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Recommended for: authors on a budget.
Fiverr can be a very affordable platform to find a book cover designer or editor but it’s important to be extra cautious when using low-cost freelancers as results can vary and the wrong choice could end up hurting your book sales.
How it works

Fiverr is a marketplace of freelancers across many different disciplines, including (but not limited to) book cover and web designers, editors, ghostwriters, and translators. Fiverr works as the middleman between freelancers offering their services and clients looking to hire. It is a legitimate website with customer service available to resolve any possible disputes or technical issues. The website also does its best to evaluate and validate potential freelancers. Still, while there are processes in place to keep scammers away they still manage to get through the cracks. It is also rumoured that the website has a problem with fake reviews. Proceed with caution!

Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro is a more professional and expensive alternative to Fiverr. The freelancers here have been vetted (this time for real) so you’re much more likely to be working with industry professionals. Fiverr pro also offers 24/7 support for customers. Fiverr Pro has fewer freelancers and thus fewer search categories.

Our Advice

Like most things, you get what you pay for. If you’re a first time author with a small budget to spend on your book, Fiverr may be a good option for you. Be sure to research your freelancers thoroughly and to consider the following:

  • Be realistic with your expectations. If you’re paying $5 for a book cover you may luck out and get professional quality results but you cannot expect it.
  • Do your research. Read reviews with particular emphasis on the 1-3 star ratings.
  • Have a very clear brief prepared for your freelancer. The clearer you can be with your expectations the more likely you will be happy with the outcome.
  • Insist on quality; if you were led to believe that the outcome of your project is better than what was delivered say so and insist on this delivery or ask for your money back.
  • Be careful of plagiarism. Try and research your freelancer and their portfolio before engaging them to work for you.
Your Turn

Have you used Fiverr? If so, please take a minute to leave a quick review below to help others with their decision.