From Pixels to Paperback: How to Source Legal, Eye-Catching Art for Your Book 

A thoughtfully chosen image can be the difference between a book that blends into the background and one that leaps off the shelf—whether that shelf is physical or digital. From a captivating cover to evocative illustrations and subtle design elements, the right visuals don’t just enhance your book’s appearance; they help tell your story and connect with your readers on a deeper level.

But for many authors, navigating the world of book images can be confusing. Where do you find high-quality visuals? How do you know if you’re allowed to use them? What types of images work best for different genres or purposes? And how do you make sure your creative vision remains both compelling and legally sound?

Why Use Images in Your Book?

Images play a crucial role in shaping the look and feel of your book. The right visuals can elevate your work, making it more engaging and appealing to readers from the very first glance.

By thoughtfully selecting images, you can enhance your book’s message, create a memorable impression, and provide readers with a richer, more immersive experience.

Here are a few ways that you could make use of images for your next book:

• Cover Art: This is your book's first impression! A compelling cover image can attract readers and convey your book's genre and tone. It immediately makes a promise to your reader about what they can expect when they pick up your book.
• Illustrations: If your book benefits from visuals, illustrations can bring scenes, characters, or concepts to life. This is especially great for children’s books, graphic novels, and even for adding visual depth to other genres.
• Chapter Header Art:  A small, thematic image at the start of each chapter can add a touch of professionalism and visual interest, or provide a subtle queue about changes in Point of View between chapters.
• Design Elements:  Things like borders, dividers, and decorative elements can enhance the overall aesthetic of your book.
• Marketing Materials: Images aren’t just for the actual book itself; they are vital for promoting your book on social media, your website, and in advertisements.

Types of Images You Might Use

Choosing the right kind of images for your book is just as important as deciding to use them in the first place. The visuals you select should not only complement your content, but also reflect the tone and style of your work.

There are several types of images you might consider, each offering a unique way to enhance your book.

Here are some of the most common options:

• Photographs are great for realistic settings, objects, or even character inspiration.
• Illustrations offer a more artistic and stylized approach, perfect for fantasy, sci-fi, or children's books.
• Design Elements include icons, patterns, and other graphical elements used to enhance the book's layout.
• Digital Art is a broad category encompassing illustrations, manipulated photos, abstract art, or even computer generated art.

Understanding Image Licensing

True or False: If you find an image on the internet, you can just copy and paste it into your book because it’s available to the public.

Hopefully, you know that that’s false. Before you use any image in your books, whether you sourced it from the internet or created it yourself, you should understand the basics of image licensing.

• Public Domain: These images are free to use for any purpose without permission or attribution. They can be hard to find for specific needs, but are a great resource when available. Images may be in the public domain if they are old enough, if the rights holder has specifically released the image as public domain, or in some cases when created by government agencies as part of their official duties. Do note that what exactly is in the public domain can vary between countries, as well.
• Commercial Use: This usually refers to a license that allows you to use an image in your book or marketing materials, with the understanding that you will be profiting from your book. There may or may not be a limit on how many copies of your book you can sell before you need to purchase a new license.
• Fair Use: This is a legal concept that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for specific purposes like commentary, criticism, or education. It is a legal grey area and is not recommended for commercial endeavors like selling a book, especially for fiction.
• Attribution: Some licenses, such as some Creative Commons licenses, may require you to give credit to the image creator. Make sure you understand the requirements!
• Copyright: If an image is not licensed for commercial use, or is not in the public domain, you cannot use it unless you own the copyright. Even if it’s a photo that you personally took, and for which you own the copyright, you still may not be able to use it if it depicts a copyrighted work such as a building or a bridge.

Where to Find Images

Once you know what types of images you need and understand the basics of licensing, the next step is finding the right visuals for your book. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of resources available to authors, catering to different budgets, styles, and creative needs.

Whether you’re looking for professional stock photos, unique custom artwork, or free images for commercial use, you have plenty of options to explore.

Here are some popular places to start your search:

• Stock Photography/Illustration Sites: Sites like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and DepositPhotos offer a wide variety of royalty-free images for a fee. These can be a great option for a professional look, but may not be as unique as custom art.
• Artist Commissions: If you want something truly unique, consider commissioning an artist to create custom illustrations or cover art. This can be more expensive, but it offers a unique and tailored result. Artists can be found in online marketplaces like Reedsy and Fiverr, or online galleries like DeviantArt. Even better, reach out directly to artists who illustrated your favorite books and see if they are available.
• Public Domain Sites: Sites like Pixabay, Unsplash, and Pexels offer a selection of free-to-use images, though be sure to double check the license.
• AI Image Generation: Tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion can generate unique images based on text prompts. Be aware of the legal implications, and always double check the terms of use for your chosen tool. (Check out our training on AI art generation for some practical examples.)
• Your Own Photos/Art: Do you have a knack for photography or drawing? Consider using your own creations for something truly unique.

Bringing Your Book to Life with Images

Selecting and using images for your book is more than just an aesthetic decision—it’s an opportunity to strengthen your story and create a memorable experience for your readers. From the initial impression of your cover to the subtle details within your pages, visuals can communicate mood, genre, and professionalism in ways that words alone sometimes cannot.

As you incorporate images into your project, keep a few key principles in mind. Focus on quality over quantity; a handful of well-chosen visuals can have a greater impact than an overload of graphics. Make sure every image serves a purpose, whether it’s drawing readers in, clarifying a concept, or simply adding a touch of style. Always double-check licensing and permissions to protect yourself and respect the work of other creators.

Ultimately, the images you choose should reflect your vision and resonate with your audience. By taking the time to find and use images thoughtfully and legally, you’ll be well on your way to producing a book that’s not only beautiful, but also professional and uniquely yours.