#WritingCommunity How are we all affording #CoverArt costs these days? I don't expect an #artist to offer free or super cheap deals, but $300+ per cover is outside my current budget. Is there a legitimate website for buying quality, non-AI, premade cover art? I refuse to use Fiver. - ThreadSky

janolanwrites.bsky.social • 72 days ago

#WritingCommunity How are we all affording #CoverArt costs these days? I don't expect an #artist to offer free or super cheap deals, but $300+ per cover is outside my current budget. Is there a legitimate website for buying quality, non-AI, premade cover art?

I refuse to use Fiver.

Comments

emimiwriter.bsky.social•72 days ago

Draft2Digital owns SelfPubBookCovers. You can search their premades which tend to be around $100, or you can reach out to artists to see what their custom prices are.

authortillylebeck.bsky.social•72 days ago

I’ve seen people do premade covers $25. I don’t know the quality of them. I make my own, but I have a background in design and photography so there wasn’t a huge learning curve. It’s possible to learn how to make your own. I suggest the Non-Designers Design Book as a starting point and Canva.

janolanwrites.bsky.social•72 days ago

I will have to check out that book. I make graphics and stuff just playing around in Canva, but no where near what a professional cover artist can do. I've got a lot to learn, but it's fun for me. It doesn't feel like work. :)

authortillylebeck.bsky.social•72 days ago

Sounds like you are well on your way to making your own covers.

janolanwrites.bsky.social•72 days ago

I hope so. I can already self-edit my books like a professional, and I can figure out formatting. Book covers are my biggest expense and what slows me down from publishing the most. My biggest concern is making sure that the images I buy and use aren't in any way AI and that the artist gets credit.

authortillylebeck.bsky.social•72 days ago

Yeah, that’s always a struggle. Some are obvious, but some aren’t. Most stock image sites have AI art labeled

taramoeller.bsky.social•72 days ago

It's hard. I'm lucky that I have an author I can trade my editing skills for their photoshop skills. I have to buy the art/ photos, but they make it into a cover.

janolanwrites.bsky.social•72 days ago

Where are you buying the art and photos from?

ungringoviejo.bsky.social•72 days ago

You can buy from any microstock agency such as shutterstock, istock, etc, that gives you royalty-free rights. Keep in mind that the images won't be exclusive - means others can buy an use - but you can modify them in the cover design. If you want exclusivity it becomes expensive.

emimiwriter.bsky.social•66 days ago

DepositPhotos has a twice a year deal through AppSumo where you can get 100 credits for under 50cents apiece. The next one should be in May. Royalty free stock images for up to 500k uses

taramoeller.bsky.social•72 days ago

I have an account at 123rf. But I always check Pixabay first. If I use a photo or illustration from Pixabay I always donate to the artists.

I don't use the AI at 123rf. I'm a bit disappointed that they went there, but everyone dud so I just don't use it.

taramoeller.bsky.social•72 days ago

123rf has a standard license that includes a up to 500,000 copies of a cover. It also offers several different sizes and types of downloads. I buy credits vice the monthly subscription.

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