What should be in a book cover design contract?

Deliverables (ebook cover, print cover, mockups), file formats (PSD, PDF, JPEG), number of included revisions (usually 2-3), timeline, payment schedule (typically 50% upfront, 50% on delivery), kill fee, who owns the source files, and usage rights.

Who owns the copyright to a book cover design?

It depends on the contract. By default, the designer owns the copyright to original artwork. Most contracts include a license for the author to use the design for the specific book. If you want full copyright transfer, specify 'work for hire' in the contract and expect to pay more.

How many revisions should a cover design contract include?

Standard is 2-3 rounds of revisions. Each round should address specific feedback. Additional revisions beyond the contract should cost $50-$150 per round. Unlimited revisions sounds generous but often leads to scope creep and frustration for both parties.

Should I pay a cover designer upfront?

Standard practice is 50% upfront, 50% on delivery of final files. Never pay 100% upfront unless you have an established relationship with the designer. Never expect a designer to start work with $0 upfront -- they need to protect their time too.

What if I hate my book cover design?

Your contract should include a kill fee clause (typically 25-50% of total price) for terminating the project. If the design does not match the agreed brief after the contracted revisions, the kill fee protects both parties. Always provide a detailed brief upfront to minimize this risk.

A sample contract agreement between an author and a book cover designer

Derek Murphy 4327

Quick Answer

A good cover design contract specifies deliverables, revisions, timeline, payment terms, and who owns the final files. (Updated May 2026.)

I’m not a fan of contracts (or anything binding, or closing doors, or other A-personality stuff). I avoid extra, non-essential work if I can help it. And since I know I will always over deliver, contracts seem like overkill to me. But of course some clients will want them, and there’s no reason not to use one if either party requests it. So here’s a sample template you can use or alter for your needs, it’s something I’ve used in the past. Just fill in the names and details. You may need to change the terms of payment. Click here to download the Word file (.docx) I’m also going to paste the whole thing below for your reference. PS. You can also download my free guide to cover design secrets that sell and get some free book cover design templates.

Important Book Cover Design Legal stuff

As a quick summary: the client pays the designer. The designer is required to buy all the images and fonts necessary and get the right legal protections. The designer provides a finished book cover, usually as a .jpg and .pdf for print. The designer is not actually allowed to sell layered files (which is like giving away the fonts and images they bought, or transferring the license, which is complicated). Some designers may agree to share the source files, or a flattened layers version at least, if the authors will also buy the font/images. But generally, they would have something in the contract that limits use: you can’t get a .psd file and then higher a cheaper designer to continue the series for you (you can technically, but it’s an ethical mishap you should try to avoid unless in extreme circumstances); but if they designer has something in the contract and you do this anyway, you’re breaking terms. I’m pretty open about sharing design files with clients because I don’t mind authors taking control once the initial design is finished, or for making slight updates to text later without bothering me, but it depends on the designer. You may also not have full commercial rights – you can use the art on a book cover, but if you also print merch like posters for sale, some designers may not be OK with that unless you sorted it out before hand. Ask for what you want; state your plans, and see whether your designer is accommodating for your needs. But don’t assume they will be.

BOOK COVER DESIGN CONTRACT

This contract is between ____________ of _________________ (“Artist”) and ______________ (“Author, Client”) for the purpose of designing and creating a book cover (eBook & Print) (“Work” or “Book”). The Client and Editor may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”. This contract is entered into in good faith and upon signature by the Parties indicates acceptance of this contract and the terms described herein. The Client agrees to pay the Artist all sums due, which may vary over the original Artist estimate depending on complexity, and any other disbursements (i.e. image bank art graphics). Fifty percent (50%) will be payable upon signing this Contract, with the balance of payment due within seven (7) business days of the Author approving the final Cover design. Payment will be made via PayPal. Final Cover templates will be released to the Client after receipt of final payment. The Artist: i. Declares he has obtained all proper rights or licenses for all images used in creation of the Work. ii. Shall transfer his copyright of the Work to the Client upon final payment receipt. iii. Retains the right to include the Work in his online portfolio or business promotion. iv. Acknowledges he does not own or have right or title to the Book containing the Work, nor to receive any royalties on Book(s) sold, or derivative works containing the Work. v. Agrees to treat all information about the Book’s content as Confidential and not cause or permit such Confidential Information to be disclosed to any third party, until the book is published online by the Author. The Artist hereby represents and warrants: i. He is the creator of the Work. ii. The work does not infringe any copyright, privacy rights, or legal rights of a third party. iii. The Work does not contain any unlawful material. The Parties: In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising from or relating to this agreement or the breach thereof, the parties hereto shall use their best efforts to settle the dispute, claim, question, or disagreement. To this effect, the Parties shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests, attempt to reach a just and equitable solution satisfactory to both parties. If they do not reach such solution within a period of thirty (30) days, then, upon notice by either party to the other, all disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the provisions of its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The terms of this agreement shall be interpreted according to the laws and legal jurisdiction of the State of Delaware, USA. The Artist and Client have executed this contract on the day and year below, to be effective immediately if the dates are the same, or on the date of the later signature if the dates are not the same.

Client printed name: _____________________ Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________________________ Address: Email:

Artist printed name: _____________________ Signature: _____________________________ Date:________________________ Address: Email:

The rest of this page is left blank.

Making your own book covers

More Book Cover Design Resources for Authors

If you want to try making your own book covers, or are still looking for a book designer, here are some handy resources I’ve put together that will save you time.

PS. I don’t talk about it much, but I started out as an editor, then a book cover designer. I even have a guide to book cover design you can download below, or some free templates. The first two links go over to Kindlepreneur, because his blog has excellent long-form articles. But you can *understand* why your cover matters without really being able to pull it all together yourself.

Cover Design Secrets: free guide

I’ve helped design over 1000 book covers, including hundreds of bestsellers – download my free book to learn all the insider secrets I use to sell more books. Click here to get it now. I’ll also share some of the advanced book marketing tactics I’ve used to make a full-time income with my writing.

FREE PUBLISHING CHEATSHEET

Go from zero platform to #1 bestseller in 90 days or less with my book, Guerrilla Publishing. Download now for free and get access to my new companion workbook and book launch roadmap (this is advanced stuff you won’t find anywhere else). Click Here to download the free guide!

Where To Go Next

Find a designer: Best affordable book cover designers.
DIY your cover: DIY Book Covers — skip the contract, use professional templates.
Cover costs: How much does book cover design cost?

Derek Murphy

Derek Murphy has a PhD in Literature, is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and has spent over a decade helping authors write, publish, and sell books through Creativindie. When he’s not critiquing manuscripts or building writing tools, he’s probably in a castle somewhere with cats.

2 Comments

She Writes Posted

Thanks soooo much! Congrats on the PhD! Woo-hoo!❤

Cynthia Posted

In my search for information about designing and hiring someone to create a book cover, I’m encountering sites that are asking HUNDREDS of dollars for access to their design tips and contract templates. Thank you so much for being a decent human being and sharing FOR FREE the hard-earned knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your career just so that others might find it easier to travel the path you’ve already traveled.