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Book Cover Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof

... book * Deliver original, effective cover comps and polished final covers that are visually compelling and fresh for the market * Conduct thorough research and recommend talented illustrators and ...

... book * Deliver original, effective cover comps and polished final covers that are visually compelling and fresh for the market * Conduct thorough research and recommend talented illustrators and ...

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Book Cover Illustrator information

See salary details

$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do book cover illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for book cover illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a book cover illustrator do?

A Book Cover Illustrator is responsible for creating visually engaging and marketable artwork for the covers of books. Their work involves interpreting the story or theme of a book and translating that into a compelling image that attracts potential readers. They collaborate closely with authors, publishers, and designers to ensure the illustration fits the book's tone and genre. Using both traditional and digital art techniques, they develop original designs that help books stand out on shelves and online platforms.

How does a book cover illustrator typically collaborate with authors and publishers during the design process?

Book Cover Illustrators often work closely with both authors and publishing teams to ensure the cover accurately reflects the book’s content and appeals to its target audience. The process usually starts with a creative brief, followed by sharing initial sketches or concepts for feedback. There is often a collaborative back-and-forth, with revisions based on input from editors, marketers, and sometimes the author. Clear communication and flexibility are key to balancing creative vision with market requirements, making teamwork an essential aspect of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book cover illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Book Cover Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in graphic design, and a solid understanding of visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in art or design. Familiarity with digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as knowledge of print production processes, are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret client briefs are crucial soft skills that help illustrators stand out. These skills ensure compelling, marketable book covers that attract readers and effectively convey a book’s content and mood.

What is the difference between Book Cover Illustrator vs Book Designer?

AspectBook Cover IllustratorBook Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, illustration skills, possibly art or design educationDesign education, layout skills, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentFreelance or in-house, creative studios, publishing housesDesign studios, publishing companies, freelance
Industry UsageCreates original artwork for book coversDesigns overall cover layout, typography, and visual hierarchy

While both roles contribute to a book's visual appeal, a Book Cover Illustrator focuses on creating original artwork, whereas a Book Designer handles the overall layout and visual composition of the cover. They often collaborate but have distinct skill sets and responsibilities within the publishing industry.

More about Book Cover Illustrator jobs

What cities are hiring for Book Cover Illustrator jobs?

Cities with the most Book Cover Illustrator job openings:

What states have the most Book Cover Illustrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Book Cover Illustrator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Book Cover Illustrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Publicity Assistant, Little, Brown for Young Readers

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY

$52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 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

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Publicity Assistant to join our team.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong interest in promoting books for young readers, including titles in the picture book, middle grade, young adult, and new adult categories.

The candidate should have excellent written and verbal communication skills and bring a proactive, problem-solving mindset to their work. They should be highly attentive to detail, mindful of deadlines, have a knowledge of and interest in the media industry, and be able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

The Publicity Team promotes the full general interest LBYR list, including books for all age levels, in a variety of genres, and from various viewpoints. The position is client-facing, serving as liaison between the division and journalists, bookstores, and authors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support administrative needs for Publicity VP and larger Publicity team
  • Support Publicity VP's media and event campaigns
  • Organize and execute department media and reviewer mailings
  • Circulate weekly media and event recaps
  • Track and distribute bestseller information
  • Support award submission process
  • Manage billing for the department
  • Possibly support team's book festival and consumer convention submission process
  • Write pitch letters and press materials
  • Participate in seasonal brainstorming for LBYR titles
  • Professionally communicate with authors, illustrators, journalists, bookstore contacts, and internal stakeholders
  • Once fully onboarded and trained, the Assistant may have the opportunity to manage individual book campaign under the supervision of the Publicity VP. Those projects would include regular communication and collaboration with authors and illustrators; pitching national and regional media; and pitching author/illustrator event appearances


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Internships or prior work experience in publishing, PR, media, or other related fields
  • Interest in PR and the children's book publishing industry
  • Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative and hit deadlines
  • Superior organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Superb verbal and written communication skills, and knowledge of the media
  • Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva

How to Apply: To be considered, please submit both a resume AND a cover letter. We ask for a cover letter so that we can understand how your skills or experience can apply to our open role.


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 compensation for this position is $52,500 depending on the level of the role. 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.
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.

About Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) began publishing books for children in 1926, and we now offer a distinguished and diverse list of 250 frontlist titles annually. In addition to the Little, Brown Books for Young Readers core list of bestselling and award-winning picture books, chapter books, middle grade titles, and young adult books, we publish across five imprints: Alvina Ling Books and Christy Ottaviano Books, boutique imprints dedicated to developing authors and artists; JIMMY Patterson Books, founded by the world's bestselling author, James Patterson; LB Ink, home of LBYR's graphic novels and graphic nonfiction; and LB Kids for novelty and board books. After 100 years of publishing for children and teens, we also now publish romance for adult readers under the Requited imprint.

Mission:
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers' mission is to offer a supportive home for all creators and a superb book for every reader.

LBYR is renowned for its diverse, award-winning list which has received multiple Caldecott Medals, Newbery Medals, and National Book Awards, among other accolades; launching the blockbuster series The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, Folk of the Air by Holly Black, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes; The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer; and publishing seminal nonfiction by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, Malala Yousafzai, and Clint Smith. LBYR's distinguished list of authors and illustrators includes Kwame Alexander, Sherman Alexie, Sophie Blackall, Sandra Boynton, Christopher Denise, Vashti Harrison, Grace Lin, Kate McKinnon, Jerry Pinkney, and Trenton Lee Stewart.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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