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Book Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Designer

New York, NY

$111K - $119K/yr

In this role, you will be responsible for conceptualizing and designing 10+ titles per season, including book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting ...

New

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 boutique division, Celadon Books. The position encompasses a range of responsibilities associated ...

Purpose of Position The Designer, Special Projects is responsible for creating and delivering book covers, logos and interior components for publication, either entirely new or using previously built ...

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 boutique division, Celadon Books. The position encompasses a range of responsibilities associated ...

In this role, you will be responsible for conceptualizing and designing 7+ titles per season, including book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ...

In this role, you will be responsible for conceptualizing and designing 7+ titles per season, including book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ...

Book of the Month is looking for a seasoned and versatile Senior Product Designer to execute and grow a digital product that's as beautiful as it is functional. Working closely with the Product ...

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Book Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do book designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for book designer in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Book Designer do?

A Book Designer is responsible for the visual layout and design of a book, including typography, cover design, page formatting, and overall aesthetics. They ensure that the book is visually appealing and easy to read while maintaining alignment with the author's vision and publisher's branding. Book Designers use design software such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to create professional, print-ready layouts. Their work plays a crucial role in enhancing a book's marketability and reader experience.

How do you become a book designer?

To become a book designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field. Developing skills in layout, typography, and using design software like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop is essential, along with building a portfolio of relevant work. Gaining experience through internships or freelance projects can also help establish a career in book design.

What is the job of a book designer?

A book designer is responsible for creating the visual layout and appearance of a book, including selecting fonts, arranging text and images, and designing covers to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal. They often use design software like Adobe InDesign and collaborate with authors and publishers throughout the publishing process.

How much does a book designer make?

Book designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or for a publishing company. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many book designers also supplement income through freelance projects or by developing a strong portfolio.

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

To thrive as a Book Designer, you need strong graphic design skills, a deep understanding of typography, and knowledge of print production processes, typically supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential, and certifications in these programs can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate with authors and publishers are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that books are visually compelling, professionally formatted, and meet publishing standards, which are critical for both reader engagement and market success.

What are red flags when hiring a designer?

Red flags when hiring a book designer include a lack of a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant experience, poor communication skills, and an inability to meet deadlines. Additionally, inconsistent or vague responses about their process or skills, and a lack of familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, can indicate potential issues.

What are the main challenges a Book Designer may face in this role?

One of the main challenges Book Designers encounter is balancing creative vision with the practical requirements set by publishers, authors, and printers, such as budgets, deadlines, and technical limitations. Book Designers often need to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders and make revisions while maintaining a consistent design style. Staying updated on industry trends and mastering new software tools can also be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to both artistic quality and client satisfaction.

What cities are hiring for Book Designer jobs? Cities with the most Book Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Designer jobs? The most popular types of Book Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Book Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Book Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Book 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 $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.
Designer, (Interior Book Design)

Designer, (Interior Book Design)

Simon & Schuster

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$60K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Simon & Schuster rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
Simon & Schuster is seeking an Interior Book Designer to design and layout fiction and nonfiction books in the adult division. This person will be involved in, on average, 50 projects each year.
An ideal candidate:
  • Is an Adobe InDesign expert and book design enthusiast
  • Is a talented designer with experience designing trade interiors
  • Is able to work at all levels, from inputting corrections to building well-structured InDesign files for their own original designs
  • Understands how their composition work impacts downstream processes, including ebook production and future print editions
  • Will work collaboratively with Production Editorial to ensure the manuscript and InDesign document are coded complementarily and coding best practices are applied rigorously from manuscript to finished InDesign files
  • Understands book production and printing standards
  • Knows the difference between match designs, reflows, conversions, reissues and is able to create all of these

Requirements:
  • 2+ years of layout experience in Adobe InDesign; expert in InDesign
  • 1 year or more of experience designing original book interiors
  • Solid understanding of book composition standards
  • Ability to read and implement proofreader's marks
  • Experience manipulating illustrations and photos in Photoshop
  • Experience creating and manipulating vector art in Illustrator

This role is open to both hybrid and fully remote candidates.
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.

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