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How to Create a Book Cover Design that Sells

Artist

Book Cover design is one of the most important ingredients in creating a book that sells. Unless you are trained in this area, I recommend you leave cover design to the experts.

There are many book cover graphic design tricks that allow a self publisher to save money on overall production costs. For example, an experienced book cover designer can give the impression of a full color cover with only 2 or 3 inks. The less ink colors used, the lower your printing costs.

Editor's Note...

Since I wrote this article there have been many advances in the quality of book cover design software. Recently, I came across an awesome piece of software called BookCoverPro that is simple, template driven and produces excellent professional results even for someone not familiar with graphics or computers. It is specifically designed for Self-Publishers, Authors and Illustrators and works with both Macs and PC's. Check out their demo slide show: www.BookCoverPro.com

When choosing a Book Cover Designer, look at the following issues:

  • Fit: Has the cover designer created similar covers in your book genre?
  • Quality: Look at the portfolio covers. Compare them with successful books in your target genre. Do you like the designs shown?
  • Communication: Do you work well with the designer. Are they easy to reach via email or phone?
  • Sales: How are the book sales for the artist’s cover designs. Talk or email the author, get their feedback on the design. Did it make an impact on the sales numbers for the author’s work?
  • Price: Is the pricing reasonable compared to the competition. Are the estimates fixed price, or are they based on time spent on the design. This may become important if cover revisions are required.

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Resources

Cypress House
155 Cypress Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-964-9520

Dunn+Associates Design
P O Box 870
Hayward WI 54843-0870
715-634-4857

Five Star Publications
P O Box 6698
Chandler, AZ 85246-6698
480-940-8182

Knockout Book Cover Design
1550 Old Ranch Road
Placerville CA 95667
Voice: 530-344-9126
Fax: 530-344-9127

Lightbourne Images
258 A Street, Suite 5
Ashland, OR 97520
800-697-9833
541- 488-3060