Book Cover Designer

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The Community Literature Initiative (CLI) has an amazing opportunity for Graphic Designers to work in book production and build their portfolios. In this role, you will be responsible for creating complete book covers (front, back, and spine) as print-ready files. You will work alongside student authors through the guidance of our book production team in order to produce high-quality, contemporary cover designs for CLI printed proofs and possible future publication.

With the support of our staff, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the aesthetic representation and first impression of our authors’ books. You will be using your editing skills to uplift the voices of poets across the nation, advancing our nonprofit’s mission of supporting emerging and underserved writers in realizing their dream of publishing a book.

Job purpose

• Help student authors create completed, print-ready covers for CLI printed proofs and future publication.

Duties and responsibilities

• Attend a mandatory training with the CLI Book Production Manager in the month prior to CLI Book Production
• Design 2 options each of 2-4 covers for 2-4 authors based on discussions with, and ideas of, assigned authors. (Artwork may or may not be provided.)
• Meet with assigned authors virtually at least twice: 1 consultation to discuss/brainstorm ideas and 1 review of the 2 options to confirm authors’ preferences for the final version

• Complete one final (front, back, and spine) cover per author based on agreed upon version as basis for design
• Meet all deadlines to complete cover design for all assigned authors within a two week period, including the two meetings
• Coordinate with authors and the CLI Book Production team during the following two weeks to revise designs as needed until all parties are satisfied
• Finalize spine size dependant on final interior page count in the fifth week

• Communicate with authors and CLI Book Production Team on a regular basis via email, phone/text, or Zoom/virtual (response time of 24 hours expected)
• Upload PDF proofs and all packaged InDesign files, including all links/images and fonts, to appropriate Google Drive folders throughout the process

Qualifications

• Must be based in the U.S.
• Proven work experience as a Graphic Designer
• Excellent graphic design skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong work ethic, excellent communication, and time management skills
• Collaborative spirit
• BA/BFA (or a student) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field

• Knowledge and experience with Google Workspace (docs, sheets, and drive organization)

• Proficiency and access to Adobe Creative Suite; InDesign required.