Michael Rehder

Michael Rehder – Designer

Internationally recognized book designer in both fiction + non-fiction, incl. Penn Press S+S, Harlequin PRH, Hallmark Harper + Sourcebooks.

Overview

I am an experienced book designer in both fiction and non-fiction, most recently for Harper Collins–and now available on Reedsy. I now work with all publishers and authors to craft the appropriate cover design to spark the readers' imagination. With over 150 covers done for independent authors here, including many return customers over the past nine years, a winning book cover is nearly at hand.


Titles I have designed have regularly appeared on the New York Times and USA TODAY best-seller lists, and I have been honored with over 40 national and international design awards. Let's create a great visual for your book!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Languages
English
Awards
  • Over 40 international awards
Certifications
  • Registered Graphic Designer of Ontario (RGD)
  • Associate, Ontario College of Art + Design (OCADU)

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2015 — Present

My company works in both fiction (Trade Fiction, Women's and YA) and non-fiction (Self-help, Business, Memoirs) with all publishers and authors to spark readers' imagination! Clients include Simon & Shuster, Harlequin, Penguin Random House, Hallmark, Harper Collins and Sourcebooks.

Harper Collins

Feb, 2007 — Apr, 2015 (about 8 years)

I led the comprehensive design direction for titles for our non-fiction imprint (Harlequin Non-Fiction), as well as cover creative direction for select fiction authors in our commercial literary program.

Accomplishments
• Designed and art directed over 25 books for Sherryl Woods, building her audience to become a #1 New York Times best-selling author.
• Designed and art directed all books for breakout author Heather Gudenkauf, whose first novel was a surprise top-five New York Times bestseller and has become the biggest selling book for the Mira imprint.
• Art directed multiple celebrity non-fiction books including Ashley Rickards (MTV's Awkward), Dean McDermott, Jackie Warner and Kyra Phillips (CNN) in the cooking and self-help categories.
• Art directed OVENLY, a cookbook from the well-known Brooklyn bakery which was named one of Entertainment Weekly's "Top Ten Cookbooks of 2014

Portfolio

Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Gut Fix

Heidi Moretti

Discouraged by visit after visit with your doctor about your gut issues, you feel like there is nowhere else to turn. But you haven’t lost hope and you know that there has to be something out ... read more
Cover Design
The Beach House

Mary Alice Monroe

A Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie, as seen on Hallmark Channel!Known for her moving characters and emotional honesty, Mary Alice Monroe brings readers a beautifully rendered story that explores th... read more
Cover Design
CAN A VENGEFUL KILLER BE STOPPED BEFORE THE NEXT GIRL DIES?In this gripping third book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series, a troubled young woman seeks refuge within an isolated Florida commu... read more
Cover Design Illustration
WHO’S KILLING THE GIRLS OF WILLOW BAY?When the body of a missing girl washes up on the banks of the Willow River, the killing is linked to two cold case murders, and the investigation must unc... read more
Cover Design Illustration
WILL ANOTHER GIRL BE ADDED TO A KILLER’S DEADLY COLLECTION?In this gripping second book in the Mercy Harbor Thriller series, a ruthless serial killer, who has evaded detection for over a decad... read more
Cover Design Illustration
Four women struggle to break free from the past as they embark on a transformative year that will change their lives forever…Harper King fears she is losing everything she holds dear: her husb... read more
Cover Design Illustration
Three years ago, Alec McClane and Raegan Devereaux lived every parent’s worst nightmare: their one-year-old daughter, Emma, was abducted from a park when Alec turned his back for just a moment... read more
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design

Michael has 70 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

James R.

James R.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Michael Rehder was terrific. After giving him some general ideas for a cover, he came up with ideas that surpassed what I'd imagined. Then when it came to the fine-tuning of the design, he was flexible and produced revisions that again went further and better than I'd envisioned. I highly recommend Michael. James Eric Riley, author of Teacher.
Michael R.
Thank you so much. I am so glad you’re so pleased with your book cover!
Stephanie S.

Stephanie S.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
Michael is wonderful to work with. His level of professionalism and experience turned my vision into something better than I had imagined. He's not afraid to steer you in the right direction. He is also very responsive to requests for revisions. I recommend him without hesitation!
Michael R.
Thank you Stephanie--I am so glad you're pleased with the book. best, Michael
Flora D.

Flora D.

Oct, 2024

This is the second time I have worked with Michael and I deeply appreciate his patience and creativity. Always a great experience!
Kimberly C.

Kimberly C.

Oct, 2024

Micheal is a professional with a creative eye. He sent me three totally different concepts to choose from which were all interesting ( He also explained them using terms as Passion, sexy, dangerous and intriguing - catching all moods and atmosphere). When I finally made my choice, he made the adjustments I suggested and was very flexible with the schedule since he met the deadline but gave me m...
Read more
Nan S.

Nan S.

Aug, 2024

Michael showed a strong graphic understanding of what I was trying to communicate in my mystery novel cover. He was a great collaborator and I'm very happy with the finished product!

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