Wellington book cover design
A considered cover for a book worth reading
Distinctive book covers for Wellington authors and publishers, designed with care for your story, readers, and publishing format.
Thoughtful Design, From First Look
Every design decision starts with the book itself and the readers you want to reach.
01
Built Around Your Book
Your story, subject, and audience guide the visual direction—not a template.
02
Clear Design Process
Move from an initial brief to a considered concept and final files with clear next steps.
03
Ready For Publishing
Receive artwork prepared for the print or digital format outlined in your project brief.
From Brief to Finished Cover
Step 1
Share Your Brief
Tell us about your book, readers, format, and any visual references you have.
Step 2
Set the Direction
We agree on the design goals and develop a visual concept suited to your book.
Step 3
Refine the Design
Review the proposed cover and share focused feedback as the artwork takes shape.
Step 4
Prepare Final Files
Once approved, your cover is prepared for the print or digital specifications provided.
Book Design Services
From a striking first concept to print-ready artwork, get thoughtful design shaped around your book and its readers.
01
Fiction Cover Design
Create a distinctive cover that reflects your story and helps readers find their way into its world.
02
Nonfiction Cover Design
Give your ideas a clear, compelling cover that feels credible and easy to recognise.
03
Full Cover Layouts
Bring front cover, spine, and back cover together in one cohesive design.
04
Ebook Cover Design
Prepare a clear, compelling cover that reads well as a small digital thumbnail.
05
Cover Refresh
Update an existing cover to better fit your book, audience, or publishing direction.
06
Series Cover Design
Build a recognisable visual system that gives each book its own identity.
Book Cover Design FAQs
What information should I provide to start a cover project?
Share your synopsis, genre, intended readers, title and author name, publishing format, and any printer specifications you have. Visual references can help explain your preferences, but the studio can also develop a direction from your brief.
Can you design covers for ebooks and print books?
Cover requirements differ by format. Tell Tern & Type whether you need ebook artwork, a print cover, or both, and provide trim size and printer details when available so the design can be prepared for its intended use.
Do I need a finished manuscript before commissioning a cover?
A finished manuscript is not always necessary to begin. A clear synopsis, genre, audience, and publishing plan can help establish the visual direction. Final cover copy and production specifications should be confirmed before artwork is completed.
How does the cover design process work?
The process typically starts with a brief and discussion of the book, followed by visual concepts and design development. Once a direction is selected, the artwork is refined and prepared for the formats and specifications agreed for the project.
Can I request changes to a cover concept?
Design develops through feedback and refinement. At the start, discuss your priorities and how revisions will be handled for your project. Specific feedback on typography, imagery, and tone helps guide changes toward a stronger, more suitable cover.
Design for the First Impression
Tern & Type is a Wellington book cover design studio focused on creating considered, audience-aware covers. Each project begins with the book’s subject, genre, and intended readers, then develops a visual direction that makes the title easy to recognize and inviting to explore.
From early concepts to production-ready artwork, the studio brings typography, imagery, and layout together with care. Whether you are publishing fiction or nonfiction, you can expect a collaborative process shaped around your brief, publishing format, and the role your cover needs to play.
Reader Focus
Design choices reflect the book’s audience and the expectations of its genre.
Clear Craft
Typography, imagery, and layout work together to make each cover easy to read.
Thoughtful Process
Each project develops through careful listening, considered concepts, and production details.
Let’s shape your book’s first impression
Share a little about your manuscript, audience, and publishing plans to start a considered cover design conversation.
Discuss Your Book
Tell Tern & Type about your book, audience, and publishing plans. Get in touch to discuss cover design for your project.