
You only have one chance to make a first impression and your book cover actually has the greatest impact of any of your marketing collateral. Frankly, a well-designed cover can be the deciding factor on whether your book gains that first click-through from readers on book selling sites. To look more in-depth at the do's and don'ts of book cover design, I interviewed an expert, George Arnold of WGA Designs.
George has been employed over nineteen years in graphic design. His primary focus has been global businesses in the fleet, restaurant, and aviation industries. He's particularly proud that a division of NASCAR was a showcase client. He expanded into book covers when his wife decided to self-publish her novels and she needed artwork.
A key challenge that he has faced has been to understand exactly what an author wants. "Authors," says George, "should first take the time to truly visualize what images or colors best represent the theme and/or feel of their book. Know that indecision costs time and money." You should also discuss the genre and include a brief synopsis. This way, your graphic artist has a concept as to where the story is headed. "It provides the artist with some creative leeway to intersperse other elements into the design."
George has been employed over nineteen years in graphic design. His primary focus has been global businesses in the fleet, restaurant, and aviation industries. He's particularly proud that a division of NASCAR was a showcase client. He expanded into book covers when his wife decided to self-publish her novels and she needed artwork.
A key challenge that he has faced has been to understand exactly what an author wants. "Authors," says George, "should first take the time to truly visualize what images or colors best represent the theme and/or feel of their book. Know that indecision costs time and money." You should also discuss the genre and include a brief synopsis. This way, your graphic artist has a concept as to where the story is headed. "It provides the artist with some creative leeway to intersperse other elements into the design."
Think about the multiple sizes required for your book cover. "Some people forget that the image for an eBook is a small thumbnail, so they have to make sure that their name and the title of the book are still legible at that size. The imagery also has to speak quickly to a potential reader. It is definitely a case of 'less is more' when it comes to book cover art."
Make certain that your book cover is designed in a size and resolution that can work with a full size cover and then is reduced to the eBook reader size. Otherwise, George explained, if in the future an author needs a paperback/hardcopy cover, he or she would have to be charged for a redesign (as a large image can be easily reduced, but a small image can not be enlarged without affecting the quality of the image—it'll look grainy or distorted).
Make certain that your book cover is designed in a size and resolution that can work with a full size cover and then is reduced to the eBook reader size. Otherwise, George explained, if in the future an author needs a paperback/hardcopy cover, he or she would have to be charged for a redesign (as a large image can be easily reduced, but a small image can not be enlarged without affecting the quality of the image—it'll look grainy or distorted).
A great tip that George shared was to suggest that when authors have a full size cover designed that they should take the file to their nearest print copy center and have a proof copy printed. "This allows an author to see their book cover in true color and scale. The author doesn't have to rely on a computer screen and then have to guess as to how the book cover will look before they approve the final design."
George prides himself on providing professional looking covers at a reasonable cost to an author. "I combine elements of modern technology to create eye-catching designs which are not simply photographs, but computer-rendered 3D images, along with creating unique layouts for each author." It is important to him that an author, as a customer, is more than satisfied. You should always inquire about whether revisions are included. George includes three or four revisions in his cover book cover design fee.
George prides himself on providing professional looking covers at a reasonable cost to an author. "I combine elements of modern technology to create eye-catching designs which are not simply photographs, but computer-rendered 3D images, along with creating unique layouts for each author." It is important to him that an author, as a customer, is more than satisfied. You should always inquire about whether revisions are included. George includes three or four revisions in his cover book cover design fee.
Whether it's a full cover or eBook, "The most rewarding aspect has been being able to help provide an effective sales tool to indie authors. Professional design helps their books stand out and to capture a reader's attention. The old saying goes 'don't judge a book by its cover,' but we all do."
The best way to contact George is via email, directly, or though his blog.
The best way to contact George is via email, directly, or though his blog.