We’ve all heard about the importance of quality book covers, and if I’m honest about my own book buying habits, I have to agree. I browse the covers. If I like a cover, I read the blurb. If I like the blurb, I read the first few pages. From there it lands in my shopping cart. A treat for me!
My switch from traditional publishing to indie publishing means it’s time for new covers. Authors will usually have the option to purchase existing covers from the publisher, but I decided to use this opportunity to upgrade, to commit to a professional image and brand. I figure this is my chance, and the covers I pick have to stick.
Covers are an investment for a writer, just like editing and proofing. Unlike editing and proofing, they’re seriously fun. I asked the talented Jennifer Munswami of J.M. Rising Horse Creations to recreate every one of my covers, including those for my 2 self-published books. I’m committed to this writing thing, and with my transition to indie publishing, the future of my work rests squarely on my shoulders.
The transformation has begun, and it will take about a year to complete 13 covers (my schedule, not Jennifer’s). Purely as a result of timing, we started with one of my self-published books, The Bone Wall.
Of course, I have to include an Amazon link: The Bone Wall
Are you considering a cover for your book? Here’s what a cover designer needs before starting:
For All Books:
Book Title and Author
Genre
Ebook, print book, or both
Stand-alone or series (for branding a series)
Deadline
What you’re looking for in a cover?
Main character(s), theme, whether you like color…
Other less important details:
Setting, props, other possible background details…
If creating a paperback, these additional items are needed:
Print House
Book size
Color of paper (for title page graphics)
Exact number of formatted pages (determines spine width)
Blurb (for back cover)
Find J.M. Rising Horse Creations on Jennifer’s Website and on Facebook.
Hope this was helpful 🙂 Happy Writing!
First I would like to say amazing cover and your post was very informative. I agree with you on book covers; I read a lot of books and if a book cover isn’t inviting or professionally done I associate it with the book not being good. I have read books with poor looking book covers but it’s only due to a great number of positive reviews.
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Thanks for the visit, E. It would be nice if book covers weren’t so important, but most humans will continue to be visual browsers. My new covers have made a huge difference in the effectiveness of my promotions and random sales. I wish I had gone that way at the beginning, but I learned and it’s never too late to make a change. I was surprised at how many “famous” books have received new looks over time. 🙂
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I’m happy that you can share your wisdom. Beautiful covers again
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[…] books I’d rather read more. Then she decided to have new covers created for her books (you can read the full story here) and The Bone Wall went from intriguing to must read (yes, I really am that […]
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Thanks for spreading the word! I so appreciate it 🙂
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