The most common questions I receive related to purchasing from the Premade Store
Q. I own a small press magazine that publishes online, and in print. I see a premade cover that I would like to use for an upcoming issue. Is that possible?
A: Yes it is! A premade found a home on the May issue of Factor Four Magazine.
Q: I’m part of a publishing group. I noticed in your Terms of Service that the client cannot publish, copy, or disclose mock-ups or design materials to others. Does this mean I can’t show mock-ups to my group and put a mock-up cover to a vote?
A: Yes, that is what it means. I do not accept ‘design by committee’ projects or commissions. I will cancel the work if I discover this is happening. I will also retain the initial deposit as a kill fee, as specified on my ToS page.
Q: I want to commission you for a custom painting. However, I need to get approval from my publisher first. Is that okay?
A: I have to ask first. Why are you paying for the cover? You have a publisher for your book. It’s not okay. It’s another type of cover by committee. Moreover, the publisher is the one who typically pays for cover design.
Q: I have an idea for a cover and would like to discuss it with you. May I call or have a video chat with you?
A: The answer is no. I prefer to keep detailed records of my communications, and that is best served via email.
Q: I have Photoshop. Can I make changes to the premade I bought myself?
A: The answer is a simple no. This violates my service terms. It also breaches the terms put forth in stock photos I purchase for the design. Certain nuances, such as color profiles, are built into my designs. Tampering with them can degrade the image.
Q: Do I own the copyrights to my cover?
A: Unless you have a detailed agreement with an artist or photographer, that answer is No. You have unlimited reproduction rights for e-books and up to 500,000 impressions for printed books at all retail outlets. You can use the book cover for promotion and advertisement purposes at no additional charge.
Q: How can I own the copyright to my book cover?
A: If the book’s design uses stock imagery from any stock site, such as Dreamstime, Depositphotos, etc., you will need to purchase the image(s) used from the photographer on that site. However, you’re buying a perpetual license, not the actual copyright.
This can result in fees ranging from $250.00 on up per image used.
If you have contracted a designer or artist who owns the photos, you might need to enter a contracted agreement. The same applies to any form of artwork they own.
Still, many artists will not give up the complete copyright of their work without a significant fee, myself included. (and please remember to credit the photographers who freely donate their images!)
Q: Do you take requests at your premade store?
A: I do not. I work in different genres when the inspiration hits. Check back often if you don’t find your genre or a cover that you like. I try to upload new work every week. Usually in ‘genre batches.’ 🙂
Q: I see a cover I like, but I don’t have funds available. Can you save it for me until payday?
A: My premades are sold on a first-come, first-served basis— this includes my regular clients and my author friends. I don’t think it’s fair otherwise. I don’t believe in putting up my work for auctions or bidding, which occurs in Facebook groups.
Q: Can I make payment plans on a commissioned cover?
I do not accept ‘monthly’ payment plans. Payments of this nature are half down, remaining balance paid when the project is completed. I also do not pre-date invoices. Commissioned covers have a non-refundable work fee, and pricing is quoted based on project specs. Please query for project estimates regarding this, I have been known to offer discounts ;-).
Q: Do you re-use any of the stock photos for other projects?
A: No. Once I use a stock image for premade designs, I place the image(s) I use into that particular project folder.
Q: Can I have the original stock image(s) that you use for premade covers so I can create ads?
A: I’m not allowed to transfer purchased stock photos I’ve downloaded images to a third party. Once I use them for their intended purpose (as a book cover), I will share the image link with you. You can then buy it on your own.
Q: I just bought a pre-made. Can I have the original files in layers?
A: I do not sell or give away layered files.
Q: Can I have just the art as a PSD file, then? And do the typography myself?
A: If you need Art-only files as a ‘smart object’ in PSD format, just send an email. Once I verify your purchase, I’ll send you a link to download the PSD!
Q: Why do I need to agree to your service terms? Don’t I own the cover and can do whatever I want with it?
You own the right to use the cover for its intended purpose—as a book cover. The stock images are copyrighted to the photographer or artist. My design concepts for the cover are a derivative work. You never really own the copyright in most cases. Respect the work artists and designers put into their craft.
I have photos (or artwork) that I would like to be made into a cover. Can I mail you the images?
The post office is not always reliable, and I don’t want your work lost or damaged in transit. I accept only high-quality, scanned images via e-mail. You must provide a statement that you own the copyrights to the images. I have no issues with doing so. The cover of Sea Smoke & Mirrors by Jenifer LeClair is an example of author-provided photography.
If you have any questions not answered here, please let me know and I’ll add it to this page!
*latest update: December 29th, 2025*