designers of book covers paid?

Question: How are the illustrators/designers of book covers paid!?

A flat rate!?
An hourly rate!?
A certain amount per book sold!?
Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Typically, the publisher will choose from a list of artists known to them!. They will select the one who's style best matches what the editor wants!. The publisher and the artist will usually negotiate a flat rate for the work!. The actual, final price will depend on the type of work to be done!. A full page, illustation will, naturally cost more than a simple graphic!.

Remember, that these artists are, generaly well known to the publisher, so, there are rarely any surprises regarding the charge for the design, and for what the publisher is willing to pay!.

The number of books sold is RARELY a factor, except in the case of author/illustrators (mostly in the children's book market)!. What DOES come into play is when a volume is reissued like a second, third, or more, printing is produced, or if a book gets distributed to an international market!. In that case, the publisher usually has to renegotiate with the artist for extended rights to the image, or, for creating another cover, or, in some cases, to negotiate with another artist!.

also keep in mind that the illustrator used is almost never the one who designs the entire cover!. A layout artist is the one who selects the typfaces used and, with the editor or art director of the publishing compay, chooses just how the text will appear on the front, back and spine of the book cover!. (or jacket, in the case of a hard back book)Www@QuestionHome@Com

It's a flat rate, Becky M!. An illustrator will, one way or another, be commissioned to design the book cover and a price will then be agreed!. Most illustrators work freelance (unless a publisher comes up with generic covers, like Usborne perhaps!? and may have people on the staff who design covers- they'd be on an annual salary!.!.!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com