Freelance Book Designer

Professional Resources Partners Pty Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a talented Freelance Book Designer to create innovative book designs for both print and digital publishing. Ideal candidates will possess strong design skills, proficiency in relevant software, and the ability to collaborate effectively with authors and publishers to bring manuscripts to life. Responsibilities include layout design, cover creation, ensuring compliance with various publishing requirements, and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of design trends. Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact through your creative expertise.

Qualifications

• Experience in book design with a strong portfolio of published works.
• Expertise in design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce error-free designs.

Responsibilities

• Design and format book layouts for print and digital formats.
• Create professional book covers aligning with the author’s vision.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project visions and requirements.

Skills

design

typography

attention to detail

communication

Education

Degree or certification in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Competitive per-project or hourly rate, depending on experience and project scope.

Job Overview :

We are seeking a talented and creative Freelance Book Designer to design and format books for print and digital publishing. The ideal candidate will have a strong eye for design, an understanding of typography, and the technical skills necessary to bring a manuscript to life. As a Freelance Book Designer, you will collaborate with authors, editors, and publishers to create visually appealing and reader-friendly book layouts, covers, and interior designs.

Key Responsibilities :

• Design and format book layouts for print and digital formats, ensuring readability, aesthetic appeal, and consistency.
• Create eye-catching and professional book covers that align with the author’s vision and the genre of the book.
• Ensure proper typography, spacing, and alignment for a polished final product.
• Collaborate with authors, editors, and publishers to understand the vision, tone, and target audience of each project.
• Prepare final book designs for printing and eBook formatting, ensuring files meet the requirements of publishers and distributors (e.g., PDFs for print, ePub or Mobi for digital).
• Revise designs based on feedback from clients or stakeholders while maintaining a professional and timely approach.
• Stay updated on design trends, tools, and techniques to ensure high-quality, modern book designs.

Qualifications :

• Proven experience in book design, with a strong portfolio of published works (both print and digital).
• Expertise in design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant tools.
• A keen eye for typography, layout, and visual composition.
• Familiarity with book formatting requirements for different print and digital platforms (Amazon Kindle, IngramSpark, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce error-free designs.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to understand and execute client feedback.

Preferred :

• Degree or certification in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field.
• Experience designing books in specific genres (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, academic works).
• Knowledge of pre-press processes and printing techniques.
• Familiarity with self-publishing platforms and the nuances of book design for indie authors.