Where can I get book covers?

Completing a book isn’t an easy task, especially for self-publishing authors, as they not only have to work on the story but also on designing a cover that truly captures the essence of the story and attracts readers. This is because a book cover is the first thing that readers will see and interact with. However, finding or creating a good book cover can be tricky. That’s why whether you’re going to DIY or hire professional book cover design services, we’ll guide you on where you can get eye-catching book covers.

1.               Purchase a premade book cover

If you’re a self-publishing author looking for a high-quality book cover on a budget, a premade book cover might be the perfect choice.

A premade cover is a design already created by an artist to fit a book’s aesthetic, with generic titles and author names as placeholders. This means you’ll know exactly what your cover will look like before you buy it, which removes a lot of the uncertainty. The industry standard is that these covers are only sold once, so you’ll still get a unique design.

One of the biggest advantages of premade covers is the fast turnaround time. Unlike custom designs, which can take weeks, you can purchase a premade cover and have it ready in no time—just add your book’s title and author’s name, and it’s good to go.

You can find these covers on individual designers’ websites or on larger sites like The Book Cover Designer, which showcase the work of many artists ranging from $100 to $300 with options for paper, hardcover, and ebook formats. Many designers also share their work in Facebook groups where you can browse covers by genre, connect with artists, and post if you’re looking for something specific.

But of course, there is a downside that pre-made covers aren’t tailored to your unique story. The design feels a little generic and doesn’t capture the essence of your character or setting. But only if you’re flexible and willing to find a book cover that’s close enough pre-made covers remain an eye-catching and affordable option for getting your book into the hands of readers.

2. DIY

If you’re an author on a tight budget or someone who wants total control over your book cover, making it yourself might be a great option. It allows you to create a look that reflects your vision, whether that’s spooky and atmospheric, simple and elegant, or bold and colorful.

First, you’ll need a suitable image. You can purchase stock photos from sites like Shutterstock or iStockPhoto, or find free options on Unsplash or Pixabay, as long as you double-check the licensing. Then you have to work on designing software; Adobe Photoshop is a popular option, but if you’re looking for free software, Canva and Gimp are excellent with plenty of tools. Most authors prefer Canva because of its “Book Cover Designer” feature that simplifies their work.

One benefit of making your cover yourself is that you have complete creative freedom. You can experiment with fonts, colors, and layouts until you find the right look for your book. Just remember, simpler is usually better. If you don’t have a lot of experience with design, start with a single image and a few basic typography options to keep things looking clean and professional.

Of course, designing a cover yourself can be time-consuming, especially if you’re also handling formatting for paperback covers, which require spine and back cover work. It’s doable, but keep in mind that it might take a bit of trial and error.

3. Hire book cover design services

Hiring a professional book cover design services is a great option if you’re looking for a polished, eye-catching result. Though it’s usually more expensive, working with an experienced designer can give you a cover that reflects the heart of your book and grabs readers’ attention.

If you’re ready to invest in a professional cover, here are a few main ways to find the right designer:

Freelance platforms

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer allow you to find and hire designers who fit your style and budget. On these platforms, you can post your project with specific details, and designers will bid on the job. Many freelancers showcase portfolios of their past work, so you can choose one whose style resonates with your book’s theme.

Networking on social media

Instagram and Facebook are excellent for discovering designers, especially within the #Writing Community. You may even have friends who know graphic designers open to working on book covers, sometimes at a lower rate or even pro bono. Instagram’s visual nature is particularly helpful since you can browse through designers’ work to see if their style suits your story.

Referrals from fellow authors

If you know other authors with covers you love, don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations. Often, indie authors credit their designers inside their books or on social media, so you might be able to track down the person behind your favorite cover. Plus, getting a personal recommendation can make the whole process feel more trustworthy.

Book cover design services

For authors looking for a more structured and personalized approach, with a focus on quality and creativity professional design services like Illumination Graphics offer custom book cover design packages. This can be ideal if you have a bigger budget and are willing to pay for a collaborative design experience.

Illumination Graphics offers a full a complete package: beyond cover design, they provide book interior design (formatting, typography, and layout for a clean reading experience) and illustration services. If you’re thinking about additional promotional materials, they even handle things like bookmarks, flyers, and business cards that match your book’s aesthetic.

The team, led by Deborah Perdue and Tara Thelen, brings more than 29 years of experience in both art and book design, making sure your cover fits your vision and genre perfectly. Deborah’s background in Studio Art and English means she has an eye for both creativity and storytelling, while Tara’s illustration skills bring unique elements to life, whether you want something whimsical, realistic, or abstract.

While hiring a professional might require a larger upfront investment, it can make a difference in your book’s success. A custom cover designed with the target audience in mind can boost your book’s visibility and appeal.

Last words

In the end, we recommend that investing in professional book cover design services can be the best answer to “Where can I get book covers?” Your cover is the first thing readers see—it’s your book’s chance to make a strong impression and spark curiosity. While it may be a bigger investment, the quality and uniqueness a skilled designer brings can give your story the attention it deserves.

Whether you’re finding a designer through a freelancer site, connecting on social media, or working with a team like Illumination Graphics, the right cover can help your book stand out and connect with readers instantly. So, if you’re ready to bring your vision to life, don’t hesitate to explore your options and find a cover artist who will make your book truly shine.