Getting a book cover design created for your new manuscript can be easier when you have some preparation, also having the information you’ll need and an idea as what to expect in the whole process can make the task quicker, smoothly and lead to results that you’re not only happy with but that show off your book at its best. Having created hundreds of book covers, helped countless authors and publishers you have a great understanding as to what’s needed in order to make a great book cover, there is certain information that an author will need to give a book cover designer and this is far more than just the title of the book too. So, what should you be thinking of when about to contact a book cover designer to get a cover created? Here we give our top tips on what you should be thinking of. One – Have a clear synopsis – You understand your own book like no one else (well you did write it), but how detailed is your synopsis? Get a friend to read it and tell you what they understand about the book, when they tell you what they understand did they miss out something important? If so, your synopsis needs to be updated. Two – Details, details, details – The more information about the location, characters, timeframe, era, subject matter, focal point you can give the better (remember this is the first time your book cover designer has heard about your book. Three – Research – Look at successful books within your genre and collect ideas of what you like and what you don’t, remember, not everyone will want to read your book (when you appreciate this you can be great a targeting your specific audience). Four – Research Book Cover Designers – Most book cover designers have their portfolios online which makes it very easy to find a designer you like, you’ll also find that most will provide you with pricing and contact details on how to find out more. Five – Size – Having a size that you’d like to print your book makes the job a great deal easier for your designer, if you’re printing as a paperback you may want to consider either 5 x 8, 5.5 x 8.5 or 6 x 9 for the trim size of your book, there are of course many other sizes to choose from, but having a clear idea will help the process. Six – Publisher – Many indie authors will choose the likes of Ingram Spark or Createspace as their first choice for publishing their book with (they are both great services and an excellent way to reach a large audience), other authors will go via indie publishers and smaller POD services (again, these are great options too), from a design point it’s important that your cover designer knows as soon as possible who you’re using, they can ensure that your file matches your publishers specifications for print. Seven – Contact – When you get in contact with your book cover designer, you should ask them about timeframes, drafts, how many revisions you’ll get (if needed), pricing, promotional designs and formats, going into the project you should have a good understanding as what to expect. Eight – Drafts – When the designer is working upon your drafts leave them to it, otherwise it can lengthen the timeframe of the project itself, if you email each day asking for updates and to see unfinished drafts it can lead to an awkward experience for everyone. Nine – Getting your drafts – Once your drafts are ready, your book cover designer will send them to you for you to consider, it’s worth taking your time and never rushing into making a decision, if you want friends to take a vote on which one the prefer then do it, just take your time. Ten – Tweaks – If you like a draft but something needs a tweak, don’t be afraid to ask, again, if you have taken time to consider the designs you should be able to get back to your designer with your preferred cover and what details you’d like altered. Having a book cover design created for your new book should be a fun experience, it’s the icing upon the cake and what goes on to be the very ‘face’ of your book, so enjoy the process and get a book cover you’ll be proud of!!
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