Contact a freelance designer to design your cover. Whether you choose a freelance designer or a larger graphic design company, there are factors you may wish to consider in either case. Look for artists who hold degrees in graphic design or advertising arts. Consider the portfolio of the designer. An extensive collection of examples of the designer's work on her website can be a testament to the her level of expertise. Lastly, inquire as to whether the designer has worked closely with publishers and book publishing printers. This information will give you insight as to the amount you should be charged.
Notice the level of detail in the sample work displayed on the website. At a glance, the design should look professional and tasteful. Also, look at whether the designer is incorporating recent design and marketing trends. In other words, decide if you could picture seeing the sample covers on the shelves of a popular bookstore.
Check the costs. Quality of the design is essential, but cost also plays an important roll. The amount of detail and uniqueness in your design will translate into the time investment and skill level of the designer. You should think about whether the designer has a good amount of stock photos and illustrations at hand. This could save the designer his time and you your money. Ask about the custom illustration rates and obtain a clear idea of how much you will spend before you make your selection.
Use design software yourself. With a home design software program, you may select royalty-free images or pay for commercial images. Look for a program that is user-friendly and has many style options. Also, be certain that the program will work with both offline and online book printers. Make sure the font you use is large, clear and legible on the front, back and spine of the book cover. Regardless of whether you chose to hire a professional or do it yourself, remember that the key to a successful design is combining the right visual imagery with fitting typography to best capture the essence of your book.