How it Works: An Outline of the Custom Process

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Premade Covers
Custom Covers

How it Works: Custom Flowchart Step 1
How it Works: Custom Flowchart Step 2
How it Works: Custom Flowchart Step 3

How it Works: Custom Covers

 Step One: Initial Contact

Submit a Custom Cover Form
The best way to get started on a Custom design is through the Economy or Pro Questionnaire available on the Custom Cover page. We’ll follow-up with any questions or ideas and hope that you’ll do the same. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder over the next few days, just to make sure we don’t end up in the junk folder.
Schedule the Project
Before we can schedule your project, there are a few key pieces of information that we’ll need from you. These include the title, your pen name and for Economy projects, the stock image that you’ve chosen. (These are all included in the Questionnaires for your convenience). Also, if you’ve ordered an ebook + paperback print bundle*, we will need the Preliminary Paperback Print Form from you, which can be found on the Print Layouts page via the Get Started button.
Once we have that info, and the answers to any follow-up questions we have, then we can schedule the project! We’ll let you know the soonest available week(s). (We are typically scheduling 3-5 weeks out, but during the busy times of year, it can be up to 8 weeks, so please take this into account.)

Please keep the following points in mind:

All relevant details and files should be submitted BEFORE we schedule the project. Once your project is scheduled, we’ll be busy with preliminary work so the first proof can be ready on the scheduled Monday and the fun can start! (Any changes to the submitted information after scheduling may require additional fees, or that your project be re-scheduled at your expense.)

We will endeavor to finish your art within the scheduled week. So please don’t choose a week when you’ll be traveling with limited internet access (you’ll need to be able to check and respond to emails at least twice each day). Or if you know you’ll be extremely busy or stressed, personally or professionally, then we should schedule a different week. We want the process to be simple, pain-free and fun, so let’s chose a week that encourages that.

Pay the Deposit
Now that we’ve agreed on a week, we’ll create the deposit invoice on your account and get your project officially scheduled. We’ll be sending walk-through emails to your inbox leading up to the project, with friendly reminders, tips and tricks about different steps in the process. PLEASE watch for these (which might include checking your Junk — or the Promo folder if you’re a gmail user) and let us know if you don’t receive the first email within 48 hours of scheduling.
Back to Flowchart

 Step Two: Proofs & Revisions

View the First Proof
On Monday afternoon of your scheduled week, the first proof will be ready for you to view. We’ll email details about how to login at the proof site to view the design. (For international customers: We’re working in Central Standard Time, so the first proof’s arrival may align differently with your time zone). Also, if you haven’t received this email by Tuesday morning, please let us know, occasionally an email will get lost in cyberspace (or marked as spam).**
Send Feedback
You’ll send feedback on the first design. We always suggest requesting any changes at once, altogether, rather than one-at-a-time. Please respond within 48 hours of receiving this email with your initial feedback. Honestly, we hope that you’re so excited about the design, you’ll email us back ASAP.
Receive Revision(s)
Of course, after we’ve gotten your feedback, we’ll follow-up with any questions, or make the requested revisions and send a new proof. Then you’ll send your feedback (or approval) and we’ll move forward from there. (Each Custom Cover package includes a particular number of revisions. Please feel free to review these details on the Custom Cover page.)
Back to Flowchart

 Step Three: Finalize the Files

Approve the Design
When you’re pleased with the design, please Approve it on the proof site.*** Once we see the approval, we’ll send the final invoice your way and start work on finalizing the files soon.
(If you ordered a paperback print layout and some final details are still pending — i.e. the back text or spine size — please don’t hesitate to approve.**** For more details on this, refer to the last step below: “If print details are still in progress, we can finalize files at a later date”).
Receive Final Files
Once the final invoice is paid, we’ll send the final files. Typically this is within 1-2 business days after approval. Now all you have to do is save them and get back to writing! (If you purchased a paperback print layout, please check the point below).
If Paperback print details are still in-progress, we can finalize the files at a later date.
If the back text and page count are already confirmed: We will export all final files, both ebook JPGs and paperback print-ready PDF, and deliver them to you within 2 business days. However, if the back text and/or page count are still pending: We will send the final ebook JPGs within 2 business days. Then, to finalize the paperback print-ready PDF, when you have the details ready please send those via the Final Print form. We’ll update the approved version of the print layout at that point and send the final, print-ready PDF within 1-3 business days.****
Back to Flowchart

*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.
**Proofs are removed on the Monday following your scheduled week whether or not approval has been received. 
***All Approvals are final and additional costs will be required if changes are made after approval is given. This can involve re-scheduling your art. Please be sure you’re 100% ready to approve when you hit the “approve” button.
****If the back text and/or page count are still pending when Approval is given, this means that there are no further changes to the paperback print layout beyond replacing “filler text” with the final text for the back cover and updating the spine size with the final page count. Please do not expect to receive additional proofs when the final page count and back text are ready. So be sure you are happy with the back and spine layout as well as the front cover art when you submit your approval.

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.

As soon as I looked at Christa’s beautiful website I knew that she would design me a perfect cover for The Memory Game. She did and it was a really easy and enjoyable process too. She is enthusiastic and friendly and a pleasure to deal with... I don’t mind saying that as an indie author, I had always designed my own covers and whilst I was happy with what I had done, as soon as I saw what could be done for me, it made me realise that the small extra cost is so worth it and I will certainly use Christa again. I’m so proud of my new cover, and I feel as though that image now adds something to the story contained within.

Sharon Sant, The Memory Game

Paper and Sage
2013-05-23T18:08:17-05:00

Sharon Sant, The Memory Game

As soon as I looked at Christa’s beautiful website I knew that she would design me a perfect cover for The Memory Game. She did and it was a really easy and enjoyable process too. She is enthusiastic and friendly and a pleasure to deal with... I don’t mind saying that as an indie author, I had always designed my own covers and whilst I was happy with what I had done, as soon as I saw what could be done for me, it made me realise that the small extra cost is so worth it and I will certainly use Christa again. I’m so proud of my new cover, and I feel as though that image now adds something to the story contained within.
Working with Christa was thoroughly enjoyable! …[I]t’s easy and well worth the money!

Jo Hook, Would You Share Your Secret?

Paper and Sage
2016-06-02T17:13:24-05:00

Jo Hook, Would You Share Your Secret?

Working with Christa was thoroughly enjoyable! …[I]t’s easy and well worth the money!
I loved that Christa listened and took on board everything that I wanted. She worked with me to create the perfect cover for my book. She was patient and helpful.

Tee Smith, Collecting Scars

Paper and Sage
2016-07-08T16:59:23-05:00

Tee Smith, Collecting Scars

I loved that Christa listened and took on board everything that I wanted. She worked with me to create the perfect cover for my book. She was patient and helpful.
The process was painless. I expressed my ideas and Christa put them into tangible form… Give her your ideas and let her do her thing. That’s all people need to know.

Jessica Ruddick, Birthright

Paper and Sage
2017-02-16T16:56:38-06:00

Jessica Ruddick, Birthright

The process was painless. I expressed my ideas and Christa put them into tangible form… Give her your ideas and let her do her thing. That’s all people need to know.
My narrator said my beautiful cover was one of the main reasons she chose to audition for my audiobook. I’m so thankful for Paper and Sage Designs! This eye-catching cover helped me get the narrator I was hoping for.

Eryn Scott, A Chance for Sunny Skies (audio)

Paper and Sage
2016-01-08T17:22:23-06:00

Eryn Scott, A Chance for Sunny Skies (audio)

My narrator said my beautiful cover was one of the main reasons she chose to audition for my audiobook. I’m so thankful for Paper and Sage Designs! This eye-catching cover helped me get the narrator I was hoping for.
Everything was perfect. You embraced my vision and designed an amazing cover that I can be proud of! Very professional and author friendly service!

Mandy Fender, Defier

Paper and Sage
2015-07-02T17:31:27-05:00

Mandy Fender, Defier

Everything was perfect. You embraced my vision and designed an amazing cover that I can be proud of! Very professional and author friendly service!
Christa is a talented artist, who really listens to the author before beginning a project…Her time management and organizational skills are excellent. I was concerned that the cover wouldn’t be scary enough, but [she] took my concept and ran with it, and nailed it! It far exceeded my expectaions. I couldn’t ask for a better cover.

Rick Poveromo, Blood Dance

Paper and Sage
2014-05-25T17:49:31-05:00

Rick Poveromo, Blood Dance

Christa is a talented artist, who really listens to the author before beginning a project…Her time management and organizational skills are excellent. I was concerned that the cover wouldn’t be scary enough, but [she] took my concept and ran with it, and nailed it! It far exceeded my expectaions. I couldn’t ask for a better cover.
I really enjoyed working with Christa. The process was easy, and she responded quickly to questions and comments. I’m really excited to show my cover to the world.

Jessica L Randall, Lovers’ Quarrel

Paper and Sage
2017-08-14T14:48:57-05:00

Jessica L Randall, Lovers’ Quarrel

I really enjoyed working with Christa. The process was easy, and she responded quickly to questions and comments. I’m really excited to show my cover to the world.
Christa was professional, receptive to my vision, and a true artist.
I could not be happier with the experience or the results.

K. Vann O’Brien, Wildfire & Avalanche

Paper and Sage
2016-06-09T17:05:43-05:00

K. Vann O’Brien, Wildfire & Avalanche

Christa was professional, receptive to my vision, and a true artist. I could not be happier with the experience or the results.
It was really easy and friendly from the start. Very clear instructions and everything was organised and efficient. I felt I was in safe hands!

A.J. Waines, Girl on a Train

Paper and Sage
2015-02-17T17:40:20-06:00

A.J. Waines, Girl on a Train

It was really easy and friendly from the start. Very clear instructions and everything was organised and efficient. I felt I was in safe hands!
I love how I sent Christa so much information and she was able to take what I had imagined and make it so much prettier… Christa was so open about everything I sent her, never making me feel like I was too enthusiastic, but matching my excitement pretty much every step of the way.
Also I love how communicative she is. My previous experience (with a different designer) left me kind of in the dark about what was happening and I didn’t feel like I was actually a part of the process. Christa has been awesome in getting back to me in a timely manner EVERY TIME I reached out to her.

S.M. Smith, A Boy Worth Choosing

Paper and Sage
2015-01-26T17:43:44-06:00

S.M. Smith, A Boy Worth Choosing

I love how I sent Christa so much information and she was able to take what I had imagined and make it so much prettier… Christa was so open about everything I sent her, never making me feel like I was too enthusiastic, but matching my excitement pretty much every step of the way. Also I love how communicative she is. My previous experience (with a different designer) left me kind of in the dark about what was happening and I didn’t feel like I was actually a part of the process. Christa has been awesome in getting back to me in a timely manner EVERY TIME I reached out to her.
Christa is friendly, understanding, fast, and designed a cover I simply love! The payments, proof viewing, acceptance, all of it was so easy.

Eryn Scott, The What's in a Name? Series

Paper and Sage
2015-07-19T17:25:36-05:00

Eryn Scott, The What's in a Name? Series

Christa is friendly, understanding, fast, and designed a cover I simply love! The payments, proof viewing, acceptance, all of it was so easy.
I like that I have my own week to hunker down and do the work with the cover designer. That makes it also predictable, so I know when I'm going to see something and when I'll have a cover design. The process is easy, professional, and certain...

George Kayde, Knight in Training & Pix of Me and You

Paper and Sage
2018-06-20T12:56:47-05:00

George Kayde, Knight in Training & Pix of Me and You

I like that I have my own week to hunker down and do the work with the cover designer. That makes it also predictable, so I know when I'm going to see something and when I'll have a cover design. The process is easy, professional, and certain...
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.
Professional Beautiful Art

Janet W. Ferguson, The Southern Hearts Series

Paper and Sage
2016-07-29T14:52:26-05:00

Janet W. Ferguson, The Southern Hearts Series

Professional Beautiful Art
People should know that they are in good hands entrusting their book covers with Paper and Sage… Wonderful. Easy. Professional.

SJ West, Watchers & Vampire Conclave

Paper and Sage
2013-06-21T18:02:04-05:00

SJ West, Watchers & Vampire Conclave

People should know that they are in good hands entrusting their book covers with Paper and Sage… Wonderful. Easy. Professional.
Working with Paper and Sage was awesome – I enjoyed every minute of the collaboration. Creating covers to work well alongside each other must be hard and I could never have imagined they would come out so well, capturing the tone and the essence of The Estate Series perfectly. Christa has such an amazing vision and is fast, efficient, and above all friendly.

Mel Sherratt, The Estate Series

Paper and Sage
2014-05-13T17:55:40-05:00

Mel Sherratt, The Estate Series

Working with Paper and Sage was awesome – I enjoyed every minute of the collaboration. Creating covers to work well alongside each other must be hard and I could never have imagined they would come out so well, capturing the tone and the essence of The Estate Series perfectly. Christa has such an amazing vision and is fast, efficient, and above all friendly.
…professional, stylish, and personable…

Rebecca Jamison, Chemistry Lessons

Paper and Sage
2016-05-26T17:13:23-05:00

Rebecca Jamison, Chemistry Lessons

…professional, stylish, and personable…
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.
[Christa] offered detailed explanation[s] of every step … and included me in every aspect of the decision making. When I did not know about dimensions for a blog ad, [she was] ready and willing to help me out without just going over my head with [her] expertise.

Theresa Sopko, Bewilderments of the Eyes

Paper and Sage
2016-02-05T17:15:45-06:00

Theresa Sopko, Bewilderments of the Eyes

[Christa] offered detailed explanation[s] of every step … and included me in every aspect of the decision making. When I did not know about dimensions for a blog ad, [she was] ready and willing to help me out without just going over my head with [her] expertise.
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.
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