What Determines My Prices?
To some extent, my prices are determined by the complexity of the artwork needed. But that said, my prices for the exclusive rights to use an illustration (for cover art and advertising the product the artwork appears on) generally will run from $900 to $1,500 US (rarely a bit more if the illustration is extremely complex, sometimes a bit less if the cover is simple).
This is the price for an original illustration in digital format ready to go directly to your publisher or layout designer.
I can also handle lettering including spine/back cover layout, ISBN bar codes, and so forth, for which there are addition charges, though generally not that much more since most of the work is in the illustration for a book, magazine, or CD cover.
And for self-
I know you’re likely wanting a a firm price rather than a ballpark figure.
And I’d be happy to give that to you if you’ll paint a "word picture" of what you're wanting in the way of an illustration. I need to know the approximate number of figures, background, scenery, machinery, or other features that should appear I the picture. I can then get the price tacked down for you.
There’s no charge for estimates on the cost of an illustration. So please feel free to contact me via email or phone call.
The Process of Creating Your Cover
Each illustration is different. But there’s a pretty straightforward process I follow for creating an illustration for a client.
First, I draw up a contract (I have a standard one we can use or you can secure your own from a lawyer); like all contracts, this one can be modified and hammered out so it suits you.
As is the norm in the publishing industry, I ask for half payment up front upon signing the contract with the remainder due upon completion and delivery of the illustration to you or your publisher.
The next step after the contract is generally the creation of several sketches to establish the basic design, characters, and so forth.
When I'm on the right track with the sketches, we then move toward a rough illustration and from there more polished versions (I send periodic pictures of my progress to be sure we're still "on the same page" with what is needed).
Before too long, the illustration is finished (usually in a little over a week or two).
I’m hoping I can create an illustration for you. I love challenging projects, and hope you’ll let me help you get that special illustration you need for your book cover, magazine, or CD album.
I’m always happy to answer questions about my work, so please feel free to contact me, and let me create the artwork you need for your project.
Who is Duncan Long?
Over the last two decades, Duncan Long has created over a thousand illustrations
for magazines and books including Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, HarperCollins,
PS Publishing, Pocket Books, ILEX, Moonstone Books, Enslow Publishers, Solomon Press,
Paladin Press, Ballistic Publications, American Media, Fort Ross, Lyons Press, and
many small publishers and self-
Copyright © 2008 -
Soli Deo Gloria
Prices for Book Cover Illustrations, Book Layout, CD Cover Design, and Book and Magazine Artwork by Duncan Long
Reference photos supplied by Lisajen-
Copyright © 2009-
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