[daryl]

Hi all. I've had requests doing book covers, and I don't really know what to charge. Since I have no experience yet, could someone with the experience give a thoughtful suggestion? And if everything goes well, when to charge more and how much more?

Also, what kind of payment process is preferable when doing it over e-mail? And is there a way to be reassured the client won't use the image without paying?

I would really appreciate everyone's input. Just to give me a starting point.

Thanks!
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[eyewoo]

Not sure what the going rate is for a book cover. I image it depends on a lot of different factorts and varies greatly... however, a payment method I've always used has always worked well for me.

I require 1/3 payment befroe beginning, 1/3 upon acceptance of the rough layout and the final third upon complettion. That way, you only lose the final third to a publisher if he/she is a real jerk. It has never happened to me, so I'm prtetty happy with the method.
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[Tzan]

I do the same thing with 1/3 payments.

Since I do architectural work I have extra leverage. I hand deliver the final prints and the bill. So I leave with either a check in my hand or the prints

[balistic]

[eyewoo]

I would give the watermark method some thought. If one is freelamcing, it is not helpful to create annoing situations for your clients. They may not come back... Also, it is generally acceptable to give a 10 day to 30 day grace period for final payment. I've had very few clients who have paid a final payment immediately... though I have had some. They are rare and have my undying appreciation and gratitude...
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[daryl]

eyewoo, tzan, balistic - thanks alot for replying.

My first thought on having 1/3 of the payment before even starting was that I would be surprised if anyone went through with this (in my case). Considering that I don't have a list of clients and a reputation to support me. But I could be wrong.. I see eyewoo's point with the watermark, but the suggestion of submitting low-res previews is a very good idea to me. Maybe I could suggest 1/3 of the payment when I submit a rough they are pleased with and the rest when the final is submitted? It's naturally not as preferable for me but perhaps more reality based? =)

Anyone who'd like to suggest pricing?
Thanks again!
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[Tzan]

I think the 1/3 after rough, is a good idea for you now. You can always change that later. Of course you need to discuss this with the customer before the job starts so everyone knows what will happen and when.

I recently had a customer back out because I wanted 1/3 up front, just $500. He wanted 3 layouts for where a new garage would be placed on his lot, then finished drawings. Well I was busy with 4 other jobs and didnt need to work for free.

I charge $80/hr but thats low for my business. Architects and engineers get 120-160/hr usually. My customer base is the low end housing market so they like to shop around and pay less.

I have done a little art for sale (architectural renderings) and today, with my limited experience I might ask for $40-50/hr and feel good about it. So 40hours of work = 1600 - 2000. But you should pay more attention to the other guys on this.

[daryl]

Thanks tzan, really helpful info.
Now I know the conditions:

1) for anthologies, the artist gets an equal share of the profits with the authors and editors. 2) On a one author book they get 20% of all the $ made and 3) for (*magazine product name*) they get an equal share including the advertising $.

well, I'm still curious about doing it, if anyone wants to hit me with the stop sign please do so.. =)

Thanks
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