Cosmic Design

AUTHORS

Your story is unique, your cover should be too

Thirty years into a freelance design career, one project changed how I saw the work. A book cover, about ten years ago, that brought together two things I’d always loved: remarkable stories and thoughtful design. I was instantly hooked.

A good cover isn’t just beautiful. It finds the heart of a story and translates it into a visual that stops you.

That’s the same approach I bring to every project: the research, the collaboration, getting to know the person or brand behind the work. With book covers, that work happens one story at a time: digging into a manuscript, a character, a world someone spent years building. Cover, brand, or anything else: the goal never changes. Thoughtful work that connects, communicates, and moves you.

REAL TALK

Michelle’s book cover design process is worth every cent. As someone who struggles with ‘too many choices’ Michelle listens closely and then turns what you are saying into what you are thinking. I really liked a couple of the options she began with but then, with more conversation, and listening closely, she nailed it! Highly recommend.
– Linda Galindo, Accountability Thieves – How The Unaccountable Run Our Lives And What to Do About It

REAL TALK

When I was publishing my debut novel in 2022, I had no idea where to start with finding a cover designer until my editor recommended Michelle/Cosmic Design. It was serendipity, and I will forever count myself lucky. She took the time to know my story’s themes, symbolism, and heart before bringing it to life. She was incredibly patient and thorough, taking my vague ideas and creating a final cover that was unique, eye catching, and altogether stunning. Truly, she nailed it.
– Ashley Silver, Author of Karibian Red

REAL TALK

To become a self-published indie-author takes passion, determination and a team of professionals. I believe attention-grabbing book cover designs to be the most powerful marketing asset in my author arsenal. Michelle Rayner is the trusted professional I’ve turned to in the collaborative process and production of three book jackets. I’ve confidently recommended Michelle to other indie-authors. She is a reliable, intuitive and patient partner.
– Bonnie Bedford Park, Author of Brides of 1941, Six Weeks for Boat Mail, and Separation by Force.

REAL TALK

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Michelle Rayner on two book projects. GRATEFUL came out in 2020, my ninth book, and she designed it inside and out.  GRATITUDE TIGER my tenth and most recent, came out in 2025. Michelle provided a wonderfully memorable cover and a wide range of thoughtful illustrations for the chapter heads. Both projects benefited greatly from her attention to detail, creativity, and vast experience. I would recommend her highly for any author looking to make their book stand out.
– Joel Zuckerman, Author of Grateful and Gratitude Tiger

REAL TALK

Michelle Rayner of Cosmic Design has been a delight to work with for the self-publication of my five-volume series of books. She integrates her innate creativity with her technical acumen to put together the various elements needed for the front and back covers. I have been particularly impressed with her ability to incorporate my vision with her ideas and blend them together seamlessly to reflect the themes of the book(s).  Her work has been timely and the fees reasonable.  Five stars.
– Steven C. Rose, M.D., Author of Through the Portals of Bastards series

REAL TALK

Michelle Rayner is an extraordinarily talented graphic artist. She is a great partner in designing the most attractive book covers. Her colors are eye-catching, and her work captures the subtlety of the book’s plot and setting. I look forward to working with her on my next book!
– Thomas L. Schwenk, Author of Beyond the False Summit

Not sure where to begin with your cover design?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll guide you step by step to create a cover that truly reflects your story. Some authors come with a detailed vision, while others feel completely unsure of what they want. No matter where you start, we’ll collaborate to craft a cover that captivates readers and feels authentic to you.

Here’s a quick breakout of my process:

  1. Discovery Call – We will discuss your story, goals, your book cover personality, and more
  2. Inspiration & Ideas – Share covers you love or let’s brainstorm ideas from scratch
  3. Proposal – I provide a custom quote, contract, and deposit details
  4. Story Insights – You send key manuscript sections, chapter headers, turning points, character building elements and a synopsis to help me capture your book’s essence
  5. Design Concepts – I create 2–3 initial cover options for your review
  6. Refinements – You provide feedback, and we adjust until it’s right
  7. Back Cover & Spine – Once the final page count is confirmed, I build out the full cover
  8. Final Proof – You review the complete design and request any last tweaks
  9. Ready for Print/Digital – The polished artwork is delivered—and you own it

With this process, you’ll always feel supported, confident and excited to get your book out to the world.

Still have questions?

You can review the FAQs or send me a message below.

LET’S GET TO WORK

“Design is thinking made visible.” – Saul bass


LET’S ALIGN