How Do You Make A Ebook Cover
L. E. Thomas
'I don't remember a time I wasn't interested in storytelling. My earliest memories are of my mother taking me to the library and reading books.'
L.E. Thomas is the creator of the Star Runners Universe. From a young age, he was captivated by tales of brave warriors, futuristic technology, and alien planets. Now, he brings those childhood dreams to life, crafting the kind of books he has always wanted to read. What began as scribbles in a notebook has grown into a vast and immersive universe filled with endless adventures. Readers are invited to embark on thrilling journeys among the stars.
You can find his work here.
The Interview
Your Star Runners series has a high school senior called Austin Stone as one of the main characters. I’m interested if this character is based on anyone you know or your former self?
I originally wrote the book for a young man I was mentoring to encourage him to read more for fun, so he was the original inspiration. However, friends told me Austin Stone is me – especially in the first book. I vividly remember feeling as a high school senior the same way he did about the next step in life, which I am sure we all feel the same when we are about to leave home for the first time. There is uncertainty about that next phase, which is terrifying and only magnified when your friends appear to have it all figured out. I felt the same as Austin.
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
I had long admired Tom’s work and visited his excellent website often before I reached out to see if we could work together. I always thought he had a way of creating these imagination-boosting images that made me want to enter them and find out more, which is what great art can accomplish seemingly without effort. Tom does that with every piece of art he produces.
How do you approach designing and portraying your detailed game worlds in your novels?
Great question! In many ways, I have been creating these worlds for nearly thirty years since middle school with my friend C.G. Adams. We created a game called Star Runners, and we spent countless hours dreaming and creating. We never really stopped.
What set Tom apart from other book cover designers you’ve seen or worked with?
I have never had an artist so quickly transform my initial ideas and take them to the next level. I always see what he produced from minimal input from me to create something beyond what I even thought possible. Tom is a gift.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you outline meticulously or let the story unfold as you write? And how does this alter if you’re writing short fiction or series?
I have been a writer my entire life, but my process has evolved. I now write every morning at 4 a.m. It is the best time of the day and my favorite time to create. I do not outline every story beat or character moment, but I like to have a general idea of the story and an overall objective of each chapter. I do that whether writing short fiction or an entire novel or series.
What makes you come back to Tom to design your covers?
Tom’s work has become synonymous with my Star Runners Universe series. From the moment his first cover for my work dropped, and I saw it online, I knew I would keep coming back to him forever. There is something special about his art. It has an X factor that is difficult to describe but comes alive.
Historically, sci-fi is a genre often associated with power and masculinity but it’s great to see other genders in your stories! Was this an intentional choice or something that came about organically through writing?
Thank you so much! It wasn't so much of a choice as I wanted the story to be real for young people reading, who were the target audience. Women have always been an essential part of my life, so I wanted them to be a part of Austin's experience. Doing anything less felt unreal, and I wanted this story to entertain and feel authentic to young readers. As it turned out, many of my favorite characters in the story are women, and many readers worldwide who have been kind enough to write me are women.
What was the best part of working with Tom to design your cover?
The communication and ease with which Tom creates original art are impressive and intoxicating—that is not hyperbole. I also enjoy approving original art and never worrying about Tom using clipart or other images appearing elsewhere. Collaborating on covers can be stressful, but that is never the case with Tom.
How do you keep track of all the details in your world-building to ensure consistency throughout your series?
Another excellent question! I created a series, "wiki," a long time ago and have added to it as time has gone on. It was really important—especially at the beginning—to weave together so many books into the final two of the series.
What was the process of working with Tom on your cover; did you find anything helpful that other illustrators haven’t offered you previously?
I love seeing the first draft and watching the art progress with each round. I enjoy that aspect more than just seeing a final copy to approve.
Have there been any unexpected developments in your stories or characters that surprised even you as the author?
Of course! There have been characters who came out of nowhere and others who played a more significant role than I ever expected. For example, people who have read the first book may be surprised that Bear just appeared at the stairs in my mind the night they all left for their trip. I hadn't planned on him being there, but he appeared as I wrote the scene. He ended up being one of my favorite characters. There have been other scenes I never intended to have or that expanded beyond what I had expected. That's one of many reasons I love writing and never want to outline things too strictly. It destroys the discovery of writing.
What initially sparked your interest in writing, and how did you discover your passion for storytelling?
I don't remember a time I wasn't interested in storytelling. My earliest memories are of my mother taking me to the library and reading books. I was hooked the first time someone liked a short creative essay in school.
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
I struggle to write anytime other than early morning or late at night when the rest of the world is quiet. I also listen to instrumental music while writing and love to daydream on long walks. I cannot write without these ingredients.
What obstacles have you encountered in your writing journey, and how have you overcome them?
Time is always an obstacle. That's why I write early in the morning or late at night. Over the years, I have found that if you really want to be a writer, you will find the time to do it somehow—no matter how many jobs you have! And long walks are key. For some reason, they energize my writing and help me stay motivated.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
Stick with it. If this is what you want, don't listen to anyone else. Write. Write every chance you get. Write. People will love your honesty. People will also hate your writing. Keep pushing. Keep writing. Know that it isn't easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.
Is there anything you would’ve done differently when starting out?
I would have written more sooner rather than waste so much time when I was younger. I also would not have listened to people who told me to focus on "my career" when I hated my day job. I have always loved writing. I haven't always loved my day job.
Can you provide any insights into your upcoming projects? Are there specific themes or ideas that you're excited to explore in your future works?
I will be finishing the Star Runners Universe series and cannot wait to finish the book with another incredible Tom Edwards cover! I hope the book will be released later this year. It's been a long journey, and I cannot wait to conclude the entire series for those who have stayed with me during this journey.
Scott Bartlett
'My biggest challenges in becoming a writer were what’s often called the ‘inner critic’ and also writing consistently.'
Scott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter. Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true. Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada. During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light-speed ever since.
Click here to check out Scott's new military sci-fi box set, Ship of Prophecy, which collects the three complete series of the Ixan Saga!
The Interview
What was the best part of working with Tom to design your cover?
Tom’s artwork shouts quality and style, and as far as I’m concerned there’s no better way for me to package my books.
Moreover, Tom’s range is incredible, and no matter what I’ve asked for in my cover brief, he has always been able to represent it strikingly. If ever I request tweaks or changes, Tom has always been incredibly accommodating in implementing them promptly. But generally speaking, my covers turn out best when I trust his artistic ability and instincts.
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
My writing routine tends to change yearly, and sometimes monthly. I have a high appetite for novelty, and it seems I’m always experimenting with what routine will lead to the best results, in terms of creativity and output. The demands and realities of life have an impact too. After a break from writing, it always takes some time to get back into the flow of things.
Since 2024 began, I’ve been getting up at 6am, which has been something of an adjustment from my normal wake-up time of 9am – or later! Getting up at 6, though, I normally start writing around 8:30. At 9am I do a little bit of necessary admin work, and by 9:20am I’m usually driving to my office in the closest town to me. That’s about a 10-minute drive.
Once there, I write until 1pm, and then I stop, no matter how much I’ve written. For some accountability, I’ve also started logging my word counts, both per-day and per-session, as well as tracking my average rate of words-per-hour.
But what I’m finding really effective is trying not to worry too much about how many words I’m getting in per day, and instead focusing on writing consistently throughout the period I’ve allotted for it each day. I’ve already had one hiccup, but I was able to quickly kick things up again the next day, with a renewed focused on those two principles: not focusing too much on word totals and forcing myself to stop at 1pm, which acts as a signal to myself that I’d better spend my time before 1pm writing, or it simply won’t get done!
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
Early in my writing career, I made the decision to always work with the most talented professionals available to me. I knew that to stand out in an increasingly competitive book market, my prospects would be well served by an investment in working with an artist who would represent my work in the most compelling and dynamic way possible.
When I published my first space opera book in 2016, Tom Edwards was the premiere cover artist to work with in the genre. Fast forward to 2024, and that hasn’t changed. Back then, when I was first starting out, working with Tom meant a stretch for my budget. It meant taking a bit of a financial risk.
That investment has paid off – many, many times over. I consider my decision to work with Tom early on as one of those pivotal moments that contributed significantly to my success as a writer.
What makes you come back to Tom to design your covers?
I've kept coming back to Tom, dozens of times, for every single book cover, for one simple reason: I understand what gets readers interested in my books.
The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is rarely ever followed, if ever. Virtually every reader judges a book by its cover. What’s more, they do it in less than a second.
That’s all you’re likely to have to grab a reader’s attention – a fraction of a second. These days, readers are treated to a smorgasbord of high-quality books to choose from. They scroll through page after page of them.
For yours to catch their eye, it has to leap off the screen at them. That’s what Tom’s work does – it reaches out and grabs them.
Your book’s cover represents the very first step readers must take on the path to reading your book. If you don’t make it an attractive step, chances are they’ll never take it.
What books, authors, or life experiences have had a significant impact on your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?
Ender’s Game is the book I’ve reread the most: I’ve read it seven times, and I think it’s had a pretty unmistakable influence on my work. I also read Dune as a teenager, and found its world detailed and immersive enough that I’m sure it’s inspired my love of worldbuilding. In fact, that’s my favorite part of writing now!
I’ve also read my share of epic fantasy, which I believe has impacted my work too. These days, I find myself taking a deep dive into the lore of J. R. R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings, with a particular focus on how Tolkien wove his beliefs into the staggeringly detailed world he created. I’m currently reading the appendices to LOTR, and I recently picked up The Silmarillion from an airport bookstore.
What obstacles have you encountered in your writing journey, and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenges in becoming a writer were what’s often called the ‘inner critic’ and also writing consistently. I decided I wanted to become a writer when I was 15, and while I managed to write my first novel in high school, I really had no idea what it meant to stay disciplined as a writer.
It was partly insecurity, or my ‘inner critic,’ that kept me from writing consistently. I would always have an ideal in my head that I could never seem to match on the page. I’d reread my work and think it was junk. My stories just didn’t seem as special or impactful as what I’d envisioned when I set out to write them. And I let that stunt me. It made writing painful for me, and I would procrastinate a lot, when what I probably should have been doing was practicing by writing more.
Gradually, I gained the confidence to write more and more consistently, and for better or worse, a big part of that involved external validation – first from submitting books to awards and winning a couple of them, and later from readers who enjoyed my work.
As for finding enough time to write: I found it hard to come home from a day job and then make myself write. At the end of each day, I just didn’t seem to have the motivation for it. My solution was to save up enough money to be able to quit the job for a few months and focus on writing full-time. When the money ran out, I’d find another job, and start saving again. I went through that cycle until I started making enough money from my writing to write full-time indefinitely, which I’ve been blessed to be able to do ever since. That was nearly 10 years ago, now.
How do you engage with your readership? Do you actively seek feedback, and if so, how does it influence your future writing?
I keep in touch with readers via semi-regular email newsletters and also individual email correspondence. There’s also the Readers Group I started on Facebook, called Scott Bartlett’s Spacers: Space Opera Fans. I really enjoy keeping in touch with my readers. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
As for feedback, I have what I call my “Alpha Team,” which at any given time is five or so readers who read my early drafts and provide feedback as fans of the genre. My books also go out to the 500+ readers on my ARC Team around 2 weeks before launch, and in exchange, they’ll let me know about any typos they find, along with leaving an honest review on launch day. Other than that, I’m always open to reader feedback, and I do my best to continually improve my writing in light of it.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
I’d encourage aspiring writers to be clear about what their goals are. Is their goal to write for their own fulfillment, or do they want to make a career from this? Would they want a traditional publisher, or to publish their books independently? Will they write fiction or non-fiction? What genre will they write – and what will they need to know in order to write effectively in that genre? All answers to these questions are valid, but I believe it’s important for a writer to know what his or her answers are as early as possible.
Once they’ve figured out what kind of writing they’d like to do, I’d advise them to do their best to combat their inner critics and to stake out time in their schedules so that they can write consistently. I know from experience just how hard both things can be, and sometimes just learning how to practice can itself require practice.
One insight that likely would have helped me when starting out would be to ignore the daily word counts you see other authors posting. The word count an author should shoot for is the one he or she can do consistently, every day - even if that’s just 250 words. If you write 250 words, six days a week, that’s 78,214 in a year, or a decent-sized novel. And you can grow from there.
Technological Speculation: In your work, how do you balance scientific accuracy with imaginative leaps when introducing advanced technologies or futuristic concepts? Is this something that you think about?
It definitely is a balance, and sci-fi always involves some element of the speculative. I think of The Martian as the gold standard of hard science fiction, but it’s a sliding scale, and a lot of books would be considered part of that subgenre which don’t approach The Martian’s level of scientific accuracy.
Generally speaking, writers should avoid yanking readers out of the story they’re reading, and including anything that’s clearly false will probably cause enough dissonance to do that. But in some areas, readers seem tolerant of deviating from known science. For example, if a story has characters traveling from one star system to another in a timeframe short enough to be meaningful for the plot, then that story is breaking the law of relativity. But plenty of popular sci-fi stories have characters doing just that.
At the end of the day, I think it’s about sticking to the rules of the story you’ve set up from the start. As long those rules remain consistent, readers seem generally willing to come along for the ride.
Ethical Dilemmas: Science fiction often explores ethical dilemmas arising from technological advancements. Can you share how you incorporate ethical considerations into your storytelling and the impact it has on your narratives?
Absolutely. At the beginning of my Ixan Saga, it’s a new technology that leads to just such an ethical dilemma. Technology is a double-edged sword, and during the early adoption phase of a new technology, we often can’t see the negative consequences it will have for our society.
Humans use a technology called dark tech to dominate the galaxy in the Ixan Saga - a technology that allows them to open temporary wormholes to fire on targets with impunity. During this period of dominance, the species it shares the galaxy with grow resentful of humanity, and when dark tech finally fails, humanity finds itself surrounded by enemies.
Predicting the Future: How do you approach “future prediction”, and what considerations do you take into account when projecting potential developments in science, technology, or society?
I think humans are fundamentally very bad at predicting the future – there’s always a factor, either unforeseen or seemingly insignificant, that ends up having a much greater impact on reality than we think it will. Usually there are lots of those factors.
And so, I don’t bother trying to predict the future in my books. One might stumble on a detail here or there that ends up being correct, and some readers have called my books prescient, but that’s only because I identified a trend at its beginning that ended up becoming widespread.
And that’s to my point: I firmly believe that science fiction inevitably has far more to do with the present than it does with the future. I also don’t believe sentient aliens truly exist, so there’s also that, haha!
Storytelling Formats: Science fiction can be presented in various formats, from novels to short stories to episodic series. How does the chosen format influence your storytelling, and what advantages or challenges do you find in each?
I mostly write in story arcs that stretch across multiple books, since that’s what readers seem most interested in reading. Readers seem to enjoy characters they can get to know over a series – characters who become something akin to close friends. Watching characters grow as they confront successive challenges is one of the joys of reading fiction, and in a sci-fi series spanning multiple books, the challenges can get pretty epic!
Short stories seem great for experimenting with unique concepts, and I’ve written short stories that have later grown into novels. But I’m a novelist at heart, it seems. It’s “big ideas” that initially attracted me to this genre, and the longer formats really allow an author to flesh those out!
Genre Blending: Science fiction often intersects with other genres. How do you approach blending elements of science fiction with other genres, and what unique storytelling opportunities do you find in these intersections?
Like I mentioned, I’ve also read a lot of fantasy, and I think my work would be different if I hadn’t. For example, fantasy novels often feature multiple points of view, and that’s a hallmark of most of my books as well. The influence of fantasy is also clear with my trilogy The Ixan Prophecies, which was my first military science fiction series and also the first of the series that make up my Ixan Saga, three of which are collected in my recent box set Ship of Prophecy. In the Ixan Prophecies, it’s an alien prophecy which predicts the downfall of humanity that drives much of the conflict.
One never wants to simply regurgitate the same old tropes that a genre’s readers have seen time and time again. If it can be done in a way that makes sense for the genre, I believe that bringing in elements from other genres is a great way to keep things fresh and interesting, while breathing life into tropes that, while cherished, may have begun to grow a little stale otherwise.
Ship of Prophecy - available now on Amazon
Click here to check out Scott's new military sci-fi box set, Ship of Prophecy, which collects the three complete series of the Ixan Saga!
Pricing
Discover transparent and flexible pricing for my illustrations that aligns with your creative vision and budget. Whether you're seeking captivating character designs, immersive concept art, or striking logos, find a pricing structure that suits your unique needs.
Professional book covers that captivate your audience don’t have to be complicated. At Tom Edwards Design, I offer clear and transparent pricing for every author’s needs. Whether you’re launching an ebook, preparing a stunning full cover for print, or looking for ultra-wide designs to stand out, my packages ensure premium quality tailored to your vision. Explore the options below and let’s create something extraordinary for your story.
Ebook Cover Design – £800
High-quality, custom ebook cover design tailored for Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and more.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- High-resolution JPG/PNG files.
- Optimized for online platforms.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Full Cover Design (Print & Ebook) – £1,000
A complete front, back, and spine design for print and digital use.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- Print-ready PDF (with bleed).
- Ebook cover version included.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Ultra-Wide Design – £1,200
Perfect for panoramic covers, box sets, banners, or promotional materials.
Includes:
- Everything from Ebook and Full Cover options.
- Ultra-wide composition for enhanced impact.
- Flexible cropping options for various formats.
What’s Included with Every Package
- Initial consultation to understand your book and vision.
- Licensing for commercial use.
- Fast and responsive communication throughout the process.
- NO AI is used in my creation process. You'll receive a completely original and copyrightable cover!
Add-On Options
- Rush delivery (7-day turnaround): Add £200.
- Additional revisions after completion: Price will vary depending on each revision.
- Audiobook conversion: £50
- Hardback PDF: £25
- Extra Paperback formats (Ingram Spark, Lulu, etc) - £10 each
- 3D cover render: £35
- Social media banner (Facebook, X, Instagram): £15 per banner
- Art prints: Price on request
Special Offers for Trilogies and Series
Creating a cohesive look for a trilogy or a longer series is key to building your brand and drawing in loyal readers. If you’re working on a multi-book project, I’d be happy to work out a tailored offer that ensures consistency across all covers while giving you excellent value.
Whether it’s a trilogy or an epic saga, we can discuss a package that fits your needs and brings your series to life. Get in touch to explore your options and start planning your next captivating set of covers!
Author Offers
If you’re a new author or a published author working with me for the first time, be sure to check out my Book Cover Offers page for some great discounts!
Your book deserves a cover that captures its essence and draws readers in. With years of experience in creating eye-catching designs for authors worldwide, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Premade Covers
Instantly elevate your book's visual appeal with my collection of premade book cover illustrations. Each design is a masterpiece waiting to complement your story, offering a captivating first impression that entices readers to delve into the magic within the pages.
SERIES XIII - STARFALL
With 350 premade covers sold to date across 12 preious series, my science fiction premade covers are second to none.
If you have a tight marketing budget or need to release your next book quickly, you've come to the right place.
Explore 22 original covers that will transport you to new worlds, all at an unbeatable price.
Starfall covers have all been designed in Ultra-wide format. This format gives you added flexibility in layout, which is ideal for adapting your cover for various media and promotional materials. It just looks great too! With these extra wide dimensions, each cover stands out beautifully, and provides you with the creative freedom to showcase your book in the most captivating way possible.
Every cover is crafted with attention to detail and designed to be as unique as your story, ensuring that it will catch the eye of your readers and look fantastic in both digital and print formats. I'm confident these covers will bring out the essence of your work and give it the professional finish it deserves.
Check out the premade cover galleries below, which feature three categories: Core, Elite, and Prime!
- Core covers are the most basic, showcasing a detailed ship in space.
- Elite covers depict multiple ships in 1v1 battles or friendly engagements with stations and other ships.
- Prime covers are the most detailed, featuring epic, action-packed space battles, giant fleets, and high-detail illustrations.
*COVER PRICES*
(All prices shown in GBP):
- Core: £350
- Elite: £450
- Prime: £550
The price includes paperback formatting, ebook cover, 2K, 4K, and 6K artwork without text, and custom text for the front, back, and spine. If you prefer to use your own text and format the cover yourself, that's perfectly fine too.
*EXTRAS*
I offer an extras package that can be purchased for each premade cover. This includes:
- Hardback cover
- Social Media Banners x2
- Audiobook cover
- 3D cover render
All of these extras for a set price of £40! This can be added at any time after purchase too.
HOW TO ORDER
If you're interested in purchasing a cover, please email me at tomedwardsconcepts@gmail.com or tom@tomedwardsdesign.com. Include the name of the cover you'd like (e.g., Premade cover 1) and mention if you want custom text. Also, provide a second or third choice cover in case your first choice is unavailable.
All covers require a contractual agreement, and invoices are issued in British Pound Sterling.
Covers are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If your chosen cover is available, it will be reserved for 48 hours after your initial email request. During this period, you'll receive a contract and invoice, which must be signed and returned, and payment must be made. If this doesn't happen within the 48-hour window, the cover will be released back for sale.
Covers without custom text will be dispatched within 72 hours of receiving payment.
For covers with custom text, delivery time varies as we'll collaborate to design a suitable font and style. This process typically takes 3-7 working days.
Payment can be made via PayPal or direct bank transfer (including services like Wise). If you choose PayPal, a 5% fee will be added to cover their charges.
Please specify your preferred payment method in your initial email. I hope you find the perfect cover for your sci-fi novel!
Important Notice
All images copyright Tom Edwards, please see my Copyright Notice for more details.
No AI is used in my creation process 