Answers
before you ask.
Rounds, rights, rush fees, the bits about file delivery and who gets what. If something's missing, ask — I'll answer here so the next person finds it.
Process & timing
How long does a custom cover take?+
Four to six weeks from kickoff, including three rounds of refinement. The first two weeks are reading, concept, and research; the last two to four are refinement, hand-off, and file production.
Rush work (10 days) is possible, capped at one project per month — it's an add-on of $400.
Do you actually read the whole manuscript?+
Yes. If you'd rather I didn't — some authors prefer to keep it hidden until release — a detailed synopsis and a chapter of your choice will do. But I'll always ask first.
How many concept directions do I get?+
Two distinct directions in round one for custom work. Both are complete, not rough sketches. You pick one to refine; the other is retired.
A third concept is available as an add-on if you'd like a wider net.
What if I hate both concepts?+
It's happened twice in five years. We sit down, recalibrate the brief, and I produce a third direction at no extra cost. If it's still not landing, I refund the balance and we part on good terms — the deposit covers the reading and concept time already done.
Pricing & payment
How does payment work?+
50% deposit to reserve your slot, 50% on delivery of final files. Wire, Wise, or credit card. Invoices include full VAT paperwork for UK/EU clients.
Do you offer payment plans?+
Yes — three equal instalments over the project duration, no additional cost. Just mention it in your booking form.
Is the deposit refundable?+
Up until the manuscript-read phase begins (usually a few days after booking), yes, in full. After that, the deposit covers the reading and concept time and isn't refundable.
Do you offer discounts for debut authors?+
Not a formal discount, but I keep one slot per quarter for a debut novelist on a genuine budget. If that's you, say so — the worst I can do is say "not this quarter."
What's the difference between Custom and Series?+
Custom is one cover. Series builds a grammar — a typographic system, a recurring visual device, an author-brand mark — across three or more books. It's more work up front and cheaper per book in aggregate.
Rights & files
Who owns the cover?+
You do. Full commercial rights transfer to you on final payment. Use it on print, ebook, audio, merch, tattoos, billboards, whatever. I retain only the right to show the work in my portfolio and the occasional social post.
What files do I receive?+
Print-ready PDF (CMYK, with bleeds, at your chosen trim), ebook JPG (1600×2400), hardback wrap if applicable, layered source file, 3D mockups, and a small social kit of 1:1 and 9:16 variants.
Can I modify the cover later?+
Yes — you own it. If you'd rather I handle a tweak (second edition, new tagline, anniversary reissue), I charge a small hourly rate for returning work.
Can I resell the premade after I buy it?+
You can't resell the cover itself as a design — the rights transfer for use on your book, not for onward sale as a template. But you can absolutely re-use it on reprints, boxed editions, and audio variants of the same title.
Is this a fit?
What genres do you work in?+
Romantasy, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, literary fiction, and poetry. If you're writing somewhere adjacent and you like the portfolio, do reach out — I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right designer.
Do you work with traditional publishers?+
Small presses, yes. I've done a handful of covers for indie imprints with lovely taste and modest budgets. Larger publishers are welcome to enquire but should expect my usual rate — I'm not a freelancer-for-hire inside a house style.
What if I need illustration on the cover?+
I don't illustrate figures myself, but I art-direct beautifully. I keep a small bench of illustrators I love working with, and I can brief and coordinate them as part of your project. It's a $600 add-on plus the illustrator's fee.