Should a Book Author Pay for Cover Design?

In my earlier writing days I had a publications lawyer. She guided me through several book contracts and I learned a lot from her. Cover approval was one provision she insisted upon. "Bosomy covers have been put on serious books," she explained, "and you don't want that." The cover provision clause applied to national and international rights.

Since I have a graduate degree in art I was grateful for this provision. As I'm writing a book, I see sample covers in my mind. I experiment with various fonts for chapter titles and headings. All the while, I'm hoping the publisher will put an eye-catching cover on the book, a cover that enhance sits content.

Before I started my latest book I looked for royalty-free cover photos on the Internet. In fact, I looked at more than 2,000 photos. Finding a photo for a grief resources is a challenge because many images -- a candle, a tree, a rainbow, a path -- have been used time and again. After weeks of searching I found a close-up shot of a flower I thought I could use and sent the number of the photo to a graphic designer I've worked with many times.

To my surprise, he sent me related shots, the ones beneath the main photo that you can click on and view. We agreed on a flower photo and instead of centering it, the designer shifted it to the bottom-right corner. The prickly center of the flower is orange, the petals are pink, and the background is green. Pink and orange are a striking combination, one that suits the book, which is about finding happiness after loss.

The spine of the cover is orange the designer continued the pink on the back cover. Though I've taken design courses, I don't have a degree in graphic design, and totally trust his judgment. His bill for the front and back covers was $425, a bargain in today's economy. I emailed my publisher, offered to pay for the cover design, and forwarded it to the executive director. She approved the design.

I paid for the design and decided to make the most of it. How could I promote and support my book? A wallet card was one way. I wrote the copy, sent it to the executive director, and she loved it. With her approval, I asked my friend to proceed with the design. My original copy is on the front and the cover of the book is on the back. His bill for the wallet card design was $25.

So far, I've spent $275 on design and I think it's worth the money. I know my book will have an attractive cover. I know the design supports the theme of the book. I know I have a helpful wallet card to give away. But my spirits really soared when I talked with the executive director on the phone. "This book is ready to go!" she exclaimed.

Though I can't prove it, I think the cover design, along with my careful proofreading, sealed the sale. Should you pay for cover design? Your answer to this question depends on your mental image of the book, the cost of graphic design, and how much you're willing to spend. When you spend money on your book you are saying, "I believe in myself and what I do.