How To Book A Cover

 

Unratio logo with hand-drawn flower and navy waves on peach oval background.

1. Begin the Conversation

Email me with your book's details (book title, genre, publisher (if applicable), and any early ideas you’d like to share).

Commission original book cover art with Unratio. Step-by-step guide to hiring a book cover illustrator for custom artwork—from literary to romance.After a quick bounce of ideas we will know if we are a good fit and you can pick the Package that suits your needs and budget.

 I’ll confirm availability and provide a timeline tailored to your project.

2. Agreement & Deposit

If we’re a good fit, you’ll receive a simple written agreement outlining scope, deliverables, and timeline.

A 50% deposit (invoiced through Shopify) secures your slot and allows me to begin preparing your artwork. The remaining balance is due before final files are delivered.

3. Private Project Portal

You will then receive by email your own private portal link, a password protected page on my site where you'll find the latest files, timeline updates and guides.

Communication will still be by email. But this way you will always know where I am at, no lost attachments and everything is accessible with just one simple link. 

4. Prepare Your Brief

This is not a formal document. Simply collect anything that captures your vision: mood boards, notes about themes or atmosphere, rough sketches, elements to include (or avoid), or covers you admire.  Browsing my portfolio and telling me what resonates with you is also helpful.

Use my How To Prepare A Book Cover Brief PDF for inspiration and guidance.

5. Sketch & Colour Palette

Within 10 business days, you’ll receive a rough composition sketch and colour palette.
This is where you’ll see the first threads of your story woven into image.

You may request one change at this stage before I begin the final artwork.

5. Final Artwork

With your approval, I’ll create the final hand-drawn illustration.

You’ll have two opportunities for small tweaks before delivery, so the cover feels exactly right.

I want you to love it! 

5. Delivery

Your files will be delivered print-ready (PDF/JPG/PNG) and sized to your printer’s specifications. An ebook-ready cover file is included with every package.

Your finished cover will be delivered in high-resolution, printer-ready formats, along with an ebook-ready file. 

Please Note Typography Is NOT Included

My focus is the artwork itself — the illustration that becomes the soul of your cover.

Typography is not included in my packages, but IT IS an essential part of the finished design.

Here’s how it fits into the process:

  • After sketch approval: The best time to bring your typographer or publisher into the conversation, so artwork and text flow together naturally.

  • During final artwork: I leave space and balance for text placement, keeping readability in mind.

  • At completion: You’ll receive the final high-resolution artwork for your typographer to set the text. If minor adjustments are needed to accommodate placement, they fall within the included revision rounds.

I’m happy to coordinate with your designer or publisher directly, so the finished cover feels seamless — artwork and typography working as one.

Ready to Begin?

ahoy@unratio.com

Email me to book your slot