Before You Hire a Cover Designer: Contracts & Briefs Explained

Hiring a cover designer shouldn’t feel confusing—or risky. In this video, I break down how book cover contracts and design briefs actually work, why both matter, and how they protect you as an author just as much as they protect the designer. This is a practical walkthrough of what to expect, what to ask for, and where red flags tend to show up. You’ll learn: – What a cover design contract really covers (and why you should read it) – Exclusive rights vs. full assignment of rights – Why design briefs matter more than most authors realize – How scope, revisions, timelines, and deliverables work – Where projects break down—and how to avoid it – How to build a strong, professional author–designer relationship The goal isn’t control—it’s clarity. Clear contracts and solid briefs lead to better covers and fewer headaches. 👉 More Cover Villain resources: https://www.covervillain.com #bookcoverdesign #IndieAuthors #AuthorBusiness