Overview

I’ve found the most important aspect in book design is open communication and an effective, enjoyable working relationship with clients. Putting the right cover to a manuscript is so essential and I understand how much work has already been done by the time it hits my desk. Together we’ll discuss your goals, visual preferences, timeline and budget. It’s crucial to your cover’s success to be eye-catching, polished, and professional. I offer a variety of concepts to nail down the message, and strong design and imaging skills to accomplish this. My interior designs are clean, clear and inviting.

An obsession with great book covers and love of art and design fueled my enthusiasm for breaking into the book design industry in the 1990s, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve worked with creative, art, and marketing directors, project managers, editors, as well as directly with authors. Clients include Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Thomson Learning/Wadsworth, Jossey-Bass, Brooks-Cole, Key Curriculum Press, San Francisco Book Council, New Leaders Press, non-profit Heifer International, and self-published authors. My cover work has been in management, business, self-help and spirituality in the workplace, and also fine art, biography and children's fiction works.

Some bestselling titles include Repacking Your Bags, Humble Inquiry, and The Power of Failure. Design, business industry, and publication awards include titles such as Networking for People Who Hate Networking, Wired and Dangerous, Humble Inquiry, The Power of Having Fun, Owning Our Future, and Ask Outrageously!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, or consult about your book project.

Services

Cover Design

Typography

Book Interior Design

Non-Fiction

Business & Management Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Languages

English

Awards

Winner, book design, Bookbuilders West Annual Book Show
LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award winner
Independent Publisher Book Award, Self-Help

Work experience

Lead Designer

Self-employed

Mar, 2011 — Present

Own and operate graphic design studio. Work closely with publishers in book design. Creative direction, concept development, design, illustration and production services for book covers, interiors, catalogs, newsletters and marketing pieces. Client, talent and vendor communication and management. Projects also include identity packages, web design, digital advertising.

Senior Graphic Designer

Verve Marketing & Design

Aug, 2006 — Aug, 2009 (about 3 years)

Design and production of fine art books, children's books, trade magazines. Art directing, concept development, design, traffic management, and production of creative work, in a team environment. Brand identity—logo and stationery design, advertising campaigns, website design, signage, brochures and email promotions. Digital illustration. Project management, client, talent and vendor communication, management and direction.

Lead Designer

Self-employed

Jan, 1995 — Mar, 2011 (about 16 years)

Own and operate graphic design studio. Work with publishers in book design services. Creative and art direction, concepting, design execution, scheduling, illustration and production services. Client, talent and vendor management and direction. Projects include book covers, interiors, catalogs, newsletters, promotional marketing pieces, identity packages, digital advertising, web design.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy

Half a Million Dollars: A Journey Through the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship

Wilson, Trevor

Made with Reedsy

The Age of Separation: A Holistic Framework to Reclaim Our Power and Save Our Planet

Kemp, Ryan J.

Made with Reedsy

School Leadership: Learner-Centered Leadership In Times Of Crisis

Butler, Tom

Humble Inquiry, Second Edition: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling

Schein, Edgar H.

The Art of Active Listening: How People at Work Feel Heard, Valued, and Understood

Younger, Heather R.

Inside Your Customer's Imagination: 5 Secrets for Creating Breakthrough Products, Services, and Solutions

Bell, Chip R.

The Cactus and Snowflake at Work: How the Logical and Sensitive Can Thrive Side by Side

Zack, Devora

Selling from Your Comfort Zone: The Power of Alignment Marketing

Hall, Stacey

Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your Load for the Good Life

Richard J. Leider

In this revised and updated new edition of a classic—over 560,000 copies sold and translated into 18 languages—is a practical guide for "unpacking" your physical, emotional, and intellectual baggage and "repacking" for the journey ahead. People everywhere feel... read more

Made with Reedsy

Leading with Grit and Grace: A Journey in Organizational Culture Change

Walters, Ashleigh

Ask Outrageously!: The Secret to Getting What You Really Want

Linda Swindling

Stop Holding Yourself Back—It's Time to Go Ask!The strongest relationships, top sales groups, and most successful organizations have one thing in common: people who have the courage to ask outrageously. This doesn't mean being obnoxious or taking advantage of ... read more

The Power of Having Fun: How Meaningful Breaks Help You Get More Done

Dave Crenshaw

Fun is the key to success! If you want to be successful, having fun is not an option. It’s a necessity. By making fun a top priority—taking meaningful, enjoyable breaks each day, week, month, and year—you’ll not only be happier but be more productive, too! Usi... read more

Yoga Wisdom at Work: Finding Sanity Off the Mat and On the Job

Maren Showkeir

Everyone knows that yoga helps reduce stress and increase the body’s flexibility and strength. But the physical aspects barely scratch the surface of yoga’s transformative powers. The poses are only one part of a larger philosophy offering profound insights fo... read more

Make It, Don't Fake It: Leading with Authenticity for Real Business Success

Horn, Sabrina

Susan has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tamara S.

Aug, 2023

I had the privilege of working with Susan in creating the interior and cover of my book. From the get-go, Susan proved to be an excellent communicator, attentively listening to my vision and translating it flawlessly onto the pages. Her attention to detail and dedication to ensuring every element was just right truly shone through. Not only was Susan timely, but she also brought a level of pro...

Reply from Susan M.

Thank you for your wonderful and thoughtful review, Tammy. I’m so pleased we could collaborate on your book interior, in addition to the cover, to tie the two together and create a unified, complet...

Tamara S.

Jul, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of working with Susan on my book cover design. From the very first interaction, it was evident that her passion for design and commitment to delivering excellence was outstanding. Susan's ability to understand and translate the essence of my book into a visually stunning cover was spot on. The level of professionalism exhibited by Susan throughout the design process...

Reply from Susan M.

Thank you very much for your shining review, Tammy. I really appreciate your professional, upbeat, enthusiastic and flexible approach along the journey of creating a book. The learning curve is a s...

Julie H.

Jan, 2021

I have now worked with Susan on two books and she is amazing. I plan on making my books a series and can't wait to use her for the whole series. She is not only extremely talented but she is so nice and easy to work with. As a first-time author, she helped me to make sure I was doing everything right. I can't recommend Susan enough.

Reply from Susan M.

Thank you Julie! Your review is very much appreciated. You've been a delight to work with, in every aspect. I look forward to the chance to work together again.

Ashleigh W.

Jan, 2021

Susan did an excellent job designing the cover and interior of my book. She even gave me advice along the way on ISBN and bar code issues. Susan was the perfect person to lead the way on a first time author’s journey.

Reply from Susan M.

Dear Ashleigh, Thank you for your great review. It was a delight to work together. Your professional, friendly, thinking-outside-the-box approach to our work was refreshing. I’m very happy that you...

Julie H.

Dec, 2020

This is the second book that Susan has done the cover and interior design for me. This book was a family collaboration as my 91 year old father wanted to publish his memoir. Susan was so amazingly patient as there were lots of us giving feedback and approving every round. Her professionalism, talent, patience, and kindness cannot be put into words. If she is available to work for you, hire h...

Reply from Susan M.

Thank you so much for your great review, Julie. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and your family. Look forward to working together again!

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Susan Malikowski – Designer

Overview

Services

Non-Fiction

Languages

Awards

Work experience

Portfolio

Susan has 9 reviews

Tamara S.

Tamara S.

Julie H.

Ashleigh W.

Julie H.

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Professionals similar to Susan

Jason A.

Kelly B.

Amanda R.

Susan Malikowski – Designer

Overview

Services

Non-Fiction

Languages

Awards

Work experience

Portfolio

Susan has 9 reviews

Tamara S.

Tamara S.

Julie H.

Ashleigh W.

Julie H.

Sign up to read more reviews

Professionals similar to Susan

Jason A.

Kelly B.

Amanda R.

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