General Questions
What does it take to order a cover?
It’s easy. Fill out the form on the Contact page, or the design form provided. We’ll discuss your book cover needs and ideas then. It helps if you have an idea of what you want, so if you have any examples of covers from other authors you enjoy, feel free to send them along. Then we’ll come up with the first version of your cover, and we’ll go from there.
What do custom covers cost?
Ebook Package: $250
Print Package: Included
Audiobook addon: $50
What genres?
Most genres are done at Dauntless Cover Design.
How long does it take to get a custom cover done?
Rush orders can be done in 24-48 hours for an added $50 fee. Otherwise, the initial design concept should come within 3 days.
If I ordered an Ebook cover can I later upgrade for paperback or audio?
Full-wrap imagery is done on all covers and does not cost extra. Simply, reach out when the format is finished and we will update the full wrap and send a fully formatted PDF
How does the design process work?
First, we gather information about your book via the cover request form. We ask for a detailed synopsis, your ideas, important themes and symbols, and examples of covers you like or that convey the tone you’re looking for. Some authors have specific ideas for their covers, while some give us general thoughts on the design, and others just want to see what we come up with. Once we have all the information we need, we’ll develop a first draft and work with you.
When should I begin to look for covers?
As soon as you know what you want, but at the very least while the book is in edits so the cover is ready when you are.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept PayPal and Venmo as a preference but can take most major credit cards.
Can you help me figure out what to put on the back of my print book?
Some possible elements to include on the back are: the blurb, an author bio, an author photo, review quotes, your author website, social media links, your publishing name/logo, category, and price. It can be helpful to look at the backs of books in your genre for other ideas.
Design Process
What if I don’t like the cover proposal?
If you are unsatisfied with our first cover proposal, no worries, we will make a new one.
What if I don’t like the second draft?
In the event that you don’t like our second proposal, we will conclude that we are not the best choice for you, and provide you with some suggestions regarding other cover designers that are available.
What if I just want to cancel the cover?
If you don’t like our design style and don’t want to work on revisions at all, and want to cancel the project after seeing the 1st draft, you won’t be charged. It is our policy that a client shouldn’t pay for a product she/he doesn’t like or won’t use.
**However, this only applies if you decide to cancel after seeing the 1st draft (no revisions have been made to it). If you ask for revisions and decide to cancel mid-project after we have provided the revised file, you will be charged a $100 fee for the time spent.
What if what I want is not what you would recommend for my book?
We understand that an author may have a very particular idea of how a cover should look. Unfortunately, we cannot deliver anything that appears unprofessional, even if a client insists on a certain concept. Sorry, but we don’t want our company name connected to anything that falls below the standard of quality we consistently provide.
Can I supply my own images for the cover
Of course, if you already have an image that you want us to use for your book cover, send it along with the design brief. That said, we have one requirement related to the quality of the image, which is that it has to be at least 300 dpi at 6×9 inches. Also, you must own the rights to use the image. Providing your own image will not affect the cover design fee.
What about revisions?
We do not limit the number of revisions, within reason.
Most revisions and fine-tuning of cover designs are not charged extra, with some exceptions:
Exception #1: Revisions requested because you changed your mind
If you requested a certain color scheme and then decided on a different one, or if you chose a particular model and then want a different one after the initial cover is created, you will be charged extra. These additional fees start at $50 for a color change, and go up to $100 for a bigger change, like switching to a different model.
Exception #2: New concept request
We provided the concept based on the brief you filled out. You liked it and asked for revisions, but mid-project, you decide you want to change the concept completely, such as we have been working on a “people cover” and you decide to switch to a “symbol cover.” In those cases, a $200 cancellation fee will be requested. This means you will have to pay for the work done if you want us to scrap the design. After the fee has been paid, the previous design will be scrapped, and we will start from the beginning. The new design will be charged at standard rates, of course.
Constant revisions mean you are not happy with the design and we cannot make you happy. You will be required to pay the kill fee and no further work will be needed. (you do not own the cover if this happens)
Do you use AI when creating your book covers?
NO! We do not use AI software or stock images labeled as AI-generated. Our covers are 100% human-created.
What if I have a detailed description of a character that I want reflected on the cover?
If you have a request that involves a specific description of clothes, shoes, jewelry, facial expressions, etc. we might not be able to meet your request, and it may be better for you to contact a studio photographer who can set up a custom photoshoot.
What if I already have an illustration and I just need the text treatment for the cover?
It’s not a problem at all. In the event that you provide the cover art, we will agree on a discounted price.
If I want to change text or art on the cover after final delivery of the eBook cover (and payment), is this possible?
Yes, it is possible; however, additional costs may apply.
For changes regarding the text, we won’t usually charge anything, but if you change the text multiple times, additional charges apply.
In the case of art – if you want to change the art (the whole image or specific details), additional costs apply depending on how extensive the requested changes might be.