My OperaA Discussion About Book Covers
Saturday, November 27, 2010 6:03:34 PM
(The following is my spin to a question posted on the Writer's Digest forum about designing a book cover)
Here's a thought if feeling nervous or overwhelmed about designing a cover yourself. Check with a college, preferably nearby, that offers graphic/digital design to see if a student would be interested in helping with the design - for free. You get a cover and they get something to add to their professional portfolio.
In addition to Linton's excellent post (http://community.writersdigest.com/forum/topics/a-few-questions-about-lulu), check this out. This site discusses many aspects about the subject.
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/
Also, Create Space as made templates available in all the sizes.
https://www.createspace.com/Help/Book/Artwork.do?ref=478921&utm...
A cover is important. It's what the potential reader sees first on the bookshelf. Frankly, producing a good design is not easy and a person must spend time learning the graphic programs suggested to achieve the outstanding results you need. Starting with simple cut and paste and moving into manipulation is a good way to start. This is something you simply need to play with. It really can be fun.
A couple other loose ends. I like a bright cover with a simple design. If you are a big name author that's what the potential reader looks for, otherwise, it is your title. Make it stand out. There are lots of pictures you can use that are free, some are not. Obtaining permission is usually not difficult. People often fall all over themselves to learn their picture and name will appear in a book. You would have no problem combining elements from one or more photos. Also, be aware that not all typefaces are for commercial use without permission. There are literally tons of free-use types. Just something to keep in mind.
I am currently playing with a cover for an upcoming work. I posted three variations on my blog.
http://my.opera.com/oldguey/blog/ (scroll down to Nov 22)
I am fortunate to have two sons, who are graphic artists. The one having TG with us this year took one look and said they looked nice . . . but. (of course, but) We are having fun working together to tweak them. I might add, each is a composite of several photos.
Finally, there are four elements to catching a reader. 1) front cover, 2) back cover info, 3) story hook, and 4) the story. If you sit in a book store and watch, that tends to be the order a browser checks books out.
Here's a thought if feeling nervous or overwhelmed about designing a cover yourself. Check with a college, preferably nearby, that offers graphic/digital design to see if a student would be interested in helping with the design - for free. You get a cover and they get something to add to their professional portfolio.
In addition to Linton's excellent post (http://community.writersdigest.com/forum/topics/a-few-questions-about-lulu), check this out. This site discusses many aspects about the subject.
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/
Also, Create Space as made templates available in all the sizes.
https://www.createspace.com/Help/Book/Artwork.do?ref=478921&utm...
A cover is important. It's what the potential reader sees first on the bookshelf. Frankly, producing a good design is not easy and a person must spend time learning the graphic programs suggested to achieve the outstanding results you need. Starting with simple cut and paste and moving into manipulation is a good way to start. This is something you simply need to play with. It really can be fun.
A couple other loose ends. I like a bright cover with a simple design. If you are a big name author that's what the potential reader looks for, otherwise, it is your title. Make it stand out. There are lots of pictures you can use that are free, some are not. Obtaining permission is usually not difficult. People often fall all over themselves to learn their picture and name will appear in a book. You would have no problem combining elements from one or more photos. Also, be aware that not all typefaces are for commercial use without permission. There are literally tons of free-use types. Just something to keep in mind.
I am currently playing with a cover for an upcoming work. I posted three variations on my blog.
http://my.opera.com/oldguey/blog/ (scroll down to Nov 22)
I am fortunate to have two sons, who are graphic artists. The one having TG with us this year took one look and said they looked nice . . . but. (of course, but) We are having fun working together to tweak them. I might add, each is a composite of several photos.
Finally, there are four elements to catching a reader. 1) front cover, 2) back cover info, 3) story hook, and 4) the story. If you sit in a book store and watch, that tends to be the order a browser checks books out.
