Alex McLaughlin

Alex McLaughlin – Designer

Photo-based cover designer. I've worked with NYT, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling authors in romance. Recently featured on Best of #BookTok.

Overview

Over the last several years, I've enjoyed designing for authors across the romance genre. I currently work for two independent publishing houses and have ample experience in the marketing and design process as Head of Creative. I love working with authors to bring their ideas to life while staying on top of cover trends and maintaining a unique style that sells.

Some of the authors I've designed for include:

- Parker Huntington

- Nicole Snow

- Lily Archer

- Meagan Brandy

- Sophie Lark

- Charmaine Pauls

- R.G. Angel

- Celia Aaron

- Siobhan Davis

- RJ Lewis

- Anna Zaires

- Julia Sykes

As a cover designer, my job is to stay on top of trends while curating designs that stand out from the crowd. I strive to create a vision in line with the author's needs and desires, then give it to them in a clean, polished product.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Dark Romance Romantic Comedy Romantic Fantasy Romantic Suspense
Languages
English
Awards
  • Finalist in the 2023 Kobo Indie Cover Contest

Work experience

Grey Eagle Publications

Aug, 2021 — Present
Art directing for cover design and overseeing projects until completion, as well as designing covers myself.

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present
Contract designer for hire. I've worked on romance, thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy novels.

Grey Eagle Publications

Dec, 2018 — Aug, 2021 (over 2 years)
Creating marketing graphics/ads/etc. for publications, formatting final files, editing, preparing publications for copyright, and applying for promotional opportunities.

Portfolio

Twist Me

Zaires, Anna

Mozaika Publications

Cover Design
Blackwood: The Obsidian Saga Book 1

Cross, Jessa

Jessa Cross

Cover Design
Tangled Lies

Adler, M.N.

Marie Weathers

Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design
Beautiful Death

Reyes, Michelle

Cover Design
The Sky Called Her Home

Wilde, B.J.

Duskae Press

Cover Design
The Dragon Whisperer (The Elvenblood Chronicles)

Wistrand, Lovisa

Grey Eagle Publications

Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design
Devious lies – Teuflische Lügen (German Edition)

Huntington, Parker S.

Grey Eagle Publications

Cover Design
Das Buch von G (German Edition)

Archer, Lily

Grey Eagle Publications

Cover Design
Die Jungen von Brayshaw (German Edition)

Brandy, Meagan

Grey Eagle Publications

Cover Design
Cover Design
Close Liaisons (The Krinar Chronicles Book 1)

Zaires, Anna

Mozaika Publications

Cover Design
Cover Design
Terrible Beauty (Molotov Betrothal Book 1)

Zaires, Anna

Mozaika Publications

Cover Design
Capture Me

Zaires, Anna

Mozaika Publications

Cover Design

Alex has 12 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brittany W.

Brittany W.

Dec, 2025

Alex is brilliant. So easy to work with, absolutely nails the brief EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Always on time, creative genius, master at her craft. If I could give her 11/10, I would.
Alex M.
Aw, thank you Brittany! :)
Hailey B.

Hailey B.

Dec, 2025

Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Working with Alex on my book cover was an absolute dream. From the very beginning, she was patient, kind, insanely talented, and truly listened to my vision—even when that vision evolved… and evolved again… and again. I am not the easiest c...
Read more
Alex M.
Oh gosh, thank you for the incredible review, Hailey! I'm so happy you have a cover you love!
Robyn J.

Robyn J.

Dec, 2025

Alex was very professional and easy to talk to. Alex took my scattered thoughts and was able to conceptualize them perfectly into a beautifully detailed cover, making it exactly what I was looking for!
Alex M.
Thank you for the wonderful review, Robyn!
G.V. H.

G.V. H.

Nov, 2025

Alex was wonderful, quick, and helpful when discussing changes and industry standards. I look forward to working with her for each book in this series!
Alex M.
Thank you, Gillian! I look forward to working with you again in the future!
Jessa C.

Jessa C.

Nov, 2025

Working with Alex on the Blackwood cover was absolute magic. She didn’t just design a cover... she brought my world to life! Every detail feels like it was pulled straight from the story's pulse. She took my vision, understood it down to its bones, and then added her own creative fire to make it...
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Alex M.
Oh my gosh, thank you for the glowing review, Jessa! I'm excited to work on future covers with you. :)

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Most recent contributions

What should I look for in a book cover designer’s portfolio?

Besides skill, style, and craft, I think what some authors may not realize is that a designer's portfolio is not a showcase of all their projects. A cover designer's portfolio is also (typically) a collection of their favorite projects. This is helpful to keep in mind as you scroll. If a cover de...
Read more

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