"I used thebookcoverdesigner.com, loads of different artists and prices ranging from cheap to not so! I paid about $35 US for mine tops. My only regret is the font I chose for the covers, but then it’s kind of become my thing. I’m already looking into changing them but it won’t be for several years." —Paul S. Lavender, author of Tales from Ashen Falls
"I’m not published, but I have done mock covers for when I want to post about anything I’m working on such as this one:
I think they give you something to work toward. As for what should go into it, something that feels emblematic of the story to you. If you can also get something that will draw attention and you get folk interested in reading it, then that’s extra motivation too."
—Drew McVittie, The Scribblings
"I did something similar a while back as a rough up, to see if public domain images in a 'historical' style was feasible with IT skills I haven't used in a decade on some archaic software. It also looked better when running a scriv compile for my phone. Don't rupture anything." —S.D. Howarth, World of Sanctuary
"My first covers were a job lot. £60 for all three. Then I spent some time with paint and put some text on the art and called it done. I'm honestly amazed I sold even 1 copy. They looked awful. They were unprofessional. In the current market everyone would skip right on past. Your book is your child. It's a little bit of you you're pushing out into the world and hoping people will read and like. Why not give it the best chance of success you can? That includes hiring a great artist and a top notch cover designer. It doesn't have to cost thousands, but it should probably be costing you hundreds. Oh, and Shawn King is the best cover designer out there. Hire that man now!" —Rob J. Hayes, author of The Ties That Bind series
Which books would you be most likely to pick up?
It sounds like a common temptation for indie authors to create their own covers, but it doesn't always work out and can be difficult to create one you're happy with!
More cover design advice coming as we continue exploring this challenging arena...
Cover Design Spotlight with Author Matt Gilbert
Cover Design Spotlight with Author Ulff Lehmann
Cover Design Spotlight with Author Scott Kaelen
As a publisher, and author, the most common problem I see with covers, particularly home-made covers, is the text. A lot of great images are spoiled by poor text and layout design.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree! I think it's fairly easy to find a cool stock image, but people often underestimate the skill it takes to wield typography effectively.
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