How it Works: An Outline of the Process

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Premade Covers
Custom Covers
How it Works: PreMade Flowchart 2020
How it Works: PreMade Flowchart Step 1 (2020)
How it Works: PreMade Flowchart Step 2 (2020)
How it Works: PreMade Flowchart Step 3 (2020)

How it Works: PreMade Covers

 Step One: Find Premade

Search the PreMade Shop
Visit the Shop and take a look around. The PreMades can be filtered by details like Categories, Genres, Keywords, Colors, etc. to help you find the right cover. Also, don’t hesitate to look over the Choosing a PreMade article for a few more tips & tricks.
Optional Revisions
If you see a PreMade that’s almost perfect, but might need a small change (learn more about available revisions here), please get in touch to discuss the details and additional cost. All revisions must be approved before purchase.

How to request a revision to the design (this must be done BEFORE ordering):

  1. Review the Optional Revisions page to learn more about what revisions may be available.
  2. Submit a Revision Request via this form.
  3. We will discuss the revision via email. If it is approved, we will let you know of any additional cost and send you a Revision Code. This code will link your order with the specifics of your request so our designer can review your revisions before she starts work. Ordering without the appropriate code can create confusion and/or mistakes that will either lengthen the turn-around time or occasionally result in incorrect files (especially if you do not order proofs). In other words, do not place your order without the Revision Code.
  4. Enter the Revision Code before adding the cover to your cart. This will auto-fill most of the order information for you. Then add any additional products to your cart and proceed to check-out as normal.

(Note: We strongly encourage anyone ordering with a revision to purchase proofs as well. Learn more below).

Back to Flowchart

 Step Two: Choose Options

Important!
Please read these options carefully. After an order is placed, any changes will require an additional charge or may be unavailable.
Add Paperback Print Layout?
Note: With this structure, you will no longer have to provide ANY paperback print details with a premade order unless you already have all final paperback print details (back cover text, fully-formatted final page count, etc.) and would like to finalize the print-PDF along with the ebook/front cover at the time of the order. “Do you want to order a paperback print layout now?”* For print layouts, there are three options:

  1. No, ebook only. You’ll be ordering an ebook only at this point in time. We will finalize and deliver the ebook JPGs within 1-2 business days.* (Note: You can order a paperback print layout at a later date, however you will not receive the bundle discount.)
  2. Yes, and final paperback details are ready now. With this option, we will need you to submit the final paperback print details at your earliest convenience via this form. Once we receive those details, we will be able to finalize both ebook/front cover and the paperback layout PDF within 1-3 business days.*
  3. Yes, but final paperback print details are still pending. With this option, we will prioritize the ebook/front cover design now, and simply save the paperback print layout for later. This means you do not need to provide any paperback details now and we can still deliver the ebook/front cover in 1-2 business days** (unless you ordered proofs***). Then at a later date (when you’ve finished writing/editing and have all of the final paperback print layout information), you will submit the final paperback print details via this form. Once we have that information, we’ll finalize and export the final paperback print PDF in 1-3 business days.
*

*At this time, we offer a bundle discount for paperback print layouts only. If you’d like a hardcover print layout, please contact us to evaluate cost.
**In this case, the ebook/front cover will be designed for export at the default trim size. The paperback print trim size can be updated later, when the print details are submitted. 
***If you ordered proofs as well, then we will begin the proofing process within 1-3 business days. Please learn more about proofing options below.

Do you want to see a proof?
For ordering proofs, there are two options:

  1. No proofs necessary, just finalize the files. Ordering without proofs is:
    • Simpler. There are no extra steps in the ordering process. Just enter the required information to place to order and receive the final files quickly.
    • Faster. With this option, we can achieve a much faster turn-around time on your order. We’re able to finalize and deliver the final files in 1-2 business days. (Unless we have a follow-up question, but we’ll still deliver the files asap).
    • More economical. Without the proofing process, we’re able to fulfill your order more efficiently and can pass that savings on to you!
    • However, you will not have an opportunity to preview or approve the design. The design will be updated and finalized with the details you provide without an opportunity for changes.
  2. Yes, I’d like to see proofs Ordering with proofs is:
    • More customizable. You can review and request changes to the design before we finalize the files. We especially recommend ordering proofs if you’re requesting revisions to the premade design–see ‘Optional Revisions’ in Step One above. Please note: Up to 2 proofs are included. Some requested changes may require additional cost, please read over the Optional Revisions page carefully if this is a concern. If additional proofs are required (which is rare), additional cost will be involved. (If additional charges are incurred during the proofing process, they will be billed separately and must be paid before final files are released).
    • Special note about ebook + print bundle orders: If you order a print layout and your final print details are still pending, we will proof the ebook/front cover only. Then when you send us the final print details, we will finalize the print PDF without returning to the proofing process. On the other hand, if you order proofs and your final print details are ready to submit, we will be able to proof both the ebook and print layout simultaneously, which will give you the opportunity to proof the entire design together. Up to 2 rounds of proofs (for a single format/design) are included if revisions are requested.
I love the design as-is and need an ebook JPG quickly. How do I get that?
Choose “No, ebook only”, “No proofs necessary, just finalize the files” and “None” under Optional Revisions. Please give us 1-2 business days to update the design and export the files for you. We’ll email you when they’re ready.
Back to Flowchart

 Step Three: Receive Files

Files are Finalized
We’ll get to work on finalizing the files once we receive your order. The typical turn-around time is 1-2 business days. (Unless you order proofs, then the proofing process will begin in 1-2 business days.)
Download Final Files
When the final files are available on your account, we will email you. Please keep an eye on your spam folder (or Promo if you’re a gmail user) just in case. The files will be in the Downloads section of your account for 14 days.
Now all you have to do is save them and get back to writing!
If you ordered a paperback print layout…
If the final paperback details were submitted at the time of the order, we will finalize the paperback print PDF simultaneously with the ebook files.

If the final paperback print details are still pending, please submit the Premade Paperback Final Print form when you have the final paperback details. After we receive that info, we’ll update the paperback layout, export the PDF according to the submitted details and deliver the paperback print PDF in 2-3 business days.**

Back to Flowchart

Following this process as closely as possible allows Paper & Sage to offer quality designs at reasonable prices. If deviations from the above process are required for your project, please understand that additional cost will be required as well.

I could not be happier...and I will definitely come to [P&S] for book 3, as well as any other books. Thank you SO much for all of your hard work, and for seeing inside my head so brilliantly.

Dena Nicotra, The Weaver Series

Paper and Sage
2013-05-11T18:02:06-05:00

Dena Nicotra, The Weaver Series

I could not be happier...and I will definitely come to [P&S] for book 3, as well as any other books. Thank you SO much for all of your hard work, and for seeing inside my head so brilliantly.
If you’re looking for a skilled and affordable designer, look no further. The communication is excellent, and the end product will make you proud.

DS Black, The Stubbs: A Novella

Paper and Sage
2015-01-15T17:40:14-06:00

DS Black, The Stubbs: A Novella

If you’re looking for a skilled and affordable designer, look no further. The communication is excellent, and the end product will make you proud.
It was so easy to make changes and approve the design. Easy……Professional……Friendly.

Gia Riley, Between the Pain

Paper and Sage
2014-05-08T17:53:29-05:00

Gia Riley, Between the Pain

It was so easy to make changes and approve the design. Easy……Professional……Friendly.
Easy. No hassle.

Peyton Woodson Cooper, True North

Paper and Sage
2016-09-10T17:04:43-05:00

Peyton Woodson Cooper, True North

Easy. No hassle.
Although it bills itself as a pre-made cover outlet, P&S actually rides the line between one-on-one designer support and a straight “here’s your cover” download experience. It’s somewhere between custom and pre-made. I liked that a lot. There’s a definite need in this market for a service like that... I liked that I was able to type in a title and my name, then pass it off for a professional tweaking.

Benjamin Sobieck, Glass Eye

Paper and Sage
2015-03-12T17:38:05-05:00

Benjamin Sobieck, Glass Eye

Although it bills itself as a pre-made cover outlet, P&S actually rides the line between one-on-one designer support and a straight “here’s your cover” download experience. It’s somewhere between custom and pre-made. I liked that a lot. There’s a definite need in this market for a service like that... I liked that I was able to type in a title and my name, then pass it off for a professional tweaking.
Efficient, Professional, Creative

Aria James, Hearts of Larceny

Paper and Sage
2015-02-26T17:31:53-06:00

Aria James, Hearts of Larceny

Efficient, Professional, Creative
Super friendly and prompt feedback and delivery! Christa is a total joy to work with!

Becky Wicks, Our Frozen Wings

Paper and Sage
2014-12-18T17:44:48-06:00

Becky Wicks, Our Frozen Wings

Super friendly and prompt feedback and delivery! Christa is a total joy to work with!
Christa is a joy to work with.

Lana Voynich, Away from Here

Paper and Sage
2015-05-25T16:45:57-05:00

Lana Voynich, Away from Here

Christa is a joy to work with.
I loved the huge selection of premades. [A]ffordable and…beautifully made.

Lindsey Sablowski, Bloodline Inheritance

Paper and Sage
2015-06-30T17:30:15-05:00

Lindsey Sablowski, Bloodline Inheritance

I loved the huge selection of premades. [A]ffordable and…beautifully made.
I’ve been looking into cover designers for a bit, and I made sure I felt my project would be in the right hands before I agreed to anything and I felt Christa was the right designer as soon as she responded back. …[She] was incredibly easy to work with! The little changes I did want, she made without any problem.

Nicole Sobon, The Outbreak Duology

Paper and Sage
2013-12-08T17:57:40-06:00

Nicole Sobon, The Outbreak Duology

I’ve been looking into cover designers for a bit, and I made sure I felt my project would be in the right hands before I agreed to anything and I felt Christa was the right designer as soon as she responded back. …[She] was incredibly easy to work with! The little changes I did want, she made without any problem.
[Clients of P&S are] getting a quality product that’s incredibly professional and it will allow their book to stand out from all other indie books.

Cheyanne Young, Not Your Fault

Paper and Sage
2014-08-28T17:46:45-05:00

Cheyanne Young, Not Your Fault

[Clients of P&S are] getting a quality product that’s incredibly professional and it will allow their book to stand out from all other indie books.
Thank you for making my novel come to life with your beautiful cover! …I had been shopping around for a few weeks before I realized your service was unprecedented.

B.M. Sandy, Someone to Stay

Paper and Sage
2017-03-17T16:56:29-05:00

B.M. Sandy, Someone to Stay

Thank you for making my novel come to life with your beautiful cover! …I had been shopping around for a few weeks before I realized your service was unprecedented.
I really enjoyed how easy the website is to navigate and the wide selection of premade covers. The drop down menus also make it a breeze to place an order. I mostly write short stories, so having the option to only buy an ebook was really nice!

B.L. Koller, The Haunting of Annie Jones

Paper and Sage
2021-11-29T11:57:25-06:00

B.L. Koller, The Haunting of Annie Jones

I really enjoyed how easy the website is to navigate and the wide selection of premade covers. The drop down menus also make it a breeze to place an order. I mostly write short stories, so having the option to only buy an ebook was really nice!
I had a great experience working with Paper and Sage. I was feeling so frustrated after looking at dozens of sites… The covers [at P&S] are so current and original, I trust the designer’s pulse on the marketplace and that is really important to me.

Anya Monroe, Heart of Stone

Paper and Sage
2015-03-13T17:36:37-05:00

Anya Monroe, Heart of Stone

I had a great experience working with Paper and Sage. I was feeling so frustrated after looking at dozens of sites… The covers [at P&S] are so current and original, I trust the designer’s pulse on the marketplace and that is really important to me.
I fell in love with Paper and Sage the first time I visited the website, and I’ll never go anywhere else for my cover-art. Christa is the ultimate professional and I love all the covers she’s done for me, but the cover for The Standout literally stands out. So many people noticed and complimented it during my Kindle Scout campaign, and I know her work majorly contributed to my success as a Kindle Scout winner.

Laurel Osterkamp, The Standout, Kindle Scout Winner

Paper and Sage
2015-10-29T16:43:26-05:00

Laurel Osterkamp, The Standout, Kindle Scout Winner

I fell in love with Paper and Sage the first time I visited the website, and I’ll never go anywhere else for my cover-art. Christa is the ultimate professional and I love all the covers she’s done for me, but the cover for The Standout literally stands out. So many people noticed and complimented it during my Kindle Scout campaign, and I know her work majorly contributed to my success as a Kindle Scout winner.
...Christa was amazing with responding to my emails. I asked many questions and not once did she make me feel like I was a bother. She made the entire process enjoyable and exciting. She did everything I asked and had [the premade cover] for me in under three days. All of this took away a ton of stress and I plan to work with her again.

Jami Wagner, Date in the Dark

Paper and Sage
2016-03-17T17:34:54-05:00

Jami Wagner, Date in the Dark

...Christa was amazing with responding to my emails. I asked many questions and not once did she make me feel like I was a bother. She made the entire process enjoyable and exciting. She did everything I asked and had [the premade cover] for me in under three days. All of this took away a ton of stress and I plan to work with her again.
I think the different available services, from pre-made to the various tiers of custom work are important. As an indie author, I appreciate the ability to balance expense with the level of customization and detail.

Laurie Baxter, A Charlie Brown Christmas & Who Does He Think He’s Fooling?

Paper and Sage
2016-12-01T14:44:25-06:00

Laurie Baxter, A Charlie Brown Christmas & Who Does He Think He’s Fooling?

I think the different available services, from pre-made to the various tiers of custom work are important. As an indie author, I appreciate the ability to balance expense with the level of customization and detail.
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