For self-published authors, one of the biggest challenges is balancing quality and budget—especially when it comes to book cover design. A great cover can make the difference between a reader clicking “Buy Now” or scrolling past your book entirely. But hiring a top-tier designer can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get a professional-looking cover. In fact, there are plenty of ways to find affordable book cover design services without sacrificing quality or appeal.
In this article, we'll explore the best places to get budget-friendly cover designs, what to look for in a designer, and how to ensure you're getting value for your money.
Why Your Book Cover Is Worth the Investment
Even on a tight budget, the book cover is not the place to cut corners. Here’s why:
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First impressions matter: Your cover is the first thing readers see.
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It signals genre and professionalism: A poorly designed cover can turn readers off, even if your writing is great.
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Marketing and visibility: A strong cover improves click-through rates, conversion, and discoverability.
That said, paying thousands for a cover doesn’t make sense for every author. Fortunately, affordable options abound—if you know where to look.
1. Freelance Marketplaces (Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer)
Pros:
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Massive range of price points, starting as low as $50
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Easy to compare portfolios, ratings, and reviews
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Direct communication with designers
What to Look For:
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Experience with book cover design specifically
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A portfolio that includes your genre
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Good communication and a clear revision process
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Design packages that include eBook and print formats
Caution: Fiverr and similar platforms have a wide range of quality. The key is to filter designers carefully, read reviews, and look at their past work. Avoid designers who use the same template for every project.
Recommended Budget: $75–$300
2. Pre-Made Cover Marketplaces
Pre-made covers are professionally designed book covers that are sold once and customized with your title, subtitle, and author name.
Pros:
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Very affordable (typically $30–$150)
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Fast turnaround (within 24–72 hours)
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Professionally designed and genre-targeted
Cons:
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Limited customization
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No input on imagery or layout
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Some designs may feel generic if not carefully chosen
Tip: Look for covers that match your genre’s current trends. If the design aligns with reader expectations, pre-made covers can be an excellent budget option.
3. Design Students and New Designers
Design schools and platforms like Behance or Dribbble are filled with up-and-coming talent looking to build their portfolios.
How to Approach:
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Post in design forums or local college job boards
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Offer a modest fee in exchange for experience and a portfolio credit
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Be clear about deliverables and deadlines
Pros:
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Very affordable (some may work for $50–$200)
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High creativity and fresh perspectives
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Opportunity to build long-term collaborations
Cons:
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May lack book-specific experience
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May require more direction from you
Tip: Give a clear brief that includes genre, title, subtitle, tone, and target audience. Show examples of covers you like to guide the designer’s style.
4. Author Communities and Facebook Groups
Many indie authors are happy to share designer recommendations, especially those who offer good work for a fair price.
Where to Look:
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Facebook groups like “Self-Publishing Support Group,” “20BooksTo50K,” or “Indie Cover Design”
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Subreddits like r/selfpublish or r/indieauthors
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Writing forums like KBoards or Absolute Write
Pros:
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Personal referrals from other authors
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You can see real-world examples of covers in use
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Designers often offer package deals or discounts to group members
Tip: Ask for samples and request testimonials. If someone else has had a good experience with a specific designer, chances are you will too.
5. Design Bundles and Promotions
Some design platforms or studios offer seasonal discounts, cover bundles, or bulk pricing for series or multiple projects.
Where to Find Them:
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Designer newsletters and email lists
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Promotions on sites like AppSumo or DesignCuts
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Book marketing bundle sites that include design services
Examples:
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“3 covers for the price of 2” deals
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Discounted design packages for authors launching a series
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Limited-time offers from newer designers
Tip: Sign up for email lists from design studios you like. Many send out exclusive discounts or flash sales.
6. DIY with Templates (If You Have Design Skills)
If you're comfortable with tools like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Affinity Publisher, you can create your own cover using a professional template.
Where to Find Templates:
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Canva (free and Pro versions)
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Creative Market
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Envato Elements
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BookDesignTemplates.com
Pros:
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Very low cost
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Full creative control
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Fast to edit and update
Cons:
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Limited to your design ability
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Risk of unprofessional results if misused
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May not stand out in competitive genres
Tip: If you go this route, get feedback from readers or a design-savvy friend. DIY is best for simple covers (nonfiction, workbooks, etc.), not high-concept fiction or fantasy.
How to Get the Most Out of an Affordable Designer
No matter where you hire from, your preparation matters. A strong design brief will save time, avoid miscommunication, and lead to a better final product.
Include in your brief:
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Title, subtitle, and author name
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Genre and subgenre
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Target audience
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Mood/tone (e.g., inspirational, dark, playful)
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Example covers you like (and why)
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Key elements you want (or don’t want)
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Format needs (eBook, print, audiobook)
Tip: Ask the designer to provide layered source files and ensure licensing for all images is included.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Even affordable design should never mean sloppy or sketchy work. Be wary of:
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Designers who use stolen or unlicensed images
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Overuse of free fonts or generic templates
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Zero revision policy
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Vague deliverables (e.g., no mention of spine/back cover for print)
When in doubt, ask questions and request samples before committing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive budget to publish a professional-looking book. With the right strategy and a discerning eye, it’s absolutely possible to find affordable book cover design services that deliver quality, credibility, and market appeal.
Whether you choose a pre-made design, a rising freelance artist, or a DIY template, the key is to understand your audience, follow genre trends, and stay true to your book’s message.
A well-designed cover doesn’t just look good—it builds trust, captures attention, and helps your story find the audience it deserves.
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