If you’re an Australian author who wants publish the best book possible, you’re going to require help.
This could involve working with book editors to ensure you provide a publisher with a polished version of your manuscript, or to a literary agent from whom you are seeking representation.
And then there’s the cover for your book.
The truth is, no matter how brilliant your book maybe, unless its cover attracts the attention of potential readers, the chances of it being clicked on if available on an online bookstore, or picked up in a physical bookshop diminish.
That’s why you need a creative professionals to assist, such as the following 21 top book cover designers in Australia.
1. Nada Backovic
The multi-talented Nada Backovic is not just a book cover designer but also an illustrator and a graphic designer. Having 20 years of experience in the publishing industry in Australia and UK, Nada has worked with all the top publishing houses including Random House and Allen & Unwin. Currently based in Sydney, Nada knows what the audience wants and she constantly works on evolving her design and skills. Every book is different hence Nada gives each one her unique spin. Her works include bestsellers such as The Midsummer Garden by Kirsty Manning, A Kiss from Fitzergald by Natasha Lester and Emerald Springs by Fleur McDonald. You can contact Nada by filling out this form and she will get in touch with you.
2. Stuart Geddes
The winner of the Best Designed Fully-Illustrated Book in 2017 by Australian Book Designers Association (ABDA), Stuart Geddes is revolutionizing book cover design and illustrations. His website gives an inkling of his edgy, disruptive take on design and books. You can also view his award winning work, ‘Some Posters from the NGV’ described in the detail on the website. Studying for his PhD in form of the book, Geddes has worked on books, journals, magazines, websites and exhibitions. If you want innovative, crisp and minimal design that is sublime, Geddes is your guy. He speaks regularly at workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions and galleries. He also teaches at RMIT University. He lives in Victoria and you can contact him via email to inquire.
3. Mary Callahan
An esteemed member of the Australian Book Designers Association (ABDA), Mary Callahan has been a book designer for nearly 20 years. Recently, she won the Best Designed Non Fiction Book in 2017 by ABDA. Her list of awards and prizes only come second to her expertise in book cover designing, typesetting and typography. Her repertoire includes genres such as cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, education, print materials, multi- media, logos and stamps. Letting the story be the hero, her visuals provide a subtle flavor and distinct take that will intrigue readers to pick up your book. Settled in Melbourne, you can contact Mary by filling out this form.
4. Zoe Sadokierski
A former president and founding member of the Australian Book Designers Association, Zoe Sadokierski designs book, studies and teaches about design and the evolution of books in the digital age. An award winning designer herself, Zoe teaches at the UTS School of Design in Sydney. The winner of the Best Designed Independent Book in 2016 by ABDA, Zoe’s designs are methodical, their origin evident in the story and the character. She is one of the few designers who can give your words a visual identity without overpowering them. Her love for book cover designs is evident in her teachings, her writings and her social media feed where she shares covers she loves and the art behind them. You can contact Zoe via email to learn more.
5. Jenny Grigg
Previously a Creative Director at Harper Collins Publishing, Jenny Grigg is an award winning book and graphic designer. Her resume describes her impressive career in design across various established companies such as MTV Australia, Scribe Publishing and Rolling Stone magazine. Her work on ‘The Luminaries’ by Eleanor Catton led her to win the Best Designed Literary Fiction Book in 2014 at the Australian Book Design Awards. The book also won the Booker Prize in 2013. Jenny’s work is exemplary in its manner of design that utilizes space and color to evoke latent emotions and beckon the reader to judge a book by its cover. She is pursuing a PhD at RMIT University, Melbourne. You can write to her via email or fill this form and she will get in touch with you.
6. The Book Design House
Run by Scarlett Rugers, The Book Design House is an independent book design company in Melbourne. Committed to providing excellent customer service and support its authors in their dream of getting published and writing a bestseller, Scarlett is the perfect choice for new or first time writers and authors. She actually makes the effort of reading the novel or the book before starting to discuss a concept as she needs to be aware of the intricacies of the story which she can use in design. Just because it’s your first book or you are an indie author, doesn’t mean the cover should look amateur or of a low quality. You can also buy premade covers from her if you don’t want to spend time designing something specific or customized. Choose between 3 packages depending on your budget and needs.
7. Anne-Marie Reeves
A freelance book designer since 2010, Anne-Marie Reeves has designed books for publishers all over the world. Working on genres like fiction, children’s books, illustrated books and young adult, she has designed for famous publishing houses such as HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Oxford University Press, Allen & Unwin, Five Mile Press, Penguin, Cambridge University Press and Macmillan. She works with independent, self-published and traditional authors across various forms of media and also publishes books under the imprint Wolf & Owl since 2011. Reach out to Anne-Marie via email for more details.
8. Daniel New
Another founding member of the Australian Book Designers Association, Daniel New is an art designer, illustrator and book cover designer. His simple, conceptual and color rich designs have made him a successful designer with 20 years of experience. He has worked on cookbooks, design and lifestyle to give each book, novel and story a layered yet distinct cover that speaks for the essence of the writing. In 2017, he won the ‘Best Designed Fully Illustrated Book under $50’ award by ABDA. Daniel lives in New South Wales and can be contacted by submitting the form that can be found on this page.
9. Ella Egidy
Based in Melbourne, Ella is a young designer and typographer. Her focus is on design that uses history and research to describe content and story in a visual setting. Picking the most intimate details of the story and characters, Ella uses the element of research to build a visual identity for your book and novel. Think stark images, strong typography and depth in colors. Her clients include Penguin Random House, Toyota, British Airways, Hardie Grant and Procter & Gamble. Her website is a standing testimony to her clean cut and impactful use of typesetting and design. She is available to work with independent, traditional and self-published authors in any media. You can reach out to Ella via email.
10. Allison Colpoys
This dynamic and award winning book designer Allison Colpoys is also an illustrator located in Melbourne. The winner of the 2016 Designer’s Choice Children’s/YA Cover of the Year by the Australian Book Designers Association, Allison has won awards for her picture books and illustrated books as well. Capturing the whimsy and fun element of children’s books with her strong and layered use of colors and illustrations, while her fiction books are designed with an emphasis on typography and choosing colors that give the book an inimitable look. She was a senior designer at Penguin Books Australia and now freelances through The Jacky Winter Group. You can write to Allison via email.
11. Book Covers Australia
A simple, fuss free book cover design agency run by Ross MacLennan, Book Covers Australia is situated in Western Australia. If you are independent author or somebody who is getting self-published and wants a designer who can bring their own expertise and commitment to the table, this is your answer. Understanding the cover is the advertisement of the book and the story that lies within, Ross will create a simple yet memorable cover for you. The goal is to make the reader pick the book and read it which Book Covers manages to do effortlessly. You can contact the agency by filling out this form and requesting a free quote for their design packages.
12. WorkingType Studio
Luke Harris is the Director and brains behind WorkingType Studio, a publishing and design consultancy. A name to reckon with since 20 years, the boutique studio has worked with independent, self-published and traditional authors. A keen believer of content is king; all book covers designed by Luke will be an honest, real interpretation of the story, the characters and the idea in the book. The job of the cover is to bring the reader to the first page and then let the words speak. They provide cover design, layout, typesetting and formatting services. You can view packages and details here. For specific queries and questions, contact them by using this form or email Luke.
13. Greg Jorss
Based in Murwillumbah, Greg Jorss is a freelance book cover designer, logo designer and illustrator. His use of strong imagery, powerful fonts and typography creates for compelling covers in books of various genres such as non-fiction, history, culture, advertising, medicine, theatre, design, drama and literature. Greg is eager to work with self-published authors across all media, independent authors and writers. Contact him by submitting an enquiry form or email him.
14. Karen Scott
Karen Scott is a talented and experienced children’s book designer in Melbourne. A 15 year stint at Penguin Books led to working across all genres and later turning her focus to children’s books and Young Adult fiction. Her design philosophy is creatively fresh, simple in its utilization of fonts and colors which she consistently uses across books, logos and merchandise. She has also designed school merchandise for the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series. Now a freelancer, Karen is open to fiction, children’s books, young adult fiction, trade, identity design, merchandise and picture books. Write an email to Karen if you want to learn more about her services.
15. Tess McCabe
A freelance book cover designer, layout designer, collateral designer and logos, Tess McCabe lives in Melbourne. With 15 years of design experience behind her, Tess has a direct approach to design relying on the author’s instinct and wish to then put together a look and feel that narrates the book in sharp visuals and typography. Independent authors, self-published writers and traditional writers of fiction and non-fiction can approach Tess to work with them. Write to Tess to know more about services and costs.
16. Preloaded Design
Launched in 2005, Preloaded Design is run by Jeff and Jacqui Lynch. Just the knowledge of the story isn’t enough to design its cover and hence they ask for the completed manuscript from the author to gain insight into the characters, story and tonality of the book. You can view their entire portfolio on the website with each cover design neatly explained and outlined. A complimentary 30 minute consultation will ensure you know their services, philosophy and creative process. They offer you two designs to start with and work your way from there. You can reach out to them via email.
17. Cave Design
Founded in 1997 in Perth by Charmaine Cave, Cave Design is an award winning design studio. A professional member of the Australian Book Designers Association (ABDA) and Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), Charmaine has worked in genres like education, non-fiction, nature, botany, theatre, culture and biology. Her skills lie in choosing bold colors, interesting fonts and typography to emphasize the story. Write to Charmaine to know more about services and availability.
18. Bettina Kaiser Art+Design
Originally from Germany, Bettina Kaiser moved to Sydney in 2000 and started working as a freelance book designer, logo designer and visual artist. Today at Bettina Kaiser Art + Design, she oversees a small team of designers and web developers. Her interests lie in design, typography and typesetting and she enjoys working with authors and writers who are open to creative collaboration and want to engage in positive identity building for their book and novel. Drop an email to Bettina and she will call you to learn about your requirements.
19. Emily O’Neill
Located in Sydney, Emily O’Neill is an award winning freelance book designer, illustrated and artist. Her client list features stellar publishing houses such as Penguin Books, Hachette UK, Pan Macmillan and Allen & Unwin. Emily’s design sense is such that it adds to the beauty of your story by enhancing it with memorable colors and typography that leaves a lasting impression. She likes to work with independent, first time authors or self-published writers and in genres like fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and illustrated books. Contact Emily to learn more about her services and prices.
20. Dean Gorissen
This award winning illustrator is also a book designer and visual artist. Previous clients include Australian Cricket Board, Penguin Books, Australian Football League and Royal Auto Club Victoria to name a few. Dean Gorissen creates brands, identity for the brands and merchandise. A lot of his book covers use his illustrations which help in ensuring your book will stand out more than the ones using tired, insipid stock images and typography. Contact Dean using this form for requests and enquiries.
21. Marion Guerineau
A global resident with experience in France, UK, Belgium, and London and now in Melbourne, Marion Guerineau is a book designer, illustrator and artist. Her experience at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery shaped her design aesthetics and led her to finding her crisp, clean cut style with powerful typography and intelligent use of space. Marion has dabbled in branding, designing, book designing, video games and collateral design. Contact Marion for further details by filling out the form.
Are you a book cover designer in Australia? Please tell us about your work in the comments box below!
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.