A professional book cover designer typically costs about $500-$800 for a single project. However, a simpler cover from a less-experienced designer would cost less, while an elaborate cover from a Big 5 designer would cost quite a bit more. The cost to hire a cover designer depends on a combination of your personal preferences and available budget. But unlike other publishing costs, hiring a professional book cover designer is non-negotiable if you want your book to actually sell. Seriously, we’ve done the research — the marketing value of an appealing professional cover is quantifiably high.