Frequently Asked Questions
I will begin with a discussion, which will help me determine what your book is about, what you are looking for in a book cover, and any specific requirements you might have. Once I review your answers, we can brainstorm to determine the concept for the cover. In the case where you need help finding the images, I will send you choices based on your criteria. After a selection is made, I can begin work on your project. Once the initial mock-up is designed, I will send you the proof for revisions, if necessary.
Absolutely. I have subscriptions to Shutterstock and Deposit Photos and iStockPhoto (Signature collection images are included in the price $33 value!).
It depends on the complexity of the change. There's an extra charge to add/remove tattoos, hair alterations, head swaps and "dressing up" of models. Please request a quote before the start of the project.
The sooner the better! I work on a first come first served basis.
Each job is unique, and turn around time varies depending on the scope of the project. Custom covers typically take two weeks but may take longer if multiple revisions are requested. Each revision can take up to 24 hours to complete.
In some instances, I will consider taking a rush assignment. Please contact me for availability and pricing.
The revisions will be done on a delivered cover mockup. Revisions include things like changes to the fonts, font effects, coloring or addition of extra elements. The amount of revisions included in the price is different for each package. Please refer to the package information at the beginning of this page. Typically if you run out of the revisions included in the price of the cover, any additional revisions would be $15 each.
A 50% down payment is due at the time of booking. The balance is due upon completion of the project, and before the final files are released. All payments are accepted through Paypal/Zelle transfers.
Please credit as follows on the copyright page of your book: Maria @ Steamy Designs
Romance covers are my specialty, but I will consider taking on a project for other genres. Please contact me to discuss.
Absolutely. The full sleeve print wrap can be added later for an additional fee of $75.
No. As long as your balance is paid in full, I will send you the JPEG files for your cover reveal. Print PDF’s will be provided once I receive the trim size (paperback size), final page count, and color preference for the interior paper.
You will be granted an exclusive license to use the final cover design artwork for your book/e-book cover and any promotional materials. The artwork should not be modified in any way. Please contact me if you require alterations. Backup source files are kept indefinitely.
I typically do not give out my source files because they are my intellectual property. But if you really feel like you need to purchase the source files, I'd be happy to discuss pricing. PSD files start at $500 per cover. I keep my backup source files indefinitely and can be contacted for any alterations you might need at any time.
Of course. I keep the source files of your covers on my server indefinitely. You can contact me at any time if you requite any adjustments to the cover after you have received your final files. The adjustment fee for resizing the spine, doing a title change/blurb change is $35. If you need more complex changes (ex. main image/model swap), please contact me for a quote.
I will make every effort to accommodate any schedule changes that arise. If you need to cancel an appointment, a refund shall be given within three weeks of the booking date minus a non-refundable $50 booking fee, provided that no work has commenced. Deposits shall be forfeited for any cancellations made within three weeks of the scheduled appointment.