There's these authors going around telling naive young designers that there is this contest to make them a "professional cover" for their yet to be published book.  The payment? "Ohhh, you will like, get a credit, or something on the cover, omg it'z so awesome! Your name on a publish book!" BULLSHIT. 

Pure bullshit.

I can't put all the blame on the authors though, it's also  their 'publishing company'. They are the once's who gives the authors the freaking idea to hold a fucking contest so THEY (company) can save money rather than going to a real professional graphic designer. But ofc, the author's faults comes into play when she doesn't wake up and says this isn't right. These authors are so brain washed by the so called publishing company on getting published - they forget their morals.

YOU should be PAID real money for a book cover that is made for profit. Why the HELL would you work for free? Do you go to a doctor, lawyer, store and ask them to give up their services/items for free? WTF? Does that even make sense?  

NEVER work for free. You are only bringing yourself down and others who would like to be paid. I'd understand if there was a prize money or wining an expensive item (ipad, etc) but having just your name in tiny font on a cover is NOT a payment. STOP making your self look cheap and easy. 

Now, just another day this author PMed telling me about this "book cover contest" for her soon to be published book. I clicked on the link to see it, and yes...there was no payment. I left a comment stating it's illegal not to pay the person. A few days later, my comment was deleting. So I naturally left another comment again, 'cause it's not nice to screw people and make them work for free. 

So please, do NOT work for free. You should value your time and work. If you want to improve or practice, then please go to a  LEGIT NON-PROFIT company and volunteer.