Book Design & Illustration Services
Original art, illustration, photography, and creative direction for authors and creatives.
I work primarily with horror, dark fantasy, speculative fiction, gothic, folklore, LGBTQ+, romance, romantasy, and other stories for YA, new adult, and adult markets.
I’m also open to other intriguing projects as availability allows, including children’s and middle grade illustrations in horror, fantasy, LGBTQIA+ themes, fairy tales, folklore, or cute animal characters.
Do you have a strange book, a weird idea, or a visual problem that doesn’t fit neatly into the categories above? Send me a message! I love challenges, and I love bringing writers’ worlds to life! If it speaks to my heart and fits my skills, I may still accept it into my project schedule.
Final quotes are based on complexity, production requirements, materials, the number of subjects, revisions, formats, and licensing. We’ll go over this in detail before drawing up the contract so that you can make an informed decision on your best investment for each project in your career, no matter which artist you choose.
What to Expect with Book Design & Illustration
Services Include:
Book Cover Art & Design
- Front Cover for Paperback or eBook
- Full-wrap Paperback Cover
- includes the front cover, the back cover, and the spine of the book
- Hardcover dust jacket
- Audiobook cover
- Photography-Based Book Covers
- Hybrid Photography & Illustration Covers
- Coordinated Thematic Book Series Covers
Interior Book Art
- Spot Illustration
- a small illustration integrated throughout a book
- for example: a small image in the whitespace after the last chapter of a middle grade book
- Chapter Ornaments or Decorative Elements
- ornamentation around the words “Chapter 1” or the chapter title
- decoration used instead of whitespace or “* * *” between scenes
- Full-Page Illustration
- Complex Narrative Illustration
- same as a full-page illustration but has a very busy complex background, multiple characters, or other extensive detail
- Double-Page Spread
Hardcover & Special Edition Design
- Custom Page Edge Design
- custom artwork that decorated the visible edge of pages of a hardcover book
- can be different designs across the top edge, bottom edge, and fore edge OR one continuous pattern or design
- Hardcover Endpaper/Inside-Cover Illustration
- custom illustration or pattern on the inside of front and/or back covers of a hardcover book
- Deluxe Hardcover Package
Interior Book Formatting & Design
- Novel Interior Formatting & Design
- professionall formatting, layout, and visual design of the chapter headings, scene changes, margins, page numbering, etc.
- Illustration Interior Formatting
- placing any/all of the interior artwork selected above
- Additional Formats/Printer Specifications
- setting up additional print sizes, special editions, eBook formats, or separate printing specifications that would require different files
Character, Creature, & Worldbuilding Art
- Character Portrait
- head and shoulders
- Full Character Illustration
- full body
- Creature/Monster Design
- Multiple Character Scene
- Illustrated Map
- Illustrated Title Page
- Illustrated Endpapers
Note: complex backgrounds quoted separately from character(s)
Author & Artist Collaborations
- Original Artwork Inspired by the Novel
- Special/Deluxe Editions
- Visual Worldbuilding for a Series
- development of characters, settings, creatures, etc. across a series
- Companion Book with Art
- illustrations and book design for a companion work about the speculative/scifi/fantasy/horror world
- as this is labor intensive this offering is very limited
- illustrations and book design for a companion work about the speculative/scifi/fantasy/horror world
Note: Physical ownership of the original artwork and reproduction rights are quoted separately.
Book Launch & Promotional Art
- Promotional Illustration
- for social media, advertising campaigns, websites, newsletters, events, pre-orders, etc.
- Custom Bookmarks
- Custom Bookplate/Ex Libris
- decorative label or sticker that indicates a book’s owner
- Custom Merchandise
- mugs, stickers, shirts, totes, prints, etc.
- Author Launch Package
Note: where it says above that additional licensing is needed to use the book cover on other items? This is list you select what you want to use that on and we build it into your package. You can also commission new images for the above items if you like.
Book Design Package Examples
- Cover & Interior Package
- front cover or full-wrap cover & 5 full page illustrations
- Illustrated Book Package
- cover & 10 interior illustrations
- Decorative/Special Edition Package
- cover & 20 chapter ornaments
- full-wrap cover, dustjacket, endpapers, edge design, & 20 chapter ornaments
- Author Branding Launch Package
- author photography, promotional art, & website rebranding
- Complete Custom Package
- could include: author photography, promotional art, book art, & website rebranding
Author Photography & Branding
- Author Headshots
- Author Brand Development
- Book Series Branding
Check out the Creative Direction and Commercial Photography pages to see examples. Simple headshots will be priced at the current rate for a professional photography headshot for one or two looks. Adding props or locations will veer into branding.
Website Revision
- Website Audit & Direction
- intended for existing websites that needs some visual direction to attract readers, publishing professionals, or make sales
- you would make the changes yourself based on professional feedback
- Website Visual Refresh
- intended for an existing website that needs a complete refresh
- I would be complete the changes on your platform
- Scope is based on the number of pages and complexity of the existing site. This service does not include custom web development, copywriting, or a complete website rebuild
- Author Branding & Website Refresh Package
- intended for authors seeking a cohesive visual brand identity across their photography and existing website
Due to the time commitment involved, website audit and refresh slots are limited. I do not provide ongoing website maintenance. Each future refresh requires a new quote.
Logo development, extensive illustration, custom web development, copywriting, new photography, and additional pages may be quoted separately.
Premade Cover Art
Premade cover art is artwork I’ve created independently and later offered as a premade book cover. No custom work, no detailed planning discussions. It already exists.
Premade covers provide a more affordable alternative to fully custom artwork while allowing an author to use original artwork created by an independent artist. It is also a great alternative for someone who needs a cover faster than a custom piece may take.
This may also include photography or digital composites of photos I’ve taken in the past. Please reach out if you have an idea for your book cover that might be done with my massive unused photo catalog and custom illustration or photography with models and sets may be out of budget for you! (For example: I have a ton of nature photography that might be interesting for a memoir, poetry, or non-speculative fiction novel.)
Availability, typography changes, and licensing terms vary by artwork.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Licensing and Usage
Artwork creation and licensing are separate considerations.
Standard project pricing includes usage for the specified book and agreed publication format(s).
Additional licensing may apply for:
- Merchandise
- Advertising campaigns
- Posters and large-format promotional materials
- Multiple books or editions
- Third-party licensing
- Extensive commercial reproduction
- Exclusive rights
- Copyright transfer
- Derivative products
Purchasing the physical original does not automatically transfer reproduction copyright.
In plain English, this means: even if you paid for the cover art or illustration to use in your project AND your purchase included the original painting, drawing, or photographic print, this DOES NOT legally give you the right to put that image on anything you want and sell it. If you ARE considering using the image on something else, let me know and we can build that licensing into the package price and make it seamless and easy for you.
Licensing terms will be clearly defined in the project agreement.
Revisions and Additional Work
Standard design projects include 2 rounds of revisions.
Additional revisions or substantial changes outside the original scope: $50–75/hour
Any work performed outside the agreed upon scope will be re-quoted and a revised contract will be signed before proceeding.
Please be advised that changing the scope after the second revision may change the delivery date. This new date will be discussed if the agreed upon scope changes.
Rush Projects
Projects requested on an accelerated timeline: $100 minimum surcharge
Rush pricing depends on the deadline, project complexity, and my current availability. As a solopreneur, I may not have scheduling or capacity.
Please reach out to me as soon as you can regarding your project. Art takes time and physical labor to create.
Payment
50% deposit is required to begin the project.
The remaining balance is due before delivery of final high-resolution files. Any physical artwork that is included in the contract will not be released until payment is complete.
Unclaimed and unpaid for artwork (due to unforeseen circumstances) with no arrangements set up with me after 90 days will be offered to other clients seeking premade covers or illustrations.
Every Book Design Concept is a Custom Project
Every book is unique and takes its own individual journey to bring it to life—and speak the right visual language to attract the right audience.
Community Rates
These rates are intended for members of communities where I actively participate or where the collaboration supports meaningful creative connections.
Friends & Family 20% off
Writer Community Rate 15% off
Available to qualifying writer communities, associations, groups, and referral networks. Be advised that I do not know you personally, I may request evidence of membership from the organization.
Currently, the Writer Community Rate applies to members of:
- Broadleaf Writers Association
- Horror Writers Association
- Sisters in Crime
- WisCon Panelists and Moderators
- Women in Horror Arts and Media Association
The discount may only be applied once per project.
Community Rate associations and organizations are subject to change. Please refer to this page for the most up-to-date list and include this information at the time of inquiry.
Community Rates will not be applied retroactively once the project starts.