Check out part 1 | don’t miss part 3

There are plenty of ways to track down talented designers, but a few tried-and-true methods include.

• Freelance Marketplaces: We don’t recommend these for several reasons. I would avoid using these sites because the person doing the work is not getting all the money. Sometimes, they’re getting very little of the money. And, there’s no real accountability, which could leave a self-publishing author in a precarious legal position regarding copyrights both for the project and for any images and fonts the designer used. Since you’re working through a platform, you cannot directly contact the designer, who could simply delete their account.
• Portfolio Sites: Platforms like Behance and Dribbble showcase professional designers’ work, allowing you to find someone whose style matches your vision. However, most established designers do not reach customers on these sites. If you are looking for fresh talent, check out the portfolios. Every famous designer started somewhere.
• Publishing Communities: Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and writing forums often have recommendations for trusted book cover designers.
• Direct Recommendations: If you know other authors, ask them who designed their book covers!
• Research Who Designed Covers You Like: Review the established best sellers’ lists and check out websites for traditional publishing houses. If you find a cover you like, the designer is often credited on the copyright page, or you might have to do some investigative work to find them.