A is for Artwork
This is the first post in the series – Self Publishing Tips from A to Z.
I’ve already touched on the importance of creating a professional looking cover for an indie author. If you want your book to look appealing, you need your cover to look like it was created by a big 5 publishing house, not in your basement.Getting a professional cover created doesn’t have to be expensive, or hard work if you know where to look. I’ve created my own covers, but I’ve taught myself how to use Photoshop and Illustrator over the last 15 years, so I have a bit of experience. But do you know what? I taught myself. Those are the key words there. I watched YouTube tutorials, I subscribed to magazines, I did a few short courses. I had a goal, and that was to learn the program. I can’t tell you how handy its been to have this skill. I do my own logo’s, web graphics and book graphics.
But if you know it’s not your strength, and frankly you don’t have a passion for it, there are places you can go for help.
- My favourite is Deviant Art. It is full of bright young things who are super passionate about their work. Find someone who has artwork you like and send them a private commission request.
- 99 Designs. As a Graphic Designer, I’m not a fan – you have to submit the artwork and you have to compete against many other designers. But as a buyer, you set the amount you can afford to pay, and you get a full load of designers bidding on your project. It’s like having an agency at your fingertips. There’s also Design Crowd, Freelancer and more. These are Australian links, but if you google the names, there are many similar types available in your country.
- Hire an actual book cover designer. I’m not going to recommend any here because I haven’t used them myself. Google ‘book cover designer’ and your area to find someone local. A lot of designers can work over the internet, so don’t need to be in your country. This guy, has everything you need to know about book cover design, he even sells templates so you can do it yourself. Self publishing doesn’t have to look amateur.
The next blog post in the A to Z of Self Publishing series is ‘B is for Brand’.
