One of the joys - but dangerous distractions- of Substack are these fascinating insights into the creative processes that sit behind every day things we usually take for granted.
And even more delightful when written well.
Long form article alert though - best to read on something bigger than a phone (if you are over 40 anyway…)
This is very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to go over your steps in such detail, Nathaniel. :)
As an indie author with my own publishing company, I'm just stepping into this world of hiring book illustration vs cover design and pulling it all together. I'm learning so much and feel like I know next to nothing yet. 😂 But this article is another great resource. Thanks.
First, thank you for answering my question! Second, I just adore reading about this whole process. As an artist, this naturally intrigues me, but as a writer, it almost baffles me. I’m so amazed by the work you and other designers do on book covers. Now I’m curious about that book you didn’t put your name on the cover of.
I’m torn between answering now and saving it for a future post 😂 eh, there will always be future new eyes.
Publishers almost always have me sign a contract of their writing. When it comes to indie authors or non-book design clients, I increasingly do send contracts because when you’re knee deep in round five of revisions, it’s helpful for everybody to have something to point to that says “we agreed on x.”
That being said, I try to keep them simple and in the past I can be lenient on some of the terms on a case-by-case basis.
One of the joys - but dangerous distractions- of Substack are these fascinating insights into the creative processes that sit behind every day things we usually take for granted.
And even more delightful when written well.
Long form article alert though - best to read on something bigger than a phone (if you are over 40 anyway…)
Agreed. There were already more interesting books than we could read, and now we add newsletters! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
I try to keep ‘em short but it just doesn’t work 😅
This is very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to go over your steps in such detail, Nathaniel. :)
As an indie author with my own publishing company, I'm just stepping into this world of hiring book illustration vs cover design and pulling it all together. I'm learning so much and feel like I know next to nothing yet. 😂 But this article is another great resource. Thanks.
Thanks for reading, Petra! I’m happy to be a resource.
This was very interesting. Thank you for the insight!
Thanks for reading Susanne!
First, thank you for answering my question! Second, I just adore reading about this whole process. As an artist, this naturally intrigues me, but as a writer, it almost baffles me. I’m so amazed by the work you and other designers do on book covers. Now I’m curious about that book you didn’t put your name on the cover of.
Thanks for asking one! I’m happy to provide my take on the practice.
It might be the worst thing I’ve ever “designed.” Seriously.
This is interesting! curious to know what are your favorite book covers over the years, fiction and non-fiction.
Love it 🤘
I find a lot of designers I meet don't do contracts for client work. What's your practice with that?
Thanks Steve!
I’m torn between answering now and saving it for a future post 😂 eh, there will always be future new eyes.
Publishers almost always have me sign a contract of their writing. When it comes to indie authors or non-book design clients, I increasingly do send contracts because when you’re knee deep in round five of revisions, it’s helpful for everybody to have something to point to that says “we agreed on x.”
That being said, I try to keep them simple and in the past I can be lenient on some of the terms on a case-by-case basis.
“I did not put my name on that cover—but I did cash that check.” 😂👍
You bet I did 😂 that project was more work than any of my good work!