A book cover artist is a professional who creates the cover artwork for a book. This includes the design and layout of the cover, as well as the illustration or other visual elements that appear on it.
The book cover artist works closely with the publisher, author, and other members of the publishing team to create a cover that accurately reflects the content of the book and is visually appealing to potential readers.
The book cover is an important part of the marketing and promotion of a book, and it is the first thing that many people will see when they come across the book. As such, the book cover artist plays a crucial role in the success of a book.
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What are book cover artists called?
Book cover artists are often referred to as “cover designers” or “graphic designers.” They may also be called “book jacket designers,” “book cover illustrators,” or simply “illustrators.”
The specific title that is used to refer to a book cover artist may depend on their level of experience, their specific job responsibilities, and the industry in which they work. In general, however, all of these titles refer to professionals who create the visual design for the covers of books.
How much do book cover designers get paid?

The amount that book cover designers get paid can vary widely, depending on a number of factors such as their level of experience, the specific project they are working on, the industry in which they work, and the location where they work.
In general, book cover designers who are just starting out in their careers may earn less than more experienced designers, while those who work for major publishing houses or have a strong portfolio of work may command higher rates. According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a book cover designer in the United States is $47,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above, however, with some book cover designers earning much more and others earning less.
How do you get cover art for your book?
There are several ways to get cover art for your book, including:
- Hire a professional book cover artist: Many authors hire professional book cover artists to create cover art for their books. This is a good option if you have a specific vision for your cover or if you want a high-quality, professional-looking book cover.
- Use pre-made templates or stock images: Some authors choose to use pre-made templates or stock images as the basis for their book cover art. This can be a faster and more cost-effective option, but it may result in a cover that is less unique or original than one created by a professional artist.
- Create your own cover art: If you have artistic skills, you may choose to create your own cover art for your book. This can be a good option if you have a clear vision for your cover and the time and skills needed to bring it to life.
- Use a combination of the above options: Some authors choose to use a combination of the above options, such as hiring a professional artist to create a custom cover and incorporating stock images or pre-made templates as needed.
Regardless of the approach you choose, it is important to create a cover that accurately reflects the content of your book and is visually appealing to potential readers.
Can I make my own book cover?
Yes, you can make your own book cover if you have the necessary skills and resources. If you are an artist or have design skills, you may be able to create a book cover using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
Alternatively, you can use pre-made templates or stock images as the basis for your book cover and customize them as needed. It is important to keep in mind that the cover of your book is an important part of the marketing and promotion of your book, and it is the first thing that many people will see when they come across your book.

As such, it is important to create a cover that accurately reflects the content of your book and is visually appealing to potential readers. If you are not confident in your ability to create a professional-quality book cover, you may want to consider hiring a professional book cover artist to do it for you.