Hear me out…
I’m Rachel, founder of Printed Page Studios and a book designer with 15 years of experience creating stunning books for authors who want their message to truly make an impact.
Here’s the truth: you’re not ready for cover design when you think you are.
There’s critical groundwork that must happen first—and many book designers aren’t going to guide you through it. They won’t ask the foundational questions that shape a strategic, powerful design.
No one else can do this part for you. No one knows your book, your goals, and your audience like you do.
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This is the piece most self-publishing authors miss.
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You see, in a traditional publishing house, there is an art director (a separate role from the book designer) who sits down with the publisher to collaborate on a creative brief, which becomes the design roadmap. This brief is then handed off to the cover designer, and it guides the design.
The cover designer is not the person who comes up with the creative brief.
If you’re self-publishing, you are the publisher. And unless you’ve hired an art director (or are working with a book designer who also fulfills that role—most don’t), then the most crucial step falls through the cracks. Which is why so many covers miss the mark.
I see it all the time.
But when authors go through this process? The results speak for themselves.
When you follow this process, everything changes. You’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, cut creative frustration, and most importantly, your book will look and feel as professional and impactful as your work deserves.
If you’re serious about publishing a professional, purposeful book, then you need a real creative brief—one that goes beyond the surface-level questions and design instructions that are so commonly seen in the self-publishing industry.
You might feel uncertain about how to express your vision to your designer, or worried you won’t love what they create. That’s completely normal—and exactly why I created this resource.
Once you’ve finished answering the questions in this creative brief workbook, you will be truly and completely ready for cover design.
This is the exact process I use with my one-on-one clients to ensure their design reflects their vision, resonates deeply with their audience, and meets the highest industry standards.
Taking the time to work through this process will elevate your book to the next level.
Once completed, you can confidently hand your brief to any designer—knowing they have the clarity and direction they need to deliver their best work, without delays and hiccups.
Normally priced at $97, I’m giving this away as a special gift right now. Get started today and be on the road to your perfect book cover!
Happy Publishing đź“š
–Rachel