| Your ebook is almost ready and you realize you'll | | | | While you're looking through the designers portfolio, |
| need a stunning cover to promote it. The problem is, | | | | pay attention to authors names. If you see |
| you don't have the skills or software to make one. | | | | numerous graphics made for the same author or |
| It's time to start looking for a graphic designer. | | | | website, it's often a sign of repeat business. This is a |
| Shopping for one is no different than shopping for | | | | good thing. |
| any other product or service online. | | | | Other Supporting Graphics |
| You want a designer who's dependable and who can | | | | Does the designer create other graphics that will |
| truly reflect your vision at a price you can afford. | | | | support your cover. Things like a page header, order |
| Here are some tips for finding a quality graphic | | | | button, background image, etc. These additional |
| designer suitable for your needs. | | | | graphics are often bundled together for a better |
| Get Referrals | | | | price and are designed to work with your cover. |
| Do you know anyone that has used a designer | | | | Easy to Order |
| before? Start by asking your inner circle, support | | | | Does the designer make it easy for you to order? |
| teams, friends, colleagues. Some of those all | | | | That may sound like a given, but it's not. |
| important people you network with have most likely | | | | Order Form Options |
| had a cover made at one time or another and will be | | | | Take a peek at the order form before ordering. See |
| most happy to share their resource with you. Forums | | | | what sort of questions are included. Do they ask |
| are also a great place to look for referrals. | | | | about the age group and target market you're trying |
| Ask to see their covers. Not only will you get an idea | | | | to reach? Your color preferences? Other options |
| of their designers style, but it may also give you | | | | available? |
| some ideas when shaping your own vision. | | | | Does the order form provide areas for you to include |
| Search Engines | | | | comments, ideas or other instructions you need them |
| Use the search engines to find graphic designers. | | | | to know? If they are asking these questions then |
| Enter in some key words or phrases and start | | | | they clearly want to design a cover for your market |
| looking around. It may take you an afternoon to sort | | | | and a cover that is intended to SELL your product. |
| through them all, but in the end it's so worth it to | | | | Let Get Real |
| find the right person you can work with. | | | | Does the designer provide contact information on |
| Testimonials | | | | their website? Insist on working with a real person, |
| When you're looking over a designers website, check | | | | with a name thats not afraid to hide behind their |
| for testimonials. If they have a link back to the | | | | website or a corporate facad. |
| customers site, follow it. | | | | Customer Support |
| Don't be afraid to contact the site owner and ask if | | | | Customer support is ultimate important. Is their an |
| their testimonial is valid. I've received numerous | | | | easy way to contact the designer? Do they answer |
| inquiries about products and services I've | | | | your emails in a timely manner? Can you call them? |
| recommended on various sites. Also try and get a | | | | FAQ |
| look at the cover on their site. You'll get a feel for | | | | Does the designers site provide a faq area? If so, |
| how it looks and fits on their site. | | | | read it! You may find answers to some or all of your |
| Repeat Customers | | | | questions without going any further. |
| When you're checking out testimonials, ask if they've | | | | Deadlines |
| purchased other graphics from the same designer. | | | | You've got a deadline - What is the normal |
| Sometimes it will be apparent if the rest of the | | | | turnaround time for getting your project done? Will |
| graphics on the page have the same look and feel. | | | | the designer work with you to get your project |
| Other times it might not be as obvious if the | | | | completed before your deadline? If they will that |
| customer has purchased graphics for different sites | | | | means they are prepared to work with you and |
| or products. If you're not sure, ask. | | | | want what's best for you. |
| Guarantee | | | | Cost |
| The option is to find a designer who will make your | | | | Are the designers prices listed on their site and easy |
| cover without having to pay any money up front. | | | | to find? If not, will they email them to you? Can you |
| The proof(s) they provide will include watermarks to | | | | afford what the designer is charging? If you require |
| deter image theft, but you'll be able to see the | | | | more than one design you can expect any discounts? |
| results before you pay for it. | | | | Do they offer any package specials or other deals? |
| However, not all designers offer this "risk free" | | | | On a side note... While cost is certainly a consideration |
| option. If you choose a designer who requests | | | | for you, it shouldn't be the ONLY consideration. Good |
| payment in advance, make sure they offer a CLEAR | | | | designers may cost more but in the end, you'll get a |
| money back guarantee or a re-design if you don't like | | | | much higher quality image that will increase your sales. |
| the finished image. | | | | Most often, you get what you pay for. |
| Designers Portfolio | | | | Final Thoughts |
| Does the designer have a portfolio or samples on | | | | You can spend days, weeks and months gathering |
| their website? Looking through the work they've | | | | information on which designer to use for your |
| already done will show you if they provide quality | | | | project. It can be a daunting process. However, it |
| work. Every designer has their own style. Does their | | | | doesn't have to be. Sometimes you've just got to |
| style reflect your own? | | | | trust your gut instinct and go with it. |