Please don’t do it.
I beg you, please don’t.
Being a self-published author, there are so many things you would have to do yourself and this is not one of them; leave it for professionals. However, if you are sure you know what you’re about, you can go ahead.
My advice is to pay someone good to do this. Ensure you have seen everything they have done and you have an idea of what you want to accomplish.
Endeavour to brainstorm on what you want the prospective reader to see when they cast a glance on your book cover; this is the selling point.
I know I have bought a couple of books just because of their covers, but please ensure your content is also captivating. Did you see me wink? Haha, I just did.
Things to put in mind when creating a cover design or speaking to your designer are;
- Type of Cover – Your cover could be Abstract, Text, Illustrations or Pictorial. It all depends on your title and what your experienced designer thinks would work best. Nevertheless, if you are keen on using the idea you dreamt about, feel free.
- Physical Attributes – the size/aspect ratio of your book; make sure it tallies with the book pages if not it would look funny. This is important for only print copies though. If you want it embossed or just flat and other things that come with the physical cover.
- Message of the Book – what message is your book trying to pass? The colors, the choice of font should convey all that at first glance. Your graphic designer knows more about this.
- Your target audience – are they kids? Young Adults? Or Adults? Keep in mind to create something timeless with your designer and even if it is not it after a while, keep in mind that you can always change your cover during your next print.
- Contents of a Cover – your cover should basically contain book title and your name. however, if you had advanced readers with reviews you want on your book, you could place one or two on the front cover. And if your title sounds like it’s non-fiction when it’s fiction, you can add; A Novel.
Me thinks this is all….for now.
I’ll share more information when I get my cover design from my graphic designer. It is busy cooking and I was promised 2-3 weeks. It is clashing with my timeline but hey, only the best I say.
Can you guess what category my cover design falls into? Abstract, Text, Illustrations or Pictorial? Only 5 random correct entries which enter from now till a week before my book is officially launched would be contacted to receive a copy of my book!
Start commenting please.
PS: THIS WAS NOT EDITED. IT HAS BEEN SITTING AS A DRAFT BUT I KNOW SOMEONE NEEDS IT.
