I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but if your book cover isn't eye catching and stands out from the competition, then you may as well wave goodbye to any profits you hoped you'd make.
Here are some DIY tips that all self published authors should think about when planning a fantastic book cover for their masterpieces:
1. Create a concept cover
A concept cover will speak your message in volumes. Choose one main concept that explains, in a very short story, what your book is about. It is a well known designing principle to choose one element to build your entire design around. For example, one of my favourite books has the key word hysteria in its core message. To express the hysteria the book was explaining, a suburban American neighbour with people screaming and aliens invading the calm, robotic nature of the neighbour was pictured in cover design.
2. Learn the basics of design
Learn the basics of good design. It always good to know the basics as you can always develop your knowledge if you need to. When creating your book cover, always use the theory that less is more. Do not overload your book cover as it may make it look messy and put potential readers off wanting to go further and actually read your book. Also, you may dilute the expression of your message if you try to put too may elements on your cover. Even too many different fonts or colour will dilute your message.
3. Consider a book cover template
I love templates. I enjoy getting a jumpstart on all my writing projects, if possible. Many self publishing websites and specialised websites have book cover templates and I urge you to research some to save yourself some time. I am going to be using one with the self publishing website I have chosen to publish my book through as I have looked at the templates and have a handful of a few for my short-list.
4. Consider book cover design software
There are lots of design software on the market. But for me, I can only recommend two Adobe Photoshop and Book Cover Pro software (as a cheaper option). With Photoshop the price is not the only thing that’s high. You need to have a few lessons at using this software as it can be a little difficult to try to work it in just one attempt. If you have the patience, interest, time and money to invest, I encourage you to take a class to get started. For the DIY people on a budget, you can teach yourself. Look for good online tutorials and courses to learn from. Also, start a sample file. Every good design that I see, I take notes and try to examine the techniques and elements involved. Then practice and practice some more to develop your skills.
5. Invest in quality photos
If you are not an illustrator or can’t afford to hire one, you can start with a high quality photo to help speak your book’s core message. Sometimes, if this is matched well, the photo can carry the whole design in expressing your message. If done well, all other elements like font, colour design become secondary or complementary. One of my favourite photo depositories is Shutterstock.com
6. Use complementary fonts
Invest in a good quality font. You will discover even if you manage to do all the other parts of your cover design well and do not concentrate on your fonts (type) your design will fall short. Research what fonts are considered display and even good cover fonts. There are lots of free options to start with.
7. Use your highest talents and haggle the rest
As a self publisher, you might be tempted to do every thing yourself to save every penny. If you’re there, that’s o.k. too. But I encourage you to not stay there. If cover design is truly not your interest or you are ready to outsource to a cover artist, take the leap. Use your gifts and talents at their highest capacity and outsource the rest. You will discover success much faster than trying to go it alone. One strategy is to save and when you’re ready invest in your cover design. Or use one of my consistent shoe-string budget tips of going to a community college and looking for a budding artist anxious to practice their considerable skills at a bargain.
Now what to do?
Now, go ahead and make that eye catching book cover for your novel! Don’t delay any longer. Covers still sell books, even self published ones. Give your self published book the greatest chance for success in the marketplace with a beautiful cover. Take the DIY book cover design tips above and give your book a selling chance. Good luck Publishing!
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