has experience producing book covers and interiors and who loves books.
As much as you may think you know exactly what you want for your book cover, keep an open mind and allow the designer to do their creative work. Trust their expertise.