Many new authors on a limited budget try to save a few dollars by designing their own book covers.
In fact, I know several who had a teen, talented in Photoshop, create their book cover.
This is a big mistake.
Book covers appear quite simple, but there are actually many subtle design elements that require a professional touch.
Increasingly, people buy books on the web where a small thumbnail of the front cover is the only thing they see.
If you don't have a compelling book cover, it will almost impossible to succeed.
When you hire a professional to design your book cover, ensure that the designer has experience designing book covers, not just doing graphics in general.
Use these questions to help evaluate any potential cover designs for your book: 1.
Does the color scheme match the tone and content of your book? Color has a psychology and energy.
For example, yellow is a happy, upbeat color.
If you were writing a murder mystery or a book about grief, a bright yellow would be discordant.
You may be tempted to use your favorite colors on your cover or colors associated with your business branding.
Before you do, ensure that the colors on your cover support the message of your book and present an exciting first impression.
That's why very few books have beige covers.
2.
Does your cover look similar to other books in your genre? Book covers have a pattern to them, especially in design of the back cover.
If your cover appears unusual or lacking, buyers will be reluctant to take a chance on your book.
3.
Is the cover attractive in a small size? Shrink your cover image to a 2x2 sized block, the size of many graphics displayed online.
Make sure your cover is readable at that size.
4.
Is the spine sexy? If your book is sold in bookstores or is part of a library collection, the first thing people will see is the spine of your book.
That small part of your cover needs to be eye-catching and easy to read.
How many times have you walked by a book on a shelf because the spine did not catch your attention? 5.
Do the images, fonts, and cover elements support the message of the book? Potential readers rely on the book cover to tell them what the book is about and whether or not they will enjoy reading it.
A good cover designer will read the book or a synopsis of it to ensure that the cover tells the story of the book.
Your author input is very important.
Since you know your book best, you can provide the best information to your designer on the content of your book.
Preparing a book cover is very exciting! When you work with an experienced book cover designer, you can trust that your creative ideas are supported by a professional who knows how to combine your ideas with the science of cover design to create a cover that is as unique and wonderful as your writing.
In fact, I know several who had a teen, talented in Photoshop, create their book cover.
This is a big mistake.
Book covers appear quite simple, but there are actually many subtle design elements that require a professional touch.
Increasingly, people buy books on the web where a small thumbnail of the front cover is the only thing they see.
If you don't have a compelling book cover, it will almost impossible to succeed.
When you hire a professional to design your book cover, ensure that the designer has experience designing book covers, not just doing graphics in general.
Use these questions to help evaluate any potential cover designs for your book: 1.
Does the color scheme match the tone and content of your book? Color has a psychology and energy.
For example, yellow is a happy, upbeat color.
If you were writing a murder mystery or a book about grief, a bright yellow would be discordant.
You may be tempted to use your favorite colors on your cover or colors associated with your business branding.
Before you do, ensure that the colors on your cover support the message of your book and present an exciting first impression.
That's why very few books have beige covers.
2.
Does your cover look similar to other books in your genre? Book covers have a pattern to them, especially in design of the back cover.
If your cover appears unusual or lacking, buyers will be reluctant to take a chance on your book.
3.
Is the cover attractive in a small size? Shrink your cover image to a 2x2 sized block, the size of many graphics displayed online.
Make sure your cover is readable at that size.
4.
Is the spine sexy? If your book is sold in bookstores or is part of a library collection, the first thing people will see is the spine of your book.
That small part of your cover needs to be eye-catching and easy to read.
How many times have you walked by a book on a shelf because the spine did not catch your attention? 5.
Do the images, fonts, and cover elements support the message of the book? Potential readers rely on the book cover to tell them what the book is about and whether or not they will enjoy reading it.
A good cover designer will read the book or a synopsis of it to ensure that the cover tells the story of the book.
Your author input is very important.
Since you know your book best, you can provide the best information to your designer on the content of your book.
Preparing a book cover is very exciting! When you work with an experienced book cover designer, you can trust that your creative ideas are supported by a professional who knows how to combine your ideas with the science of cover design to create a cover that is as unique and wonderful as your writing.
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