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Book Cover Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designer - Celadon

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Macmillan is looking for a designer to conceive unique, creative, and engaging book jackets for the ... Exceptional portfolio displaying book cover specific work and strong typographic skills

Designer - Celadon

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Macmillan is looking for a designer to conceive unique, creative, and engaging book jackets for the ... Exceptional portfolio displaying book cover specific work and strong typographic skills

Designer, Publishing

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

We're looking for a designer who is equal parts visual storyteller and creative problem solver ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

We're looking for a designer who is equal parts visual storyteller and creative problem solver ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

We're looking for a designer who is equal parts visual storyteller and creative problem solver ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

Senior Designer

New York, NY

$111K - $119K/yr

... book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ... Takes lead and initiates cover ideas and artist selections Project management: Meet with editors ...

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Book Cover Designer information

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$31K

$56.7K

$86K

How much do book cover designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for book cover designer in the United States is $56,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Book Cover Designer job?

A Book Cover Designer is responsible for creating visually appealing and marketable covers for books. They combine typography, imagery, and design principles to capture the book’s essence and attract potential readers. Their work involves collaborating with authors, publishers, and marketing teams to ensure the cover aligns with the book’s genre and target audience. Skilled in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, they bring creative concepts to life while adhering to industry standards.

What are the typical challenges a Book Cover Designer faces in their work?

Book Cover Designers often work with tight deadlines and must balance creative vision with publisher or author specifications, which can be challenging when multiple stakeholders have differing opinions. Adapting to feedback and making revisions quickly is a common part of the job. Designers may also need to stay up-to-date with current trends in book marketing and visual styles to ensure their covers stand out in a competitive market. Despite these challenges, the work is highly rewarding as you see your designs have a direct impact on a book’s visibility and success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Book Cover Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Book Cover Designer, you need a strong foundation in graphic design principles, creativity, and an understanding of visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential, and knowledge of print production processes is highly valued. Excellent communication, collaboration, and time management skills help you work effectively with authors, publishers, and marketing teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing compelling, marketable covers that attract readers and align with each book’s genre and audience.

More about Book Cover Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Book Cover Designer jobs? Cities with the most Book Cover Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Cover Designer jobs? The most popular types of Book Cover Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Book Cover Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Book Cover Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Book Cover Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,698 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

Union Square & Co. is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and creative Associate Art Director to join our team. As an integral part of our group, this person will carry each project through the design process, including conception, execution, approval, and transmitting files to Production. They should have extensive experience in book cover design and feel comfortable focusing on a range of genres. The Associate Art Director will personally manage 3 designers and will report to the Art Director, Adult Books.

Duties include:

Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ's Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles

Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines

Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers

Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs

Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review.

Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects

Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required

Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ's high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution

Attends weekly status and design meetings

Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Minimum requirements:

4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience

Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing

Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

Extensive experience designing book covers

Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage

Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to be considered for this position.

This role is based in our New York office. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.

The compensation for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Mission Statement

Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view. What distinguishes us is our independent, entrepreneurial spirit. We collaborate with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives to publish at the highest quality across categories. We strive to bring you entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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