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Book Covers

PaigeElizabethTurnerPaigeElizabethTurner
edited January 2017 in Writing
Hi. I just have to share this link for any interested parties. I chanced upon it during a search and have just sent through an initial query. Price structure is incredible!!

http://www.ccovers.co.uk/index.html

Comments

  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    edited January 2017
    Some of them look okay but the one used for his own book isn't professionally produced. For instance, you can't read his name. That's not a good advert for a designer.
  • LizLiz
    There's a lot of mistakes even in the nearly ok ones, Spacing, for example.
  • PaigeElizabethTurnerPaigeElizabethTurner
    edited January 2017
    Woops, guess I'd better have a closer look!!

    I must concede the rear looks a little 'busy'.
  • Tiny NellTiny Nell
    Had a quick look. Didn't see prices, but they look better than I could do!

    I wonder if they sell duplicates, though. I wouldn't want the same as someone else.
  • PaigeElizabethTurnerPaigeElizabethTurner
    Ah, and so the excitement wanes . . .

    No response to my email enquiry. And I thought internet entrepreneurs were always quick to respond for fear of competition.
  • KramerKramer
    These days people with easy access to professional quality design software, and with little experience of how to use it correctly, can tout their wares on line. As a professional graphic designer myself, it appalls me to see some of the work available out there.
    *Brief rant over*
  • Tiny NellTiny Nell
    *hides*
  • CarolCarol
    Kramer, what should we be looking for to ensure we get the right people who know what they're doing?
  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    Go for recommendations. If a client's happy with their cover I add their designer to a list that I send out. Check their portfolio. Designing a good cover is more than just about the image.
  • KramerKramer
    Ooh, heck.

    Some quick ideas.....

    Recommendations from your friends, co-writers etc is always a good benchmark. They will be able to advise you of how their experience with the designer went - good points, bad points etc.

    Look to see the designers portfolio- is it a strong body of work? Does the work look professional? Clear designs? Solid type?

    Does the designer specialise in one type of cover or can they achieve consistent work across a range of book genres?

    Price is a major consideration- the better ones will generally charge more than less experienced ones. However, in my view, a good designer is equally adept at producing good work at any price. Personally I do not give a lesser service or care to artwork just because the client is paying less.

    Does the designer seem engaged and interested in the project? Do they understand and "buy into" your vision of the end artwork?

    Are they technically adept at producing artwork that is print ready? Or, whatever media you are publishing in?

    I'd suggest looking to see if they have a clear understanding of how typography and how to effectively use it to best showcase your titles. Far too many keen amateurs do not use this to a good end. (By happy coincidence, WM has a simple to follow article on typography in this months issue.)
  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    Yep. All good advice. Jessica Bell and JD Smith are two that I recommend. They're not cheap and they often have a three-month waiting list.
  • PaigeElizabethTurnerPaigeElizabethTurner
    Thanks all, some worthy material here. My particular need is for a family memoir which will not be marketed. I can therefore go 'down market' while still conscious of receiving a presentable cover. Conflict? Maybe so!!
  • CarolCarol
    That's useful advice, Baggy, and Kramer.
  • Phots MollPhots Moll
    My particular need is for a family memoir which will not be marketed.
    In that case you could use a family photo and add the text yourself - or if you're using Createspace or similar, just upload to one of their templates and the title and author name will be aded automatically. That won't cost anything and would be appropriate.

    Alternatively, if there's a location which is important to the family, you may be able to take a photograph yourself. Or one of an heirloom.
  • LizLiz
    Ooh, heck.


    I'd suggest looking to see if they have a clear understanding of how typography and how to effectively use it to best showcase your titles. Far too many keen amateurs do not use this to a good end. (By happy coincidence, WM has a simple to follow article on typography in this months issue.)
    The thing that screams 'self-published' more than anything else is the typography, particularly the font used on the front cover. It's so hard to get that right.
  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    These are interesting posts about covers:

    http://selfpublishingadvice.org/publishing-why-i-love-working-with-indie-authors-by-a-book-designer/

    http://selfpublishingadvice.org/5-top-tips-to-create-a-book-cover-that-sells-jd-smith/

  • PaigeElizabethTurnerPaigeElizabethTurner
    Goodness me, I am a member of ALLi; I should'a looked there in the first place!!
  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    I did wonder...
  • Baggy BooksBaggy Books
    And you often get a discount if you're also a member. I know Jessica offers one. Can't remember about JDS.
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