George Stevens

George Stevens – Designer

Highly experienced and award-winning book designer. I specialize in non-fiction covers and layouts.

Overview

I'm a dad, husband, and an award-winning book designer with 16+ years of industry experience. I spent twelve years building and leading the design team of a publisher of business, entrepreneurial, and self-help books. In 2019, I began working for myself, serving clients in need of publishing, branding, and general design services.


I have designed hundreds of covers, layouts, and interior graphics 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

• Novels

• Kids books


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 or layout design project, and 6-10 weeks for a full book design that comprises both. 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?


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?


I estimate every project uniquely, as no two book projects are the same. My rate is reflective of my 16+ 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?


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
Works with
Squarespace
Awards
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2015)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2016)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2018)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2019)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Logo Design (2019)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Present

I own and operate my own freelance practice, specializing in book design, branding design, and general print graphic 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

Honeymoon in Baghdad

Radkiewicz, Heidi

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

George has 28 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Emma S.

Emma S.

Nov, 2023

George is a pleasure to work with. His work is excellent: he has such a great way of translating abstract concepts into a concrete image that is clever and visually stunning. George responds very quickly and always produces revisions in a timely manner. Thanks so much George!
George S.
Thank you Emma! I really valued our collaboration and am excited to see you get this important book out in the world. Best of luck!
Brian D.

Brian D.

Aug, 2023

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 knowledge and experience to guide me on the whole book design-to-print process, which was invaluable...
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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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Bob P.

Bob P.

Jun, 2023

George is absolutely incredible. I highly recommend George for his editing skills but even more so for his cover design, I couldn't have asked for anyone better. He also responded to every e-mail, question or comment the same day, even when he was on vacation with his family (my apologies George). He was consistently on or ahead of schedule, and assisted me multiple times when I encountered pr...
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George S.
Bob, thanks for the incredibly kind words. It was truly a pleasure to work with you and I was thrilled to be a part of your publishing journey. Your book is truly important and it was an honor to h...
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Sheila B.

Sheila B.

May, 2023

George was great to work with! I had never done this before he was great at providing options and guidance!
George S.
Thank you Sheila, it was a pleasure working with you!
Kirkland J.

Kirkland J.

Mar, 2023

I can't say enough about how much George S helped me in the development of my book. George is a brilliant designer who will bring your vision to life via his inspired and professional design of both the cover and the interior pages of your book. And unlike many other designers, George will stay with you every step of the way, helping you to perfect your work of art and turn it into a masterpiec...
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George S.
Jeff, thanks so much for the kind words. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the collaboration, and am proud to have helped you share your expertise with a market that needs it! Congratulations on ...
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