When a potential client reaches out to me, and we agree that I'm a good fit for the project, I send a design questionnaire. You always want to fill this out as completely as possible, as it gives me a good idea of what your expectations are. This also helps me in the initial mood board creation, as I can look for images and sample covers that fit your desired aesthetic AND genre conventions (you always want both!).

Next is the mood board creation step. Hopefully, by this step, a client has provided me with sample covers that they like, as well as a general description of their book, mood, and genre. These images will go onto a mood board. I also do my own research for comparable covers and add those images to the board. When I'm done, I have about 5-7 covers that I think best describe the genre and aesthetic that the client is looking for.

Now comes the fun part! In the next step, I begin my search for stock photos, assets, and fonts. All stock images and fonts I use are licensed for commercial use.

Once I have all my assets, I begin the creation process. This can take a while depending on the complexity of the client's cover request. For me, the creation of an initial cover concept can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Some covers go a lot quicker, and others can be a lot more challenging. I like to give myself a lot of cushion, time-wise, hence my two-week turnaround time.

In the next step, I select a font or two and play around with the text layout on the cover.

Next, I send the initial cover concept to the client for feedback. At this stage, the client can request revisions or approve the cover. Once the cover is approved, I create the paperback warp. For this stage, I will need the final page count, trim size, and back cover blurb.

Absolutely! If you have your own stock images you would like to use, you can email the files to me. Make sure they are at least 300 DPI and licensed for use on book covers. Alternatively, you can browse DepositPhotos and send me links to images you like, which I will then download using my stock credits.

Ideally, as soon as possible! I work on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to know about my current openings, you can also contact me or visit my Instagram page.

Depending on the number of revisions and/or complexity of the design request, my current turnaround time is 2 weeks.

I offer 5 revisions for free. After that, additional revisions are $10 each. Please note that the more revisions you request, the longer the overall design process can take. To avoid delays, it's always best to provide as much detail as possible on your initial design questionnaire.

Please credit me in the following way on your book's copyright page: Manuela @ Beholden Book Covers

My genre specialties include Contemporary Romance, Fantasy Romance, Erotica, and Dark Romance.

At this time, I cannot offer custom illustrations or paintings. The extent of my painting or illustration work includes the occasional addition of hair or painting over parts of an image. Aside from that, all images are sourced from DepositPhotos, Etsy, HWWO Stock, and/or Creative Market.

In special cases or emergencies, I may consider editing another designer's work, but I generally don't do this. While I can do "cover makeovers," I like to start from scratch so that the work is my own and not someone else's.

I require a 50% deposit upfront before I begin work. The second half will be due once work is complete, but before I send the final cover files. I use PayPal to send all my invoices.

Nope! In these cases, I can send you the e-book cover file and, when you're finished writing your book and have the final page count, I can then create a paperback wrap for you.