Book cover pricing advice

AngelinaKizz

Hi everyone, I hope you're all having a nice start to your weekend. A friend has gone the route of signing with a hybrid publisher, everything is set to go for summer publishing. They've also set her up with a designer for her cover, though she said the designer doesn't quite have a style that matches her ideal cover. She's an artist and a graphic designer for a living, so she does have a very valid say in the overall vision. Her style is loose watercolor and abstract oils. Her artwork is incredible, but she also acknowledges that her style isn't quite right for what she's looking for. The hybrid publisher means that she can hire her own cover illustrator and she's asked me. I really don't know where to start with cover art pricing. In general, I charge about $800cad for a pencil portrait, and 3-500 cad for digital. I'm stumped though for cover.

Also, if you've done a cover, how does one alot enough room for spine? Is it typical bleed?

Any insights you've got with book cover design, I'd be so appreciative.

Happy Saturday!

Lee White

@AngelinaKizz great that you get to work with your friend. I have two recommendations:

you don't need to lower your price for digital. Digital requires just as much skill as well as equipment to actually do it.
The publisher will give you a template that includes the spine thickness. They will also tell you how much bleed to add to that as well.

Good luck on the project! : )

AngelinaKizz

@Lee-White thanks Lee!!! I only charge less because I'm faster digitally. Thanks for the encouragement!! I'm really looking forward to working with her and can't wait to see what we come up with together.

Lee White

@AngelinaKizz Don't let speed dictate your rates. If you play that scenario out, you will actually be worth less as you get better because you will be faster. Like i said, it could be argued you are worth MORE because you are faster. : )

The way to think about it is that the image has the inherent value, regardless of how it was made or how long it took. It's strange to switch to this kind of thinking if you are used to equating time/effort with value. But it will make you so much more money in the long run.

AngelinaKizz

@Lee-White wow... I never thought of it that way. Thanks Lee. You're always so encouraging. Us rabbits are all very lucky to have mentors like you!