About AoS

Hello, I'm Paul Grover, an indie author immersed in crafting a series of Space Opera stories set in the intriguing Cygnus Vale (explore it here).

In 2017, I embarked on the journey of cover design, starting with my own books. Drawing on my background in photography, I applied my expertise in Photoshop and a deep understanding of composition rules. Throughout that year, I immersed myself in cover design and Photoshop composites by taking dedicated courses.

Since then, I've been expanding my portfolio, collaborating with authors on custom covers and offering pre-made covers.

My approach is simple—I take on projects I believe in, avoiding overbooking to maintain a short turnaround time while ensuring each project gets the attention it deserves.

Fair pricing is paramount to me; my rates cover my time, overheads, and image licensing costs—no hidden fees.

Collaboration is key. I work closely with authors, preferring to develop a few ideas and exchange draft copies. Involving authors in the process ensures a cover that uniquely aligns with their vision. Although packages include up to five revisions, I continue refining until the design is perfect.

Beyond writing and cover design, I'm also a photographer and astrophotographer. This is especially beneficial for sci-fi covers, as I can incorporate my own images, giving your cover a truly distinctive touch.

The Process
To kickstart the process, I'll send you a comprehensive questionnaire, gathering practical details about your book and your desired representation. I'll request a synopsis, the blurb, and any additional relevant details. If you have a Pinterest board featuring images that resonate with you, it will provide valuable insights into your preferred tone and aesthetics.

I'll craft a concept image or two, initiating a discussion to understand your preferences and any desired changes. Once we've established the foundational concept, I'll meticulously refine it through a series of revisions until we achieve the final design.

The next step is in your hands! I'll furnish you with a checking sheet/quality control document to ensure that I have fully met and exceeded your expectations. Let's embark on this creative journey together to bring your vision to life!

Timescales
Some covers come together quickly, but for full wraps the turnaround is normally two weeks. For covers with layout allow up to four weeks.