Cover Design Service Agreement
This form outlines the cover design service provided by Author Ready. Please read it carefully, as it explains what to expect, Author Ready's responsibilities, and your responsibilities in the cover design process.
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Before You Begin
You must have completed ALL of the following steps before beginning the cover design process.
  • Tested and selected your final book title.
  • Decided on your Author Name.
  • Author photo (if you want your photo on the front or back cover).
  • Author biography (if you want to include your bio on the cover).
  • Book blurb, quote, etc. for cover (if any).
  • Any other images you want added (logos, awards, etc.)
  • ISBN
  • Barcode (if needed).
  • Identify your book's genre.
  • Who is your target audience?
  • Estimated page count based on book size. (i.e.: 165 pages in a 6x9 paperback)
You must also complete ALL of the following:
  1. Watch the Author Ready Book Cover Design video.
  2. Find and save at least 3 cover designs you like from your genre, preferably from the Amazon Top 100 Books list, that have a similar look and feel for what you envision for your book.
  3. If you wish to use the Author to Watch seal, you must email support@authorready.com and work with Lynn Taylor to ensure you have completed the steps to acquire the image files.
Once you have completed ALL of the above steps, complete and submit this form.
The Process
It is important that you understand the cover design process and the schedule this process will follow. The process will begin as soon as you submit this form. The steps in the process are:
  1. Within three business days after submitting this form, you will receive an invoice for $500 from Author Ready to the email address you provide.
  2. You pay the invoice.
  3. Your information on this form will be sent to one of Author Ready's trained Cover Design Mentors (CDM).
  4. The CDM will contact you by email to schedule a time to meet via video call and to provide additional instructions.
  5. DAY 1 - Meet with the CDM. Your CDM will create a new 99Designs account with you. (They will need account access to assist with the process.) You will pay for the design package you choose through 99Designs and start your cover design contest. Expect to pay 99Designs between $800 and $1400 for your cover. (This is in addition to the $500 to Author Ready in Step 1.)
  6. DAY 2 - Meet with the CDM to review current design submissions.
  7. DAY 5 - Meet with the CDM to review the latest design submissions.
  8. DAY 7 or 8 - Meet with CDM to select finalists. (If you are unsure, you may want to share the contest with your contacts on Day 7 so they can vote on designs.)
  9. Your CDM will share the finalists with Richard Paul Evans for his recommendations.
  10. DAY 9 or 10 - You and your CDM will make any final changes with your finalist artists.
  11. You will share the contest with your contacts again to vote on the finalists.
  12. DAY 12 - Your CDM will work with you to choose a winner. You then have about a week to finish this part of the process.
  13. DAY 19 - Your CDM will help you work with the winner to finalize the designs for the front and back cover, and the ebook.
  14. Your CDM will share the final cover with Richard Paul Evans for his recommendations.
  15. DAY 22 - Check with the cover artist to make sure everything is correct and on schedule.
  16. DAY 25 - Work with your CDM to review the final design and receive the design files.
  17. Once the final design files are approved and transferred, approve the handover to complete payment to the artist.
Please confirm the following: *
Required
Please digitally sign this form by entering your name: *
Enter the email address you would like your CDM to use to contact you. *
Design Information
Please enter your design information below:
Author Name *
Book Title *
What genre does your book fall under? *
Who is your target audience? *
Estimated page count. This will determine the width of the spine artwork and is based on book size (i.e.: 165 pages for a 6x9 paperback). *
The ISBN for the book is: *
Author Biography (if desired on cover)
Book blurb for the cover (if desired)
Have These Ready
Have the following items ready to send to your Cover Design Mentor when they email you:
  1. At least 3 cover designs you like from your genre, preferably from the Amazon Top 100 Books list, that have a similar look and feel for what you envision for your book.
  2. Your author photo if you want to include it on your cover.
  3. Any additional image files that you would like to use in your book design, such as the Author to Watch seal.
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