Book Marketing Tip: Don't skimp on the cover!

We all know the old adage, Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover. Is it true? You bet your sweet bippy it is (what is a bippy?)

I've seen so many covers of self-pubbed books by otherwise very talented authors, yet the cover is just plain boring and dull. Either it's got bad font, type, no pics, boring color, etc.,... I don't get it. Why spend the time writing and publishing the book just to lose sales with a cover that doesn't pop?

Does cover design cost a lot? Heck no! If you have a simple photo or design program (I use Illustrator and Photoshop, but you can do it with less), then you can make yourself some amazing...AMAZING covers!

My best tips:

Use a picture -- you can get inexpensive photos to use at www.Dreamstime.com (great site!)

Take time to look at covers in your genre-- which are good and bad and follow the good ones (don't copy, just emulate)

Do a few different renditions, leave them and come back later. You might change your mind on what you thought was the "it" cover

Have a trusted friend give you their opinion

Make sure your title is predominant and sub-title less so -- don't get too wordy and risk driving away customers. Keep it simple!

Good luck... and if you need a good cover for under $100, visit http://www.moehr-associates.com

Comments

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