Should You DIY Your Book Cover? 5 Things to Consider Before You Start
So, you’ve written the perfect book. The plot’s a page-turner, the characters feel real, and you’re about to hit publish. But wait—what about the cover? You’ve heard DIYing your book cover is a great way to save money, but is it really the best choice for you? Before you break out the graphic design software, let’s talk through five key things to consider.
1. Your Skill Level with Design Software
Let’s be real, graphic design can be tricky! If you’re not familiar with tools like Photoshop, Canva, or InDesign, the learning curve might be steeper than you’d like. Sure, it’s tempting to think “I can do this myself,” but will you really have time to master these programs while you’re focusing on your writing? If design isn’t your thing and you’re not prepared to spend hours figuring it out, DIYing your cover might not be the best idea.
2. The Impact of Your Cover on Sales
Book covers are often the first thing potential readers notice—especially in the crowded world of self-publishing. A professional cover can elevate your book and make it stand out in a sea of options. But an amateurish design? It could leave readers questioning if the content is just as thrown together. If you’re serious about your book’s success, a well-designed cover should be a priority. This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank, but you should weigh the cost of a professional design against the potential return on investment.
3. Time Commitment
Designing a book cover takes time. And we all know time is precious! It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism or get stuck in an endless loop of tweaking things “just one more time.” If you’re on a tight deadline or you’ve already spent countless hours writing, it might be worth outsourcing this task so you can focus on other aspects of your book release. Plus, working with a designer can save you time, which you can put into marketing your book or preparing for your launch.
4. The Importance of Consistency
If you’re planning a series, or you want your book to fit a certain aesthetic or genre, consistency is key. DIYing your cover can make it difficult to maintain this consistency across multiple books, especially if design isn’t your strong suit. A professional designer can help you create a series of covers that feel cohesive, making your books easily identifiable at a glance. This consistency builds your brand and gives readers a sense of familiarity when they pick up your next book.
5. Budgeting for the Future
We get it—budgeting is important. If you’re working with a tight budget, you might think DIYing your cover is the best solution. But keep in mind, cutting corners on the cover might hurt your sales. If you’re not ready to invest in a custom design, you can always opt for affordable premade covers. And if you decide later that you want to upgrade your look, it’s never too late. Bonus: if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, I’ve got a collection of premade covers right here.
DIYing your book cover can be a rewarding experience if you have the skills and time, but it’s not for everyone. Think about your goals, your brand, and your budget when making this decision. And if you’d rather leave it to a professional but want to stay within your budget, don’t forget that I (and lots of other talented Etsy sellers!) offer a variety of premade covers that might be just what you need. Check them out here!
