What Skills Does Your Book Cover Designer Need?

A book cover is more than just decoration—it’s one of your most powerful marketing tools. It’s the first thing potential readers see, and in a crowded marketplace, it needs to work hard to grab attention, set expectations, and drive sales.

They say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But let’s be real—everyone does. A stunning cover can make the difference between a reader clicking “Buy Now” or scrolling past. So, how do you find a book cover designer who understands your vision? And more importantly, how do you hire the right one without second-guessing your choice?

First, Determine What You Need: a Book Cover Illustrator or a Book Cover Designer

While book cover illustrators and book cover designers both contribute to the visual appeal of a book, they have distinct roles and skill sets.

Book Cover Illustrator

A book cover illustrator is an artist who creates original, hand-drawn or digitally painted artwork specifically for a book cover. They focus on illustration techniques, drawing characters, scenes, or abstract imagery from scratch.

Illustrators are typically hired when a book cover needs custom artwork—such as fantasy novels, graphic novels, children’s books, or literary fiction. Their work is often more customized and focused on characters or a scene, compared to the work of a designer using stock images or creating typography-based book cover designs. Illustrations are sometimes used on nonfiction book covers, but not as often as on fiction book covers.

You must also decide if you need an illustration for the cover only or if you will need images for the inside of the book.

Hire an illustrator if:

• you want a fully custom and unique cover;
• your book requires detailed character depictions or scenery (e.g., fantasy, sci-fi, children’s books)
• you want an artistic, hand-drawn, or painted style.

Book Cover Designer

A book cover designer focuses on the overall composition of a book cover, including typography, layout, and image selection. They may use stock images, digital effects, or even illustrations (created by an illustrator) to design a visually appealing and marketable cover. Designers have expertise in graphic design, typography, branding, and marketing, ensuring the cover fits the book’s genre and attracts the right audience.

Hire a book cover designer if:

• you need a polished, professional cover that follows industry trends;
• your book doesn’t require original illustration (e.g., nonfiction, memoirs, contemporary fiction);
• you want an expert to handle composition, fonts, and layout for print and digital formats.

Can One Person Be Both an Illustrator and a Designer?

Yes! Some professionals are skilled in both illustration and design. However, many designers rely on stock images, while illustrators focus on creating original art. If you need both skills, ensure the person you hire has experience in both areas.

Which One Do You Need?

• If your book needs custom artwork, hire an illustrator (and possibly a designer to handle the final layout).
• Hire a designer if your book needs strong typography, layout, and marketing appeal.
• If you want both illustration and design, look for someone skilled in both or hire a team.

Is There a Difference Between Fiction and Nonfiction Book Cover Design?

Absolutely! Fiction covers tend to be more artistic, focusing on mood, colour schemes, and genre-specific elements. Nonfiction covers often prioritize clarity, bold typography, and a strong focal point that conveys authority and expertise. A good designer understands these nuances and will tailor the cover to your book’s category.