George Stevens

George Stevens – Designer

I'm a highly experienced and award-winning book designer and author. I specialize in non-fiction covers and layouts.

Overview

I'm a dad, husband, author, and an award-winning book designer with nearly two decades of industry experience. I spent twelve years building and leading the design team of a publisher of business, entrepreneurial, and self-help books. Since 2019, I've run my own practice, serving clients in need of publishing, branding, and general design services.

I have designed hundreds of covers over the years, covering just about any subject. My work has appeared all over the world—in book stores, on television, and even once projected on the side of the Chrysler Building. I've designed books of just about any kind you can imagine, including:

• Business

• Memoirs

• Motivational

• Cookbooks

Working with me guarantees two things: a low stress experience and a stellar product. I pride myself as a creative partner, not just a creative resource. In my experience, empathy is the most important ingredient in a successful designer-client relationship, so I make sure to embrace the goals of every project I take on.

When not designing, I'm playing guitar or mandolin out on the Charleston, SC music scene. I'm also an avid runner, a happy husband, and father to a beautiful daughter.

⭐️ Frequently Asked Questions ⭐️

Q: How quickly can you design my book?

A: I'm a big believer in momentum and pacing, but publishing projects need to be given adequate time for iteration, fine-tuning, and quality assurance. To that end, my standard is to allow 3-6 weeks for an individual cover design project. These are general estimates; your project will receive its own timing estimate based on your needs and the nature of the project.

Q: When I work with you, what will be asked of me?

A: The most successful projects are always a collaborative effort. Of course, you can depend on me for creative execution and project management. I welcome and encourage steady communication, and I will lean on you for opinions and direction as needed.

Q: How do you arrive at your rates?

A: I estimate every project uniquely, as no two book projects are the same. My rate is reflective of my 18+ years experience in the book design industry, and the depth of personalized support and management that I bring to my projects. If you are seeking a quick, transactional collaboration I am likely not your best bet. With me, you are investing in someone who will work at a steady pace to generate quality design, communicate quickly and thoroughly, answer your questions, address sudden needs that might arise, and provide a high-value experience that will encourage you to confidently go forth and publish!

Q: How soon might you be able to start on my project?

A: I typically schedule projects 1-2 months in advance of kickoff. However, I can occasionally start sooner, so don't hesitate to ask if you're working against a specific deadline.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Present
I own and operate my own freelance practice, specializing in publishing design.

Advantage | ForbesBooks

Nov, 2007 — Sep, 2019 (almost 12 years)
I served as a graphic designer and eventual creative director for this leading publisher of business and self-help titles.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
The Pain Habit

Drew Coverdale

Everyone deserves to have a life free from chronic pain. You deserve it. Are you one of the one in five people worldwide who suffer from a condition that results in living with persistent pain... read more
Cover Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design
Made with Reedsy
Honeymoon in Baghdad

Radkiewicz, Heidi

Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design

George has 31 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Gregory C.

Gregory C.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
George Stevens is a genius. Please believe me when I tell you that I hate using that word. It's overused, watered-down, and practically meaningless these days. That being said, there is no other word to describe his aptitude when it comes to cover and interior book design. He delivered a cover...
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George S.
I can't tell you how much this means Greg. It's always my goal to deliver no only excellent work, but a comfortable and supportive experience that caters to the individual's specifics needs. You br...
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Brian D.

Brian D.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
I can’t praise George enough. He designed both the cover and interior of the book and the results are stunning. Being a first-time author, I was nervous and unsure on the process of designing and printing my book. I found George very pleasant to work with. He was more than willing to use his ...
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George S.
Thank you Brian! I'm really glad you had a great experience, and I appreciate you being so easy to work with and prompt with your feedback. I'm excited to see the book out there in the world and wi...
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kim D.

kim D.

Feb, 2023

Pinned
My first book turned out to be complicated -- (I don't do simple) -- and required a designer who could create an experience with the text, graphics, and instructions that felt doable. What I ask of my reader is to change -- and the book layout needed to make the reader feel it is possible. George...
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George S.
Kim! What a privilege it was to work on this book. You are a testament to a successful process, because YOU made the book design better by being collaborative, engaged, and recognizing your importa...
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Anne S.

Anne S.

Nov, 2025

I am thrilled about the collaboration I had with George Stevens. He designed the most beautiful cover for my debut book, The Long Way Here and the books layout and design are more amazing than I could have ever imagined. The book launched earlier this week and I've been receiving positive feedbac...
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George S.
Thanks so much Anne -- working with you was such a joy, and I couldn't be prouder to have been part of your publishing journey. Congrats and wishing you all the best going forward!
Milo B.

Milo B.

Sep, 2025

George was very professional and great to work with. He communicates well and provides good suggestions.
George S.
Thanks Milo -- was a pleasure working with you! Best of luck going forward. I can't wait to order my copy!

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