If you're a first-time author preparing to publish your book, you’ve likely run into one of the most intimidating tasks: creating a professional-looking book cover. For many, the logical choice is to hire a cover artist, especially if you’re unfamiliar with graphic design or where to find royalty-free images. And if you're working with a tight budget, you may be tempted to go with the cheapest cover art designer you can find.
But is hiring a cheap designer the right move? Will the results help your book sell—or turn potential readers away?
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hiring a cheap cover artist so you can make an informed decision that fits your goals and budget as a new author.
Why Book Cover Design Matters
Before diving into costs, let’s establish one key truth: book covers matter—a lot.
Your book cover is your first impression. It communicates genre, tone, and professionalism in a split second. Whether you’re self-publishing a novel or launching a nonfiction guide, your cover can determine whether a reader clicks "Buy Now" or scrolls past.
In today’s competitive market, a cheap-looking or poorly designed cover can do more harm than good.
Pros of Hiring a Cheap Cover Art Designer
Even with the risks, there are situations where hiring a budget-friendly cover designer can work to your advantage—especially if you're just starting out.
1. Affordability for Tight Budgets
Most first-time authors are self-funded. Hiring a designer who charges $50–$150 can be significantly more manageable than working with a premium designer who charges $300 to $1,000 or more. If your priority is simply getting your book out into the world, this can be a workable short-term solution.
2. Quick Turnaround Times
Lower-cost designers often work with templates or pre-made cover designs, which means you can have your cover within days instead of weeks. For authors on a deadline, this speed can be attractive.
3. Great for Testing or First-Time Publishing
If you’re publishing a short story, a series prequel, or just testing the waters with self-publishing, a cheaper cover could make sense. You may not want to invest heavily in something experimental.
4. Access to Pre-Made Covers
Many budget designers offer high-quality pre-made covers that can be customized with your title and author name. These are often cheaper and can still look professional—if you choose carefully.
Cons of Hiring a Cheap Cover Art Designer
While low-cost design might seem like a smart choice upfront, there are real drawbacks that could affect your book’s success.
1. Inconsistent Quality
Many cheap designers rely on generic templates, poor-quality stock images, or unlicensed art. Worse, some may not understand genre conventions, meaning your cozy mystery ends up looking like a sci-fi thriller. A cover that doesn’t clearly represent your genre or reader expectations can kill your sales.
2. Limited Customization or Creativity
At lower price points, you often get minimal revisions, limited options, and very basic layouts. If you want a custom concept, hand-picked imagery, or genre-specific typography, you’ll likely be disappointed.
3. Risk of Copyright Violations
This is a major concern. Cheap designers sometimes use images without proper licenses or download fonts illegally. If your book is flagged for copyright infringement, it can be removed from marketplaces like Amazon or Smashwords. You may be legally responsible, even if you didn’t know.
4. Lack of Industry Experience
Designers unfamiliar with the publishing industry might overlook things like proper bleed and trim size, spine formatting, or typography that appeals to your target audience. These small details matter more than you might think.
What to Watch For When Hiring a Cheap Designer
If you decide to hire a lower-cost cover designer, be cautious and strategic. Here’s what to check before you pay:
- Portfolio: Always review samples to see if their style matches your genre.
- Licensing: Ask where they get their images and fonts—make sure they’re royalty-free or properly licensed.
- Reputation: Look for reviews or feedback in author communities or forums.
- Contract terms: Understand what’s included—number of revisions, formats delivered, and if you retain full usage rights.
Alternatives to Hiring a Cheap Designer
If budget is your biggest constraint, there are other ways to get a decent-looking cover without risking your book’s success.
1. Use a DIY Design Tool (Like Canva or BookBrush)
These tools are user-friendly and offer templates made for book covers. You can start with royalty-free elements and build something custom—no experience needed.
2. Buy a Pre-Made Cover from a Reputable Site
Websites like TheBookCoverDesigner.com or GoOnWrite.com sell pre-made covers at reasonable prices from professionals who understand genre design.
3. Wait and Save for a Professional Cover
If your goal is long-term success or you’re publishing in a competitive genre (like romance or fantasy), it might be better to delay your launch and save up for a professional-grade cover.
Final Thoughts: Is a Cheap Book Cover Designer Worth It?
The answer depends on your goals, genre, and budget. If you’re publishing your first book and want something simple and affordable, a cheap designer or pre-made cover might be enough, as long as you do your research and manage your expectations.
However, if your goal is to grow a long-term author brand, investing in a high-quality, genre-appropriate cover is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Remember: You don’t have to spend a fortune—but you do need to ensure your cover is clean, readable, and competitive in today’s marketplace.