Comments on: Book Cover 101: How Much Should a Cover Cost?

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Fri, 15 May 2020 23:42:45 +0000

Once you realized how much time and effort are required to create such covers, the prices make total sense. Also, I like the idea of upgrading covers as you go. That is, an author might start with a premade; when sales pick up, upgrade to medium; and if selling well, go for a fully custom version. At least, that my hope for myself going forward! Although I've primarily opted in that middle group. Great post again, Melinda!

By: Joleene Naylor

Joleene Naylor — Thu, 14 May 2020 21:45:19 +0000

Ha ha! And here I just had a man complain that I charge 55$ but was not willing to go all over the internet tracking down the copyright owners of the ten images he wanted blended together on his cover that he found via google image search. I need to start sending people here to see what the real world charges.

By: Melinda VanLone

Melinda VanLone — Wed, 13 May 2020 17:59:20 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Yes you can. :-) So can everyone else. Unless you bought one with exclusive rights, of course...which you won't find on most stock sites. You might purchase one from a photographer of course but in general it costs a lot more to do that. That's not to say it can't be done. Killion Group is one site that will let you purchase an exclusive shot which then is removed from their stock so nobody else can buy it. At least, they used to offer that. :-)

By: Melinda VanLone

Melinda VanLone — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:37:01 +0000

In reply to dholcomb1. I couldn't agree more...as the most vital marketing piece it's worth spending $ to get one that will actually sell the book.

By: Melinda VanLone

Melinda VanLone — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:35:31 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. aww! Thank you! :-D

By: Melinda VanLone

Melinda VanLone — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:35:10 +0000

In reply to jamesr403. My pleasure :-)

By: Adele Marie

Adele Marie — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:31:55 +0000

In reply to Melinda VanLone. Thank you, Melinda, will do.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Tue, 12 May 2020 07:14:33 +0000

I think you should definitely pay for a quality cover. When I was published by a small house, one of the authors created the covers. Composite book covers. On one, I think she threw everything on it but the kitchen sink, on another she picked an overused stock photo. Once, I did get to help pick a photo from a stock site. That one was actually the best photo and cover.

denise

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:19:11 +0000

Melinda, I just approved a comment or two, so you might want to take a pass from the top. Just know, when it is time for me to create book covers, I'm coming to YOU first. 🙂

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:16:46 +0000

In reply to Melinda VanLone. I'm interested in this question. If you buy a stock photo, can you use it in multiple covers?