When to Create Your Book Cover: Pre-Write or Post-Termination?

In the world of self-publishing and even traditional publishing, deciding when to create your book cover is a critical decision. This can vary significantly among authors, with some preferring to design their covers before the book is complete, while others wait until the manuscript is finalized.

My Approach: Post-Completion

Personally, I believe in crafting my book covers after the book is complete. By this point, I have a clearer sense of the story's themes and the emotional journey the reader will embark upon. This aligns with my belief that the cover should visually represent the essence of the book once the writing has come to a successful conclusion.

Writing and Cover Development

While I may have initial visions as I write, these can often evolve with each scene. Once the book is finished, my vision solidifies, making it easier to create a cover that truly embodies the book's themes and the feeling I want to convey.

Pre-made vs. Custom Design

Before finalizing the cover, I usually purchase a few pre-made templates. However, these design elements often undergo multiple iterations. Sometimes I tweak them twice or more after the book is published. This ensures that the final product resonates with the reader and accurately reflects the story.

The Norm: Post-Manuscript Completion

For most authors, creating a book cover comes at the end of the writing process. Typically, this is handled by professional graphic designers. These designers create a cover based on the completed manuscript, ensuring that it aligns with the story's content and theme.

Series Covers and Strategic Marketing

For series authors, hiring a graphic designer is often more appropriate. A well-designed cover can serve as a powerful tool for advanced publicity.

Authors in series often hire a designer to create the cover for the first book, completing the manuscript and then using that artistic vision for subsequent books. This allows for a cohesive branding image across all books in the series, beneficial for marketing and reader recognition.

Tips for Creating Your Own Cover

While many authors opt to have professionals handle cover design, there are those who prefer to create their own covers. These authors often have both writing and design skills, allowing them to take control of this crucial element of their book's presentation.

Creating your cover can be an empowering experience, but keep in mind that it may imply exclusive ownership over the design. For instance, if another designer or publisher is involved in the process, the cover may not be under your control, depending on the contract. It's important to have a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities involved.

Historical Perspective

My journey with book covers began at a young age when I studied graphic design at the age of 7 in my father's studio. This early exposure has significantly influenced my approach to creating and owning my work.

I have over 200 books written since December 2014, and I create all my covers. Owning and creating the cover is part of the story, and it's a natural extension of my creative process. The cover serves as a visual representation of the story and a point of personal pride for authors.

Conclusion

Whether you create your cover before or after completing your manuscript, the key is to ensure it aligns with the story's essence and resonates with your target audience. As someone who has worked with numerous publishers and self-published over a hundred books, the decision of when to create the cover is highly personal and should be based on your creative vision and goals.