SPA Girls Podcast – EP011 – All About Covers

Posted By SPA Girls on Nov 30, 2015 | 0 comments

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Welcome to the 11th episode of the SPA Girls Podcast! This week we’re talking covers. It’s a massive subject, and we’ve tried to cover the basics in this show. Having a really good cover in this crowded marketplace is a must-do. Not just a good cover, but the right cover for your book, and your genre. This will take time and research on your part, but it’s time well spent in your self-publishing journey. Basically, in a nutshell – don’t try to do it by yourself! Hire a professional cover designer (not your next door neighbour’s kid) who knows and understands the industry to create a cover for you.

There’s a whole heap of really useful advice in this episode, so make sure you check it out!

What is the job of the cover?

To cue in the reader about what to expect when they read the book.

Research top selling authors in your genre and look at those covers, see what’s working and why. Don’t reinvent the wheel! Readers have expectations from certain genres and can tell at a glance what the content will be by the cover, and if you mislead them that could lead to negative reviews.

IF, on the other hand, you think you have an original idea that can portray exactly what your book genre is, then, of course, give it a go, but if it doesn’t work, be prepared to change the cover.

Premade Covers:

Do a search for premade covers on google, there are plenty of people doing them. These have already been designed and are there for you to look at and purchase immediately. Some will do everything for you, put in your name and title, etc. Prices range from $30 upwards. This is a great place to start if you are working on a budget. Remember, you can always change the cover later if you want to. Some designers will also let you make a couple of changes.

Custom Covers:

These cost more, depending on the designer and what you require. Approximately $US 150.00 upward. Custom designers will also design print covers and other graphics like FB and Twitter banners.

Think about what it is you want before you start dealing with a cover designer. If you don’t like green, then tell the designer that. They’re not mind readers, make sure they design what you want. If you want a black haired woman, then ask for that, and ask for changes if you are not happy with what they come back to you with.

Be aware that the stock photos that cover designers use are often repeatedly used by other designers and displayed on other covers. In some cases, you can purchase the stock photo at a price.

Think about your brand if you are choosing to get your cover custom designed. Make sure your name is visual because your cover is only the size of a thumbnail and you don’t want to get lost in the crowd.

Shar’s Rant:

99.99% of people should not make their own covers. Spend $30 on a premade rather than 120 hours teaching yourself (or getting your teenager to learn) photoshop. Don’t reinvent the wheel – look at the top sellers in your subgenre and do better. Understand the visual shorthand that designers use to cue readers into the book’s genre/ tone/sensuality level.

Remember your cover is to hook people long enough to get them to read the book description – it’s purpose is to get a potential reader’s attention. You need to take your writing hat off and put your marketer’s hat on. This is a business decision and what works for the “market” may not necessarily be the cover you personally love. Don’t be afraid to try different covers – cover design is like other any other design trends – they change over time.