Monthly Archives: May 2012

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In these days of computers, the internet, digital cameras, and on-line publishing companies, individuals can more easily express their creativity through writing and publishing their own written works. Whether it is a novel, a short story, or a how to guide, having a creative cover is important to help capture the attention of your audience. There is that old saying, “You can’t tell a book by its cover” is so true, but your job as an author is to make sure that the cover best reflects your written works. With the growth of E-books and on-line books, having a well designed cover is even more important. The web surfer can quickly have tens if not hundreds of books at their fingertips, but why should they select your book over another? Without spending many dollars in marketing, one of the best tools at your disposal is a cover that will get their attention and hopefully pique their interest to make a purchase. If you are writing on a topic that already has many similar topics, such as “Vegetable Gardening”, you have to compete even more for the consumers dollars.

You could purchase the different graphics tools of go off to a company to design your cover for you. Most of the covers that you are familiar with in a book store cost hundreds of dollars to design, and in some cases thousands. Now whether you are writing 10 pages or 5000 pages, this article will give you some basic ideas that will help you design your next book cover into one that is different, unique and personal. Remember that a well done book cover will boost your sales.

Designing A Cover For Your Book

– A guide for self publishers –

You have already expressed your creative side by writing a book, now lets express your artistic side. By using a collection of clip art, or a low cost digital camera coupled with some imagination can open the door for you to create unique cover that portrays your writings. Even with that saying, “You can’t tell a book by its cover”, the cover definitely gets attention. Think of the book cover as a marketing tool that promotes not only your book, but you as the author.

Software packages like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator have many capabilities that allow you to customize your pictures and illustrations. The question often asked is; “What should I do?” The intent of this article is to give you a few ideas to spark your creativity and see what fits your personality. Our focus has been on pet and automotive art, so we will use an automotive car show judging guide as an example, although these ideas can be applied to many other topics.

With E-Books and on-line publications, having an elaborate cover is a one time upfront cost since there is no printing involved, so it is worth it to do it right since the book revenue in part will be dependent upon the cover.

Publishers for hard copied books have the ability to use different papers, and cover media such as foil, and other eye catching materials. On-line publishing has to leverage the graphics appeal to grab the readers eye and entice them to read further. A brief list of tips to consider when designing your book cover is as follows:

1. Always try to use high resolution images (clear and crisp) for any initial artwork. You can always lower the resolution later on.

2. As an author, if you expect to have multiple books you may wish to have a common theme where there may be a similar layout or border between books. Define your own brand identity.

3. Design your a layout with layers giving a three dimensional effect. For example the palm tree in the background of the “Pet Photography Book Example”.

4. Some customers will also print out their book, so you want a design that is printable, and will still look good. Make sure that what ever resolution you use is sufficient for printing. Typically 150 DPI will work unless there is intricate details that may require higher resolution.

5. For best versatility and color representation use RGB color specifications versus CMYK.

6. Hard copied books use different cover effects to catch the readers eyes, such as fabrics, and embossing. You want to obtain a similar visual effect, so use different background textures to give a feel like cloth, diamond plate, fabric with out them being too pronounced. Select something that relates to the content. One example we used was a diamond plate border for an automotive engine book. The rugged diamond plate linked nicely to the bold metal engines.

7. Remember your target audience. If it is children, select clip art that they can relate to. For hobbyist, try to incorporate some aspect of the hobby on the cover.

8. Do not clutter the cover too much with images or text. It can make it difficult to read on line.

Use visual effects that reflect the contents and the value it brings to the reader. A consumer is more likely to purchase a book f they perceive the value more than the cost. Your cover needs to reflect the value, but it is equally important that the contents justify the cover. Do not mislead the reader. A judging book we have done has a trophy in the background implying if you follow the advice in the book, you could have a trophy on your shelf. Or the pet photography cover where it tells he reader it will help them create a picture like the one on the cover. These are things that have a tangible feel to them that reflects value. Many of the books we sold were purchased as a gift. The giver wants to make the receiver happy, and wants confirmation that it’s a great gift and often looks for a smile. When someone sees your cover you want them to smile.

This value in a cover that gets attention is dependent upon how well the design is done, and what message it gets across.

Marketing studies have show that having a catchy box or cover for a product sells more products, so take the ideas presented here and sell some books.

7. Final Remarks On Designing Your Book Cover

Even though we are only presenting a few examples and ideas, you should realize that like the words you have written on the pages, the book cover is an extension of the writers personality. As long as basic principles are adhered to, there is no right or wrong way, as long as the message gets across. Accurate representation of the books contents along with a cover that is memorable are two of the keys to make your book stand out.

Competition for consumers will continue to increase as more titles compete with yours. Look at what other authors have done and open your imagination and embark on the first step to create yours. By utilizing the tips here you are one step closer.

So to get started, take what you have learned here, finish your book and get a cover designed.

For additional information and ideas on how to designing book covers, visit http://www.PalmieriConcepts.com There are many examples that have helped authors like you have a great cover.

Anthony Palmieri founded Palmieri Concepts after 20 years of creating custom artwork for his own pleasure and enjoyment along with 30 years as a car enthusiast. This business initially grew out of a love for motor vehicles and was started to share with others what began as a hobby.

On the artistic side, it appears that his artistic ability to work with cars first surfaced around 4 years old, when he carefully used a large paint brush and white house paint to customize his grandfathers blue car. Since then, he has improved his technique! In addition to the custom artwork, he has also written numerous articles on automotive art and car shows, covering topics from custom show boards, to automotive theme garages and has designed book covers for these articles as well as marketing campaigns for major US companies. Links to some of these articles can be found on http://www.PalmieriConcepts.com

Author: Anthony Palmieri
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Over these last two years, the publishing world has literally turned upside-down. In the past, the writer who aspired to see his/her work in print needed to suffer through rejection after rejection in order to get representation and ultimately a contract. Today, it appears writers have taken on the responsibility of writing, publishing and marketing works on their own. Phenomenal sellers like Amanda Hocking and H.P. Mallory took advantage of self-publishing tools to gain national attention and amazing sales, while established authors like J.A. Konrath and Barry Eisler have decided to cut middlemen and distribute their work on their own terms. Now, one can find self-published titles on the USA Today bestseller lists. No wonder writers are enamored by self- and indie publishing!

However, though Hocking and Mallory have translated their achievements into multi-book deals with traditional publishers, other authors with the “Big 6” are entertaining different options. Confusing, isn’t it? Which way do you, a writer preparing to ready your first book, turn?

You may find that authors choose different paths for different reasons:

• Traditional, large houses (e.g., Random House, St. Martin’s Press) – Association with a major publisher offers prestige and opportunities for wide distribution and exploitation of subsidiary rights (including foreign language and film/TV). Agent representation is usually required.
• Large but specialized houses (e.g., Harlequin, TOR) – For authors who aspire to publish in a specific genre, association with an established imprint offers opportunity to attract a large readership devoted to those brands. An agent may be necessary to get a foot in the door.
• Established digital houses (e.g., Samhain Publishing, Carina Press) – In recent years, titles from eBook-first houses have earned impressive sales and exposure. Authors like these houses for the flexibility they offer – some pay royalties more quickly, and have looser word-length requirements. Some authors may see these presses as a springboard to a contract with a traditional house. In many cases, agent representation is not required to submit.
• Self-Publishing – Here the author controls every aspect of the publication: he/she hires the editor and cover artists, establishes distribution channels and handles marketing, and pays all expenses for printing, digital conversion, etc. In return, the author keeps every cent earned.

In the past, distribution was a key factor in helping people decide their paths. Major bookstore chains work primarily with larger publishers, leaving authors with smaller houses to negotiate with individual stores for space. With stores closing in this strained economy, online retailers benefit from endless inventories, and self-publishers have a venue from which to sell.

The writer who prefers to write, rather than wear several hats, is more likely to query agents and publishers until one is found. Though self-publishing still may carry a stigma, talented authors capable of producing a book of quality will gain readers regardless of the logo on the spine.

Ultimately, you as the author must decide which is right for you. Take into consideration everything involved in submitting a work to an agent, and preparing a manuscript yourself for distribution. Know what goes into each job and decide where you want to focus your creative energy. In the end, your decision will be the right one for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on self-publishing services for authors interested producing their own work, and on the rise in indie publishers.

Author: Kathryn Lively
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are many tools that you can use to market your book both online and offline. To offer benefit to all self published authors and those that are looking to self publish, this article will address both.

Offline Book Marketing:

Write an article. No matter what industry you are in, from pet care to astrophysics, there is a publication for you. In fact there are probably numerous publications. Choose one or two that relate to your book’s topic and offer to write an article for them. Make sure to include your name, your book’s title, and your website address in your bio or author signature at the bottom of your article.

Give a free workshop. Just like there are an abundance of periodicals relevant to your book’s topic. There are likely an abundance of organizations and special interest groups. Offer to speak on a subject that offers particular benefit to your readers and target market. Don’t forget to bring your book or if blatant self promotion isn’t allowed, then bring your business card printed with a coupon for 10% off of your book and hand them out.

Direct Mail. Direct mail doesn’t have to be the typical junk mail that we all receive in our mailbox daily. A simple postcard announcement sent to everyone you know, have done business with, or that has expressed an interest in your book’s topic will do the trick. You can also place a special offer on the postcard, a discount or coupon to encourage purchases.

Online Book Marketing

Forums and Message Boards. If you don’t already belong to a few forums on your book’s topic, search the internet and find a few. Research the forums to make sure that they’re relevant, well monitored, and that you’re able to have a signature should you post any comments. If you can’t have a signature then it may be wise to find a different forum. Part of the reason to register is to be able to passively market your expertise and your book. Once you’ve found a forum or two, register and participate. Help people with your knowledge. Don’t blatantly sell, that will get you kicked out of the club. Let your expertise do your selling and your forum signature do your marketing. (Of course make sure that your signature has your name, book’s title, and website in it.)

Newsletter and email marketing. Encourage website visitors to sign up for your regular newsletter. Use each newsletter to provide your potential customers with valuable information as well as special offers, announcements, and testimonials or case studies related to your book’s information.

There are an abundance of fun tools and strategies to market your book both online and offline. Your imagination is the only limit let it soar and see how many books you can sell!

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Author: Bob Burnham
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As a self-publisher (aka: niche publisher, or micro-publisher) selling books, you will eventually get involved with selling your information in booklet form. These booklets can be from one sheet of paper, up to several pages long. Selling information this way tends to be more profitable than the books. These short booklets can be created from the information contained in your book. These booklets can be sold or given away as a way to build interest in your other books.

One format for selling this information is with documents that have been laminated with a baked-on plastic cover (called a pouch). In this article I want to discuss laminating one-sheet documents. In our case, we call them “laminated study guides”. Because it is a study guide, and is probably going to be handled many times, being laminated becomes an important reason for students to purchase our study guide. We also sell these same documents as downloadable pdf’s (ebooks) without the lamination – for a slightly lower price. We call these “downloadable study guides”.

My first taste of self-publishing involved creating study guides for the students that we teach. We needed to provide a handy and practical way for our students to memorize and study the class material. So we created a one-sheet (two pages) study guide that included a lot of information in an easy to follow format. By filling both sides, we were able to condense a large amount of important information into a very small space. We included this one-sheet study guide as part of a much larger (32 page) study guide that covered the study topic in much more depth. The students loved them. Word spread and we eventually began getting requests for our short study guides from students and teachers from all over America. That’s when we decided to offer our one-sheet study guide for sale on Amazon. So we made this study guide beautiful to look at, and then laminated them.

How Does Pouch Lamination Work?

There are two types of pouch laminators. The best and most common type is “hot lamination”. Hot lamination pouches are two sheets of plastic (polyester based) laminating film into which the item to be laminated is placed. The two plastic sheets are attached at one end so that they stay perfectly aligned with each other. The two sheets have an adhesive resin layer that is activated when they are inserted into a hot-lamination machine. You would simply insert your document into the pouch, keeping an equal space all around the document. You then insert that pouch into a paper carrier, which protects your laminating machine from the plastic pouch. You then place the entire package into the pre-heated lamination machine. The rollers inside the machine squeeze the entire package as it is being baked. The finished product simply comes out the back-side of the machine. You then remove the package from the carrier and quickly lay it flat. It completely cools off in a few minutes.

The second type of lamination is called “cold lamination”. This type is much less common. Cold lamination is generally used for heat sensitive documents. Cold laminating pouches use a “sticky” adhesive that is activated by pressure instead of heat. This allows you to laminate items such as photos without damaging them with the heat that would be needed for the hot-lamination method.

What Size Pouches Are Available?

The lamination pouches come in every imaginable size. Before you buy the pouches, you must decide if you want the four corners to be rounded or squared-off. The rounded typically looks better. The squared-off corners tend to get bent or folded over. The squared-off corners can also cause cuts and scratches to anyone that handles the finished lamination. Also, make sure that you buy a laminating machine that will be wide enough for your needs.

Another important consideration is thickness. The lamination thickness is measured in “mils”. A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. The most common pouch thicknesses are 3, 5, 7, and 10 mils thick. You must decide which thickness you will most likely be using before you buy the laminating machine. Many machines can handle two thicknesses. The most common sizes are the 3 and 5 mils thickness. The thicker the pouch is, the stiffer it will be after lamination.

Another important consideration is the type of finish. Lamination pouches are typically available in “gloss” and “matte”. Gloss is the most common and most popular type used. The gloss really makes a document look very nice and professional. Matte is less reflective and has a slightly granular look.

Joseph C. Kunz, Jr. is an author, publisher, educator, business manager, and entrepreneur. Life-long love affair with books and reading. Very excited about being part of the new media movement. Known for casual, easy-to-read writing style and ability to explain complex topics in an understandable way. “If you are serious about your work you should self-publish. Retain creative control. Retain the profits. Enjoy the satisfaction and status that comes with being published.” Visit Kunz’s blog at http://KunzOnPublishing.com/ for an insider’s guide to becoming a financially successful and happy self-publisher.

Author: Joseph C Kunz, Jr
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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