Job Title:
Photo Editor and Book Cover Designer for KDP Hardcover and Paperback
Job Description
I’m looking for a skilled photo editor and book cover designer to enhance a photo for use on a Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) hardcover and paperback book cover. This is my first time creating a book cover, so I need a professional who can deliver a polished, KDP-compliant design that aligns with my vision.
Key Responsibilities:
Enhance a photo (format to be provided) by adjusting brightness, contrast, sharpness, color balance, and retouching imperfections.
Design a professional book cover for both hardcover and paperback, incorporating the enhanced photo, title, author name, and optional tagline
Ensure the design meets KDP’s technical requirements:
Minimum 300 DPI resolution.
Exact dimensions for hardcover and paperback, including spine and 0.125-inch bleed (using KDP’s Cover Calculator template).
CMYK color mode and export as PDF/X-1a:2001.
Integrate text with strong typography that complements the photo and suits the book’s genre (to be shared upon hiring).
Provide mockups to preview the cover on both formats.
Required Skills and Experience:
Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or similar tools for high-quality photo editing.
Proven experience designing book covers, ideally for KDP or other print-on-demand platforms (please share portfolio samples).
Understanding of book cover design trends and ability to tailor the design to the book’s genre and target audience.
Familiarity with KDP’s specifications for hardcover and paperback covers.
Strong typography and layout skills to balance text and visuals.
Excellent communication, responsiveness, and openness to feedback and revisions.
Deliverables:
Enhanced photo optimized for print.
KDP-compliant cover files (PDF) for both hardcover and paperback.
Mockups showing the final design on both formats.
Source files (e.g., PSD) for future edits (optional, please specify if included).
Additional Details:
Please include a link to your portfolio showcasing relevant book cover designs.
Share your process for creating KDP-compliant covers and estimated timeline.
Indicate the number of revisions included and your availability for feedback.
Budget: Flexible, please provide your rate (fixed or hourly).
How to Apply:
Submit a brief proposal explaining your experience with book cover design and KDP projects. Include portfolio links and a sample timeline. If possible, mention how you’d approach enhancing a photo for a book cover. I’ll provide the photo, book genre, and specific details upon hiring.