5 Book Cover Tips for Self Published Authors

Today we have a guest post from Kristine Sheehan, from The Merry Bird, who specialises in book cover design as well as other logos, stationery and design.  Related posts on book cover design here.
************
There are endless details writers must consider before having their manuscripts produced in printed book form. From page one to the end, whether the story line is fact or fiction, a well presented book won’t be a best seller unless it is noticed on the store shelf.  Therefore one very important detail is the Cover Art or Book Cover Jacket.

Self published authors, or any writer planning on having a book produced in printed form, need to know a few tips to help them manage working with book cover design.

1. Authors must write a short, concise synopsis of the soon to be published work. This synopsis will allow the designer to be image inspired. Image inspiration often depends on the printed word of the author but if there is no time for the designer to read the book in it’s entirety the synopsis will give enough information to create workable cover art as well as a nice inside sleeve.  A synopsis is also important for the potential buyer. Buyers often read the short on the book sleeve before making a purchase.
2. Have a review of your work to include on the back cover. Have your friend, a newspaper editor or someone you respect write a review of your work. A good testimonial, reference or review will always entices more readers!
3. Have your ISBN/barcodes ready to place on your cover! All published books need a tracking method for sales in the USA and abroad. Barcodes and ISBN numbers are necessary for sales of the finished book. A book cover designer will ask you for the barcode to include in the layout of the cover design.   Here is one resource that can help you get your ISBN and barcodes. http://www.publisherservices-us.com
   
4. Remember all worthy design isn’t cheap! Covers design can run from $350 – $1500 and up. Keep your eyes open for a designer that fits your style. Forward a design brief to the designer or ask to have one sent to you to work out design details. Sign a contract to ensure your design is yours to keep!
5. Choose a designer that is as enthusiastic about your work as you are! And cheers for having another feather in your cap!

Contact Information:
The Merry Bird…pen, ink and design

“Your Stationery in Flight”
Kristine Sheehan

203-551-1155
www.themerrybird.com

The Merry Bird….pen, ink and design company of Connecticut , has officially been in business since March 2006. Kristine Sheehan, the owner, began working in the design/art industry because her passion is drawing with pen and ink, painting and photography. Her company offers logo design, book cover design, and a line of pen and ink motifs on stationery, cards and invitations.  The Merry Bird…pen, ink and design is ever changing and adding more beautiful ideas to choose from, come take a peek,  Fly in! http://www.themerrybird.com -Follow me on Twitter! @themerrybird.

*************************************

Thank you for visiting The Creative Penn! For more top posts, try the Articles page.
Like this article? Subscribe to my RSS feed by email or in a RSS reader.

Follow me on Twitter.
Join the Facebook group “How to Publish a Book”

Thanks for coming back to the blog. To get the latest on writing, publishing, internet sales and marketing for your book, please subscribe to receive email updates from The Creative Penn blog. Just click here and enter your email address to subscribe.. Thanks for visiting!

Related posts:

1. Video: Tips on Book Cover Design A few weeks ago, I interviewed some local Brisbane...
2. Podcast: Book Design With Joel Friedlander Joel Friedlander has an extensive background in printing, graphic...
3. Marketing Your First Book: 9 Tips For Authors This is a guest post from Graham Storrs, author...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tagged as: book cover design, self-publishing