Quick Overview

Hey there! I’m Rick Schroeppel, and I design book covers for a living right here in Nashville. If you’re self-publishing your book, you might be wondering whether hiring a professional book designer is worth it. Short answer? Yes. And if you’re anywhere near Nashville—or even if you’re not—book design companies in this city like mine offer something special.

Let me break it all down for you, nice and easy.

Table of Contents

1. Why DIY Design Can Hurt Your Book
2. Nashville’s Creative Talent Pool
3. The Real Cost of a Bad Cover
4. What You Get with a Nashville Book Design Company
5. Quick Comparison Table
6. How to Buy Custom Book Cover Designs the Smart Way
7. Final Thoughts from a Book Designer
8. People Also Ask (FAQs)

Why DIY Design Can Hurt Your Book

I get it—self-publishing already costs money. So, it’s tempting to throw together a cover using a free tool and call it a day. However here are some facts:

Stat: According to a 2023 survey by Written Word Media, 79% of high-earning self-published authors paid for professional cover design.

Now, compare that with the pile of books sitting in the digital graveyard of Amazon’s “Also Bought” section. Many of those have cheap or homemade covers. Want to guess why they’re not selling?

Readers do judge a book by its cover. So your story deserves more than a slapped-together stock image and Comic Sans font. When you’re writing a book, the look of the cover often doesn’t cross your mind until the writing is completely done. But for someone picking up your book, the cover is what grabs their attention first. ( source). 

Nashville’s Creative Talent Pool

Nashville isn’t just about country music and hot chicken—though let’s be honest, those are great perks. It’s also packed with graphic designers, illustrators, and publishing professionals who work with local authors every day.

You’d be surprised how many authors you’ve read that worked with Nashville designers. We’ve got a creative scene here that punches way above its weight. And because the community is smaller than L.A. or New York, you’re more likely to get personalized attention.

The Real Cost of a Bad Cover

Let’s do some quick math:

Scenario	Upfront Cost	Average Sales (First 6 Months)	Revenue
DIY Cover (Free Tool)	$0	100 books @ $2.99	$299
Professional Design (Nashville)	$800 to over $2,000	800 books @ $2.99	$2,392

See what I mean? Skimping on design costs more in the long run. And honestly, you won’t just lose sales—you risk looking unprofessional, even if your writing is top-notch.

At Book Cover Design, I keep my prices much more budget-friendly.

What You Get with a Nashville Book Design Company

Book design agencies in Nashville don’t just drop a cover file in your inbox and disappear. At least, the good ones don’t (and yes, I include myself in that camp).

Here’s what you should expect:

• A one-on-one consultation
• Genre research (because thriller covers shouldn’t look like cozy romance)
• Custom typography
• Spine and back cover layouts for print
• Multiple revisions (within reason—let’s not go full Picasso here)

Plus, working with someone local means you can actually talk to a human. You’d be shocked how often that’s a luxury these days.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	DIY Tools	Fiverr Freelancers	Nashville Book Design Company
Custom Design	Not Included	Sometimes Included	Fully Custom and Tailored
Industry Knowledge	Lacking	Limited	Strong and Experienced
Print Layouts Included	Not Included	May or May Not Be Included	Always Included
Local Communication	Not Available	Not Available	Easy and Direct Communication
Long-Term Relationship	Not Possible	Rarely Offered	Available and Encouraged

How to Buy Custom Book Cover Designs the Smart Way

If you’re thinking, “Well, okay Rick, I’m convinced. What now?”—here’s what to do:

1. Set a budget (anywhere from $300–$800 is typical for quality work).
2. Check out local portfolios. You’ll find a few great ones on bookcoverdesign.us.
3. Look for someone who doesn’t just design, but asks you about your book. If they’re not asking questions, they’re not invested.
4. Be clear about deadlines. Good designers get booked up fast.
5. Ask about revisions. You don’t want to end up stuck with a pink dragon on your historical biography (unless that’s your thing, in which case—let’s talk!).

Final Thoughts from a Book Designer

I love working with self-published authors. You’re scrappy, passionate, and usually about five coffees deep when you reach out to me. And I respect that.

But please don’t sell your book short. I’ve spent years helping writers bring their vision to life. When you Buy custom book cover designs from someone who gets your story, it shows—and it sells.

So if you’re in or near Nashville, or just want that Southern creative touch, I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s give your book a cover that matches how great the story is inside.

People Also Ask

1.     How much does professional book cover design cost in Nashville?

Most local designers charge between $800 to over $2,000, depending on the complexity and number of revisions.

2.     Is it worth hiring a book design company for self-publishing?

Absolutely. Professionally designed covers boost sales and credibility. In fact, authors who invest in design often earn significantly more.

3.     Can I work with a Nashville designer if I live in another state?

Of course! I work with authors all over the country. We just hop on a Zoom call or exchange emails—easy peasy.

4.     How long does it take to get a custom book cover?

It usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on the project scope and revision rounds.

5.     What if I don’t like the first design?

Most designers include a few rounds of revisions. I always make sure we get your vision right without endless back-and-forth.

6.     Do Nashville book design companies also handle eBook formatting?

Some do! While I personally focus on cover design, I can recommend great partners who do interiors and eBook layout.