Please note: The following entry contains affiliate links to Ebook Launch and Reedsy. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you purchase a book cover from Ebook Launch or Reedsy, but at no extra cost to you.
If you would like one of the best book cover artists to design a cover for your book, below we’ve featured 21 of them for your perusal.
1. Ebook Launch
If you’re seeking top-notch covers that never cease to grab the attention of readers, then look no further. Ebook Launch is a family business with a history dating back to 2009. Its founders, namely, John, Adrian, and Dane Low, are situated in Western Canada and have since served countless authors from across all four corners of the world.
As a valuable member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, Ebook Launch offers professional cover design services that don’t break the bank and help writers focus on their craft instead.
Authors looking for one-of-a-kind ebook covers only need $497. This already includes unlimited images, textures, and revisions — and you keep all the rights and royalties! Similarly, you can avail of their ebook and print cover design service for $595. If these weren’t enough, Ebook Launch also offers an assortment of premade ebook covers for those on a tighter budget.
From Kenneth Womack’s I Am Lemonade Lucy to Joel Friedlander’s The Book Blueprint, it’s clear that the team can utilize different visual styles to capture the tone of stories across various genres in both fiction and nonfiction.
Lastly, the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee: They’ll work extra hard to achieve your vision, or you can opt for a refund. Thus, your money is always in safe hands no matter what. For more details, contact Ebook Launch.
2. George Long
Located in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, George Long is a prolific artist in the realm of publishing. During his 18-year-stint at Penguin Random House, he became a senior art director — ensuring that quantity never affected the quality of their visual output.
George has been an independent designer since 1997, but this doesn’t mean his process is ‘antiquated’. He always strives to keep up with the latest trends and technological breakthroughs in his field. In other words, he’s no stranger to workflow apps and Adobe Creative Suite.
While he provides covers for historical non-fiction, George is more adept in fiction, particularly in sci-fi and fantasy. These include best-selling titles such as Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind and Tad Williams’s The Dirty Streets of Heaven.
Interested authors can quickly request George a quote.
3. Josh Tuft
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Josh Tufts is an exceptional artist. He earned his degree in illustration and design from Columbus College of Art & Design — and even graduated magna cum laude. Given his great academic background, it’s no wonder that clients such as Elevate Pictures and the Columbus Museum of Art continue to avail of his services.
Josh delivers stunning cover designs for nonfiction and fiction titles. In the former, he’s comfortable with projects about art, collectibles, and children’s nonfiction. On the other hand, his preferred fiction genres range from fantasy and adventure to short stories, YA fiction, and middle-grade fiction.
His eye for detail is unmatched. For example, his work on Rebecca Carr Schrodt’s The Chocolate Gossip Party: The Fairy Ring is equally childlike and mysterious.
For more information about his services, message Josh here.
4. Robin Locke Monda
Robin Locke Monda is passionate about book covers — and it shows! Based in New York City, New York, she has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Brooklyn College and a master’s degree in integrated media arts from Hunter College. And while she’s been an independent graphic designer since 1996, Robin was also PenguinUSA’s senior designer for more than five years.
Authors of fiction and nonfiction alike love her covers. From memoirs and spiritual nonfiction to literary fiction and LGBTQ fiction, Robin’s designs exude the perfect visual tone for readers.
Furthermore, Robin is no stranger to creating the covers for award-winning titles. These include Anna Linzer’s Ghost Dancing: Short Fiction and Craig Lesley’s literary fiction Winterkill.
You can message Robin online to set an appointment.
5. Lance Buckley
From 2011 to 2018, Lance Buckley worked for CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing. There, he saw the meticulous process of cover design and learned to appreciate the appeal of emerging approaches. Since then, this designer from Charleston, South Carolina, has helped newbie and veteran authors with his professional book covers.
His cover design services are ideal for historical nonfiction and an assortment of fiction genres: horror, sci-fi, mystery, action, and literary fiction, to name a few.
For a better idea of his style, look at Stephen Gordy’s Faith, Hope, and Dr. Vangelis and Carrie Rubin’s acclaimed thriller Eating Bull.
Ask for a quote if you want to avail of his services.
6. Kim Sponaugle
Kim Sponaugle is a resident of Carneys Point Township, New Jersey. As an independent illustrator since 2017, she’s worked with both authors and sizable publishers — and she’s particularly terrific in graphic design!
She loves crafting art for middle-grade readers and children, in general. Thus, you can ask Kim to work on book covers for children’s nonfiction or fiction projects like picture books, fantasy, middle-grade fiction, and even Christian fiction.
From Terry John Barto’s whimsical Nickerbacher to Pam Halter’s Beatrice’s New Clothes, Kim’s covers are unfailingly heartwarming and evoke a distinctly nostalgic approach to their creation.
Kim is available for contact online if you want to know more about her service rates.
7. Robert Williams
Book covers can capture the essence of worlds both real and imagined — and Robert Williams is the go-to artist for realms that go beyond humanity’s limits. With nearly three decades of experience as an illustrator, this professional from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, can effortlessly utilize contrasting aesthetics.
Robert’s favorite genres are sci-fi and fantasy. This isn’t a big surprise because he began in the comic book industry. Since then, he’s collaborated with not just authors but also folks in the film and video game industry.
In the sci-fi category, Robert made the covers for Jude Gulbeck’s The Holy Experiment – Part Three: The Descent and Anthony Salmon’s Shattered Aspects.
If your sci-fi or fantasy project needs a solid book cover, just send Robert a query.
8. Susan Szecsi
Susan Szecsi is no ordinary artist. For one, she studied at the Atelier Style Art Studios and has a master’s degree in English literature. Second, this illustrator based in Berkeley, California, has worked for the likes of Chicago Review Press and Scholastic Book Club.
She never runs out of clients because of her peerless work and experience in both fiction and nonfiction. Health & wellbeing, medicine, and business are her three preferred nonfiction topics. As for fiction, she’s open to fantasy, YA fiction, middle-grade fiction, picture books, and action & adventure.
A couple of her covers in her portfolio were designed for Steve Metzger’s Yes, I Can Listen! and Jon C. Carlson’s On the Walk Trail: Japan.
Susan can create a gorgeous and unique cover in just two weeks. Of course, the timeline and overall rate can vary from client to client, so you should message Susan to discuss the specifics.
9. Karen Greenberg
Situated in New York, New York, Karen Greenberg can do it all for you: hand lettering, designing, and illustrating covers. She’s been in the industry for two decades and has shared her talent with big names such as Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Books.
Nonfiction writers can ask for her book cover design services in health, cooking, writing, and home & gardening. Likewise, fiction authors of poetry, holiday fiction, women’s fiction, YA fiction, and romance are welcome to approach her.
Over the years, Karen has showcased her marvelous artistry with Kindle covers for Brandy Cohen’s The Perfect Recipe and Satoko Silverberg’s romance Dillon.
So, are you excited to work with her? Authors can request a quote with ease.
10. Melissa Stevens
Melissa Stevens is an acclaimed and hardworking professional from Maynardville, Tennessee. She’s been working as a freelancer since 2009. Since then, she’s won multiple awards for her covers spanning many genres.
Specifically, Melissa provides impeccable book covers for fiction projects in the realm of YA fantasy, epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. Casey L. Bond’s With Shield and Ink and Bone and Sarah M. Credit’s The Raven and the Rush are just two books in her impressive cover design portfolio.
Send Melissa a query to ensure your book gets the eye-catching cover it deserves.
11. Rafael Andres
Hailing from Mesa, Arizona, Rafael Andres has spent three decades in the graphic design industry. Thus, his mastery over everything from illustration to typography is unparalleled — and this is why he’s been part of publishing companies from around the world.
Whether you’re working on an ebook, audiobook, or the traditional print book, Rafael can create a cover with a lasting impression. His preferences in nonfiction are travel, memoirs, and technology. Likewise, he loves working on fiction genres such as thrillers, sci-fi, historical fiction, and literary fiction.
From Victoria Dougherty’s espionage thriller Welcome to the Hotel Yalta to Colin Cheong’s Polite Fiction, Rafael’s works speak for themselves.
This remarkable artist is more than eager to work on new book covers. Message him here to determine his service rates.
12. Cecile Kaufman
One of the best graphic designers in Milford, Massachusetts, is Cecile Kaufman. With a focus in the book and publishing industry, she’s spent well over two decades offering her skills to reputable companies like Macmillan Computer Publishing, Mill Hill Press, and Pearson Education.
Because of her combined background in editing and design, Cecile has a distinctly effective approach to book covers. Her services are available for nonfiction authors of memoirs, nature, and education, among others. In fiction, Cecile favors literary fiction, anthologies, and historical fiction.
In her extensive portfolio, you’ll discover beautiful covers for Susan F. Beegel’s The Nantucket Reader and Harvey Kubernik’s Canyon of Dreams.
You can ask Cecile online for her availability and service fees.
13. Stewart Williams
Stewart Williams is an expert in all things art and design. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he’s spent more than 25 years helping authors and publishers find the perfect covers. Since his first job as the art director of The Rocket, Stewart has worked for big names like Story Press, Harvard Business Press, and Amazon Publishing.
His methods include utilizing his own art collection, dynamic and striking typography, and drawing new illustrations by hand. Stewart can work on both fiction (horror, mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction) and nonfiction (history, medicine, memoirs, and current affairs).
Two brilliant covers under his name were made for Rusty Barnes’s Reckoning and Rachel Zucker’s poetry collection Museum of Accidents.
If you want to work with him, you may send an inquiry here.
14. Jerry Todd
With more than 1,000 book covers created, Jerry Todd might be one of the most trusted names in the industry. Based in New York, New York, he has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the School of Visual Arts — and he was the senior art director of St. Martin’s Press for 15 years.
Jerry offers illustrations, distinct typography, and excellent customizations of stock photos for authors seeking exemplary covers. His preferred subjects in nonfiction are history and true crime. As for fiction, Jerry is fond of crime and thriller stories.
His portfolio boasts covers for best-selling author Jeffery Deaver’s The Burial Hour and Sarah Bailey’s well-reviewed novel The Dark Lake.
Request a quote from Jerry if you seek distinct illustrations and striking typography for your book cover.
15. Betty Martinez
Betty Martinez earned her prestigious master’s degree in communications design from Pratt Institute. Located in Norwalk, Connecticut, this graphic designer and illustrator has been carving her path since 1998 and has worked for Scholastic Corporation and Create & Associates, Inc.
Authors of memoirs and biographies are welcome to seek her services. Likewise, you can ask her to design covers if the genre of your fictional work is contemporary fiction, historical fiction, or LGBTQ fiction, among others.
Previously, Betty designed fantastic covers for Patricia Ryan’s romance novel Love & Music A. N. Cole’s Storms and Moxie.
Her clients have nothing but praise for her output — and you can be her next client if you send her a quick message.
16. Jason Arias
Like many others on this list, Jason Arias is an uber-talented cover designer living in New York, New York. He first worked for graphic designer Paul Sahre in 2010. Since then, Jason has taken on positions such as editorial designer, book cover designer, and art director for Newsweek, Simon & Schuster, and Scientific American, respectively.
Jason loves designing covers for fiction such as sci-fi, mystery, and literary fiction. On the other hand, his nonfiction preferences range from biographies and humanities to science and nature.
To better understand his creative vision, check his covers for Robert P. Jones’s White Too Long and Kit Yates’s The Math of Life and Death.
The process generally involves an initial assessment and three rounds of designing and selecting book covers. If you have more questions, feel free to message Jason.
17. Becky Fawson
In 1975, Becky Fawson got her certification in graphic design. From there, she began her career as an illustrator and graphic designer. And in 2013, Becky further developed her educational background as she graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in illustration.
Based in Cedar City, Utah, Becky specializes in picture books and children’s nonfiction. Whether it’s Sara Staker’s A Royal Tiara or Deb Mills’s Little Big Feelings, this artist knows exactly how to visually represent unique stories.
Becky always delivers when it comes to heartwarming cover designs. If you’re a children’s book author, you should definitely consider a quotation request.
18. Taylor Barron
Taylor Barron is an alumna of DigiPen Institute of Technology — the esteemed private university where she obtained her fine arts degree in digital art and animation. Since starting her freelance journey back in 2017, this artist from Seattle, Washington, has made a splash not only in the book industry but also in the field of movies and video games.
While she primarily works on children’s nonfiction, picture books, and middle-grade fiction, Taylor is also open to other categories. She’s well-equipped to handle nonfiction like fashion & design and fiction such as fantasy and action & adventure.
If you’ve seen the fanciful cover and illustrations of Eleanor Wood’s The Forest Queen and the Mountain King, then you know that Taylor is a one-of-a-kind artist.
And don’t worry about having a low budget or meeting tight deadlines. Simply contact Taylor online to discuss what you have in mind.
19. Anna Burrous
Residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Anna Burrous has been a graphic designer for more than eight years. She has degrees in both advertising and graphic design, providing her with a multi-disciplinary approach to her creative work.
Consequently, Anna is highly proficient in designing covers for nonfiction. These include topics such as history, religion, memoirs, true crime, and cooking. Still, authors of humorous fiction are free to ask for her services.
Anna created the spectacular book covers for John R. Maass’s George Washington’s Virginia and Craig L. Foster’s American Polygamy.
Don’t hesitate to request a quote and ask for her availability.
20. Christopher Doll
For nearly 20 years, Christopher Doll has astounded publishers and writers with his creativity. This is due in part to his educational background, which involved not only design but also art and movie production.
Located in Bothell, Washington, Christopher takes artistic inspiration from iconic folks like Bob Eggleton and John Berkey. Given these names, it’s no wonder that he focuses on sci-fi and astronomy. Of course, he makes covers for others like YA fiction, short stories, and nonfiction such as art and entertainment.
Two of his best creations were for Tim Rangnow’s Indomitable and Becky Chambers’s best-selling LGBTQ sci-fi Record of a Spaceborn Few.
Christopher is only one message away if you want to work with him.
21. Lesley Worrell
Lesley Worrell is a top-tier art director from White Plains, New York. In fact, she was a senior designer for Penguin Group USA and St. Martin’s Press — and has also worked for Hachette and Skyhorse Publishing. Today, she’s an associate art director at Tor/Forge Books.
Her work focuses on fiction. While she’s more than capable of designing covers for genres like thrillers and historical fiction, her core strength is in YA fiction, romance, and women’s fiction.
Her portfolio is packed with wonderful covers. These include her output for Erin Han’s beloved You’d Be Mine and Elayne Audrey Becker’s fantasy novel Forestborn.
Lesley’s ebook cover designs will cost you at least $500. Likewise, she charges at least $900 for a print book cover and its ebook version. Send a request if you’d like to avail of her first-class design services.