Book Cover Designer, Saga Press
Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
As a Book Cover Designer on our Saga Press team, you will be responsible for creating compelling, professional-quality covers that resonate with Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror readers. Your designs will directly influence first impressions, evoke mood and genre, and ultimately help books stand out in a crowded market.
Key Responsibilities
- Design front covers, spines, and back covers for print and digital formats
- Design of approximately 30-35 covers per year
- Collaborate closely with authors, editors, and marketing teams to understand the tone, themes, and target audience of each book
- Create original artwork, work with illustrators to commission original artwork, or source/license appropriate imagery and elements
- Stay current on design trends in genre fiction and incorporate best practices
- Prepare final designs for publishing platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.)
- Set, route, and prep mechanical files for printer in a timely and thorough manner
- Occasionally create cover-related graphics for marketing, social media, etc.
Requirements
- Proven portfolio of book cover designs, preferably in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror genres
- 2-3 years experience
- Strong understanding of genre tropes and reader expectations in speculative fiction
- Experience researching and working with freelance illustrators
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Excellent visual storytelling and typography skills
- Experience setting up files for print design and production
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects on deadlines
- Strong communication and feedback incorporation skills
Bonus Skills
- Illustration experience (digital or traditional)
- Photo-illustration and retouching abilities
- Familiarity with 3D rendering tools (e.g., Blender, Daz Studio)
- Experience with branding or series design
- Passion for speculative fiction
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
Other details
- Job Family Design
- Job Function Creative
- Pay Type Salary
- Employment Indicator Regular
- Min Hiring Rate $60,000.00
- Max Hiring Rate $64,000.00
- 1230 Ave of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, USA