What I Learned Working with Authors
Over the years, I have spent time working with clients from different parts of the world as a graphics designer. Most of these designs are book covers. And who needs the services of a book cover designer? Authors! I have created cover designs for different genres, target audiences, and trim sizes. I have worked with authors, and most of them were really nice and great to work with. A few others were just a burden to bear.
I would like to share what I have learned while working directly with some of these authors.
- Communication is key
At the beginning of my freelancing days, I remember only wanting to secure the gig. Once a potential client reached out to me, my first instinct was on how to make the client purchase my service(s). This approach might work for other types of services. But it got messy when dealing with authors, especially when they needed their book covers designed. You see… Most authors contact designers with an image of their ideal cover in their heads. This inspiration usually comes from browsing through favorite books or from a nice-looking book the author accidentally came across. We had issues whenever I failed to reproduce their desired cover art. While the cover might be great, not capturing what they wanted made it inadequate. And they would want out of the project.
Adequate communication could have streamlined the whole process. Proper communication helps to determine if the kind of cover desired by the author fits my design style. And it helps me understand what the author wants on the book cover.
2. Options, options, and more options
It’s always best to stick with the instructions and descriptions of the author. Sometimes, my creative intuition would want to explore something different. Now, how can I satisfy the client and at the same time provide my own ideal cover art? I say provide the author with options!
By creating a concept based on their description, I demonstrate to the authors that I am able to reproduce what they have in mind. They get to see how the cover looks like and even a mockup to see how it will appear when in use.
On my part, I get to explore another concept based on my own intuition. This is more fun to work on and I am not restricted on the styles to implement for the project. Sometimes the authors get so excited with my concept that they immediately abandon their own while trying to throw their own ideas into my concept. Without giving them options, they are ignorant of the possibilities available to them. Creating exactly what they want does not let them see beyond their own ideas. By giving them options, you give them different perspectives of an “ideal” cover for their books.
3. Keeping deadlines sacred
It’s not enough to be a great cover designer. Delivering the beautiful design on time is the way to go. Of what use is the cover design that was delivered after the author’s intended publishing date? I have learned to ensure proper communication in times of unforeseen delays. While an author can be nice and friendly, missing deadlines poisons your relationship with them. I have learned to stick to the rule.
4. Consistency matters
If I were asked to share a super-secret today, the first thing that would come to mind is consistency. Over the years, I have come to realize that what usually separates the achievers from the dreamers is not luck but consistency. Being consistent means you continue to put in the same level of effort irrespective of your output or feedback. Many authors prefer to stick to a designer as jumping from one to another can be a difficult task. Consistency forms this decision in the mind of the author: Stick to this amazing designer.
While I have learned much from working with authors, these four rank above others. I believe all budding book cover designers should learn from these. Cheers!
