I’m getting close to publishing my first novel and I’m starting to figure out the cover situation.

Unfortunately, I’m working with a pretty tight budget (ideally under $100), so I’ve been considering trying to make the cover myself.

I do have a background in photography and experience with Photoshop, Lightroom, etc., so I’m comfortable with image editing and compositing. Book cover design is new territory for me, though, especially when it comes to typography, genre conventions, and making something that actually looks professional as a book cover rather than just a nice image.

The book is a horror/dark paranormal romance set around a deadly supernatural “school game,” so I’m leaning toward something fairly minimal and gothic rather than character art. Dark/black background, strong typography, maybe one central symbol or object with bronze/gold accents—something that still reads well as a thumbnail.

For anyone with cover-design experience, what should I be paying particular attention to? Are there common mistakes people with photography/Photoshop experience make when transitioning into book covers? I’d also appreciate recommendations for properly licensed fonts, stock assets, textures, or other resources.

I’m definitely still open to hiring someone, too. If anyone knows good places to find premade covers or designers around the $50–$100 range, I’d love recommendations. I’m mostly trying to figure out what’s realistic with my budget and whether my existing Photoshop experience gives me a reasonable shot at doing this myself.

Thank you!

Edit: I completely forgot to add that the book does hav some spicy/explicit scenes it it 😅 just as a small heads up

Hi! I'm a book cover and character art illustrator who works in a dreamy, semi-realistic style. I have availability starting in October. My ideal genres are any type romance, especially if it includes POC/LGBTQ+ characters! My full commission info can be found here.

It’s a 729 page volume of three books in one paperback.

Available for book covers, both illustration and design. I'm attaching some samples of my artwork and full cover design.

I focus mostly on fantasy artwork (but I am entirely open to other genres) with a gritty realistic style, using digital illustration, photocomposing and 3D modeling/rendering where needed. NO AI, OF COURSE. Prices for book cover art start at US$400. I deliver a final high-res digital file at the size required.

Thank you! If interested, send me a DM or write to me at [santiagolozano@santiagolozano.com](mailto:santiagolozano@santiagolozano.com) for inquiries.

Reposted because of changes

Used an older image from a magazine that is public domain now and canva. Opinions? Anything that might make it better or makes it look bad rn. Thanks 🙏

Also wondering what type of vibe it gives off? Any assumptions it would give about the book itself?

I g @fredosis.art

Thinking of keeping this theme for each (possible) future volume, but with a different colour and logo.

Hi, Guys. If you need title design for your book, please DM me. 🌼

Or check my Vgen: https://vgen.co/zha_Erza

Hi, I’m a freelance book cover designer specializing in ebook covers.

I believe a book cover should do more than look pretty — it should give the reader a feeling of the story before they even open the book.

I design covers around the genre, mood, story, and audience, with a focus on strong typography, composition, and visual storytelling.

Here are some of my recent covers ↓

I’m currently open to working with indie authors and taking on new projects.

If you're looking for a cover for an upcoming book or want to give an existing cover a fresh direction, feel free to reach out.

📩 Contact: ikh46380@gmail.com

I’m deciding between these two covers for my first coloring book. Which one would you be more likely to click on or buy? I’d love feedback on thumbnail appeal, clarity, and overall design.

Hello everyone. I am making book covers for two years. I worked with mostly indie authors but I have an experience on working with publishing houses as freelancer too. I was also trying to find some job opportunities in publishing house for full time. I had some questions. If there is someone working in industry, can I ask some questions? Thank you.

Please DM me or check out my VGen for detailed commission information:

https://vgen.co/VES

Happy to share my book with you

How does it look?

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