03 Cover Design
A cover readers stop scrolling for.
Readers decide in seconds whether a book is for them, and most of that decision is the cover. We design original covers that signal your genre instantly, look sharp as a tiny thumbnail and beautiful on a shelf.
Tides of Memory
Marion Calloway
Signal
of Fires
E. Hartwell
THE
LAST
OMEN
D. Kessler
What’s included
What you get with Cover Design.
A cover isn’t just a picture. It’s typography, genre signals, trim size and spine maths. Here’s everything we handle.
Genre & market research
We study the bestsellers in your category so your cover fits in — and then stands out.
Creative brief
A short questionnaire and call about your story, characters, tone and readers.
Three original concepts
Three distinct directions to choose from, not three versions of the same idea.
Custom typography
Title and author lettering designed for legibility at every size.
Illustration or photo art
Commissioned illustration or licensed photography, depending on what your genre expects.
Full wrap for print
Front, spine and back cover, sized to your page count and trim, with barcode space.
Ebook & audiobook versions
A digital cover for every store and a square version for audiobook platforms.
Marketing graphics
3D mockups and social media images for your launch.
How it works
From first call to finished files.
One dedicated project manager keeps everything moving, and revision rounds come back within 48–72 business hours.
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Step 1
1
Brief
Tell us about the book, its readers and covers you love (and hate).
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Step 2
2
Concepts
You receive three original concepts within a few days.
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Step 3
3
Refine
Pick one, and we refine it with you until it’s exactly right.
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Step 4
4
Final files
Print-ready PDF, ebook JPG, audiobook square and marketing mockups.
Range
Covers we design.
- Ebook covers
- Paperback full wraps
- Hardcover & dust jackets
- Audiobook covers
- Series branding
- Children’s book covers
- Illustrated covers
- Photographic covers
- Typographic covers
- Box sets
Why Crowell–Collier
Designed for thumbnails
Most readers first see your cover at the size of a postage stamp. We design for that first.
Genre-literate designers
A thriller and a cosy mystery need very different covers. Our designers know the difference.
Print-perfect files
Correct bleed, spine width and colour profiles for KDP, IngramSpark and offset printers.
“What stood out most was the communication. I always knew where my project was, and why they were suggesting what they suggested. The cover was exactly what I’d pictured.”
Cover Design — FAQ
Common questions.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is a phone call away.
+1 (234) 567 8901Do I own the cover?
Yes. You receive full commercial rights to use the cover anywhere — stores, ads, merchandise.
Can I use my own photo or illustration?
Absolutely. Send it over and we’ll design the typography and layout around it.
What if I don’t like any of the concepts?
We’ll talk about why and create new directions. It rarely happens, because we start with a careful brief.
What files will I receive?
A print-ready PDF wrap, high-resolution ebook cover, square audiobook cover and promotional mockups.
Do you design series covers?
Yes. We create a consistent look across the series so readers recognise every new book instantly.
Get in touch
Let’s talk about your book.
We’ve ticked Cover Design for you — add anything else you need. We’ll reply within one working day with next steps and a quote.
- Emailinfo@crowellcollierpublishing.com
- Phone+1 (234) 567 8901
- HoursMon–Fri, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM