Book cover, interior design: prices for a freelance graphic designer
Calling on a graphic designer to design a book is two distinct missions with different pricing logics. Here are the actual ranges, the variables that cause prices to move, and what to plan for depending on your project.
The cover has three physical sides: the front (front cover), the back and the back (back cover). The graphic designer delivers a print-ready PDF file with exact dimensions, bleed included.
Front (front cover)Typography, composition, visual processing
Back + 4th coverSummary, author bio, publisher, barcode
Digital versionEbook, Amazon KDP cover, if requested
Final HD filesCMYK for print, RGB for digital
Corrections includedDepending on the number of round trips agreed
Printer filePDF/X with 3mm bleed, CMYK ICC profile
Ranges according to level of work
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300 – 500 €
Simple typographic
Novel, essay, practical book. Photo provided by the client, custom typographic layout.
The price is calculated per page or per package depending on the complexity of the content. A novel without illustrations is laid out differently from a technical book with tables, diagrams and footnotes.
Interactive tool
Estimate the budget for your book
Type of book
Usual format: A5 — 148 × 210mm
Number of pages: 150
150 p.
Include cover design
Indicative estimate excluding tax
450 – 750 €
Interior model only · Final price on quote according to the document provided
The final price is adjusted to the actual volume delivered. Suitable when the manuscript is still evolving or the number of pages has not stabilized.
Recommended when
Content still being finalized, possibility of additions or cuts
Option B
Global package
Budget set from the start. Better visibility for the client, better planning for the graphic designer.
Recommended when
Number of pages defined, content fixed, model validated before starting
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Point of attention: specify in the quote what triggers additional costs: addition of pages after purchase order, modifications to the text itself, additional versions.
Almost zero cost, generic result. The files do not always meet printing standards (resolution, bleed, CMYK).
Recommended
Freelance graphic designer
Optimal quality/budget ratio. Print-ready files, direct tracking, flexibility. Daily rate: €350 to €600 excluding tax depending on experience.
Option C
Agency
Relevant if the book is part of an overall brand strategy. Higher prices, often longer lead times.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Yes, an experienced publishing designer can prepare files to the printer's exact specifications (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-3, ICC profile, 300 dpi resolution, 3 mm bleed) and coordinate submission. This service can be included in the quote or charged as an option.
Word (.docx) is the standard format. A structured document with applied heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) reduces layout time and therefore cost. A document without structure requires more preparation work.
Generally, two to three cycles of corrections are included in the quote. Beyond that, hourly charges apply. Layout corrections only, unless otherwise noted.
The prices displayed are excluding taxes (HT). For self-employed entrepreneurs subject to VAT, VAT at the rate of 20% applies. To be checked according to the status of the service provider at the time of the quote.
Yes, and it is generally recommended. Working the two together guarantees graphic unity. A global package is often more advantageous than a separate order.
A book project?
Cover, interior model, print-ready files: send your project information to receive a detailed quote.
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