Defining the Look of Modern Publishing

Arcangel Images is a premium, specialist image library specialising in authentic photography and illustration for book covers. Our carefully curated collection of over one million images has been used on international bestsellers, acclaimed literary lists and imprints across the globe.

We combine high-end search tools with hands-on support for art directors and designers, working closely on briefs, selections and long-term campaigns. Our aim is simple: to connect exceptional visual storytellers with the publishers who need their work, while remaining a trusted resource for other creative industries that value distinctive, narrative imagery.

20+ years

licensing imagery for book covers to publishers worldwide

Rights-managed focus

clear usage, controlled availability and confidence in every licence

0% Gen-AI

every image is created by real artists – no generative AI

Why publishers choose Arcangel

We help you find the right cover image faster, through a carefully curated catalogue, publisher-focused tools, and a team that understands your deadlines.

1M+ book-ready images

Curated, narrative-led photography and illustration covering all major genres and moods.

We’re a partner, not just a library

Hands-on support to help you secure the perfect cover.

Built for publishers

Specialist search, tools, and workflows designed around how art directors and cover designers work.

services & features

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natural language search

Search in natural language – in any language. describing what you need in plain words instead of keywords.
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personal account manager

A dedicated contact for enquiries and purchases, on hand to handle licensing questions, quotes and orders.
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upload your cover briefs

Share complex or series briefs and we’ll source options and brief contributors for tailored imagery.
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commissioned shoots

Work directly with our artists on bespoke shoots created around your project.
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free image researches

Send us your brief and we’ll search the archive – and call out to contributors – at no cost.
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New Plugins available

Search our entire library from within Photoshop, Indesign & Figma. Drag & drop straight into your book cover designs.

trusted partners

flexible pricing

Our pricing is designed to work around the realities of your list, not the other way round. Whether you license the occasional image, run multiple campaigns or need a longer-term subscription, we’ll shape fees, rights and terms to match your usage, budgets and timelines. The aim is simple: clear, fair pricing that gives you flexibility and confidence from project to project.

individual image licensing

One-off licensing for a specific project – ideal for single titles or occasional use.
Clear rights agreed per use (campaign, territory, term)
Fast approval and straightforward paperwork
Flexibility to license exactly what you need, only when you need it
Register account

personalised pricing agreement

A tailored licensing plan for regular or multi-title needs.
Preferential rates based on volume and usage patterns
Rights shaped to your requirements (formats, territories, duration, exclusivity)
A single, flexible framework that simplifies approvals and budgeting
Set up an agreement

personalised subscription

An agreed annual or period-based spend, giving you ongoing access at pricing and terms that suit your team.
Up-front, predictable costs for a defined period
Agreed rights and fee levels, reviewed and refined as we work together
Priority support and proactive image suggestions across multiple campaigns and lists
Request subscription

*High-res download access is granted to approved accounts with an established track record.