Should You Design Your Own Book Cover? A Designer’s Honest Take

“Artist Block” — Acrylic and colored pencil on board by Michael Sanders

You've written your fourth draft of your book, edited it (again), and maybe even picked a release date. Now comes the part many authors underestimate: the cover.

With countless free design tools and A.I. generators at your fingertips, it’s tempting to try the DIY route. But before you open Canva or start piecing together stock images, it’s worth asking: Should you design your book cover by yourself?

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of DIY covers, explain when it might make sense, and why hiring a professional is often the best investment you can make.

When It Might Be Okay to Design Your Own Cover

There are a few situations where a do-it-yourself approach can work:

You’re not planning to sell your book
If your book is meant for personal use, like a family history or a school project, a simple self-made cover may be all you need.

You’re an experienced designer
If you already have a background in graphic design, you may have the skills (and eye) needed to create a marketable cover.

You’re creating a placeholder
Sometimes authors use a temporary cover for pre-orders or internal review copies. Just be sure to upgrade before launch.

That said, even in these cases, professional formatting and proper file dimensions are crucial—especially if you plan to print or publish on platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.

When DIY Covers Can Hurt Your Book

If your book is intended for public release, a DIY cover can do more harm than good. Here’s why:

First impressions matter
Your cover is the first thing readers—and retailers—see. A low-quality design can signal that the content is unpolished, even if the writing is excellent.

Genre expectations are real
Readers are trained to recognize what belongs to romance, fantasy, children’s lit, and other genres. A mismatch can confuse or alienate your audience.

Thumbnail readability is key
Most people will see your cover for the first time as a small image on their phone or screen. DIY designs often fail to scale correctly, with cluttered text or unreadable fonts.

Formatting errors can be costly
Professional designers understand bleed, spine width, resolution, and print vs. digital specs. If your file doesn’t meet distributor requirements, your book may be rejected—or worse, printed poorly.

What a Professional Designer Brings

Hiring a designer is more than just outsourcing a task. It’s a strategic decision that improves your credibility and marketability. Here’s what professionals offer:

• Insight into reader psychology and visual marketing

• Proper file formatting for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or e-book platforms

• Expertise in typography, layout, and color theory

• A deep understanding of genre conventions

• A collaborative process that brings your vision to life while avoiding amateur mistakes

Many authors come to professional designers after struggling with DIY attempts, and they almost always say the same thing: “I wish I had done this from the start.”

As a Cover Designer

I’ve worked with clients before. One pattern stands out: confidence rises when the right design is in place.

A polished, well-designed cover doesn’t just attract readers—it gives the author momentum. It says, “I’m proud of this. I’m ready to share it.”

Book covers designed by Michael Sanders

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to publish a book that sells, builds your reputation, and represents your work with excellence, then investing in a professional cover is one of the smartest moves you can make.

I specialize in cover design for faith-based stories and fiction that feature visual depth and emotional storytelling.

Explore my portfolio or reach out for a quote. Let’s create a cover worth judging your book by. Here’s a link to my Fiverr.

Disclaimer: Due to Christian values, I don’t create art for stories that glorify sexual immorality, drug abuse, alcoholism, or witchcraft.