faqs

ARE YOU AN ARTIST OR A DESIGNER?

We are designers - which means we don't draw or paint any of the art by hand, but we create our design work from digital composition, combining and adapting stock imagery with typography to create designs. Whole essays could be written about where the lines here blur between design work and artwork, but the simplified version is: if you're looking for someone to draw/paint you an original artwork from scratch then we're not the right place for you - but for everything else we're right here! Take a look at our portfolio to get a better idea of the kind of work we do...

WHAT'S YOUR USUAL PROCESS FOR CREATING A COVER?

While this can differ depending on the project, the usual process we follow is:

Three rough cover drafts based on your brief
Selection of one of these routes (or selecting elements from all) to develop to a polished draft
Finalised cover

If you are also creating a print layout and cover wraparound:

Layout based on as finalised a manuscript as possible
Amendments made based on proofing the print layout
First draft of cover wraparound
FInalised interior and print layout

If you are also creating an ebook, this is created once all final amendments are made to the print layout, to minimise the duplication of any corrections to the text.

HOW MANY CHANGES CAN I MAKE TO THE COVER AND/OR PRINT LAYOUT?

Many designers offer a fixed number of rounds of revisions (usually 2 or 3) - whilst we don't set a hard limit, and it's always a priority to ensure we reach a finished product you're happy with, please bear in mind that as we work to a fixed price for each project that revisions should ideally be minimised as much as possible!

For print layouts we ask that we are provided with as finalised a manuscript as it is possible to have; whilst of course there will always be stray typos that have evaded notice until put into print form, we'd prefer not to have to make extensive text changes (e.g. full text revisions, or other substantive alterations) to print layouts as this can be time-consuming.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Turnaround time depends on lots of factors, including how busy our schedule is and how many rounds of amendments end up being made (they're often the most time-consuming part!) but as a general rule, we'd recommend safely allowing four weeks from starting the project to draft and finalise covers and receive a first draft of a print layout. If you have a particular deadline though, we can often work with that - feel free to enquire to discuss further.

WHAT IF I HAVE MY OWN ARTWORK I WANT TO USE?

No problem - we can still do the rest of the design work around that (typography, cover spread, etc.). Depending on the project, this will almost certainly be cheaper, so please enquire and we'd be happy to quote.

DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?

No - payment is only due once we have completed the design work; an invoice will be issued at this stage, and final files delivered after payment is received.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Our preferred method of payment is via paypal - though you don't need to have an account, as we can issue invoices via paypal that will allow payment via most bank cards. Alternatively, bank details can be provided for bank transfer or automated bill services.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON AI USEAGE?

Since the ethical and commercial implications of generative AI became clear, it is our policy to never knowingly use AI images as the basis for any of our design work.

IS THE COST OF STOCK IMAGERY INCLUDED IN WHAT I PAY?

Up to a point, yes! We make use of a number of stock sources, including Shutterstock, Depositphotos, Envato and others. Generally speaking, in most projects, we will aim to use affordable stock imagery as part of the overall package price. However, there may be times when this may not be possible (e.g. there is an excessive amount of stock imagery required, an unusually expensive license is required, etc.) in which case this will be discussed on a case by case basis before any purchases are made. (For more on what the use of stock imagery means for you, see the next question.)

DO I OWN EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO MY BOOK DESIGN WHEN YOU'RE DONE?

Yes - once you've made payment and we've delivered final files, you're free to do anything you wish with your cover design. The only rights we retain are the use of the work in our portfolio, social media and in our own promotion.

However, you should be aware that any elements of your design that come from stock imagery may still be licensed and used by other designs/authors, and so it is possibly you may encounter other covers which use similar imagery, no matter how unintentional this is from both sides of the equation.

WHAT PUBLISHING PLATFORMS DO YOU COVER?

We have extensive experience in producing print-ready files for Amazon KDP or Ingram/LightningSource, but we are also familiar with a variety of other print and digital platforms and their requirements. As long as the platform you are using has guidelines for their file requirements, we can work to them!

CAN YOU UPLOAD MY FILES TO THE PLATFORM FOR ME?

Unfortunately not, but we are experienced with the platforms of the common print on demand platforms and are happy to guide you through the steps if you are unfamiliar.

WILL YOU PROVIDE ME WITH THE WORKING/LAYERED FILES OF THE DESIGN?

It is not our usual policy to provide working files (e.g. photoshop layered files), only finalised print-ready files.

I WANT SOMETHING DESIGNED THAT'S NOT A BOOK...

Great! We've worked on a number of different projects - including trading cards, promotional materials, retail boxes, CD designs and more. Get in touch and we can see if it's something we can help with.