Podcasts about book covers

How can you use beautiful book design to attract readers and boost book sales?This week's guest  expert is Catherine Williams, a seasoned book design professional with over 30 years in publishing. Catherine shares practical insights into making your book visually appealing, easy to read, and professionally polished.Learn essential design tips, the importance of early cover creation, and why meticulous proofreading is critical for your book's success.Key Takeaways:Importance of Design: A well-designed book improves readability and reader enjoyment.Use of White Space: Proper spacing helps readers stay focused and prevents overwhelm.Choosing Fonts: Keep fonts simple and reader-friendly.Early Cover Design: A professional cover boosts your marketing opportunities.Proofreading Essentials: Thorough proofreading helps avoid distracting mistakes.Tune in to discover how to use beautiful book designs to attract readers and boost book sales.*************************************************************************Be More Human: Do the Work that Matters Most with Generative AI The future of work is changing fast. Master the practical applications of Generative AI in just four weeks with the AI-Powered Professional Program. This hands-on workshop sprint is designed for professionals who want to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and integrate AI tools into their daily work. You'll learn how to use GenAI for writing, automation, research, and decision-making. By the end of these four 90-minute Zoom workshops, you will gain real-world skills that improve your productivity, strategy, and creativity. Each week, you'll tackle interactive challenges, and work on guided AI exercises, to immediately apply what you learn. This program provides step-by-step instruction and real-world case studies to help you confidently use AI in your professional role. Join us and build the AI skills that give you a competitive edge. *Ticket purchase gives access to all 4 workshops in the series. Recordings provided if you miss any of the sessions. It's time to invest in your growth If you don't want to be left behind! Register here: ...

>> Get A Free Copy Of The Book (Big Idea To Bestseller): https://www.bigideatobestseller.com/free-book>> Book A Call With Our Team: https://write.bigideatobestseller.com/booking-page>> Step-By-Step Process To Becoming A Bestselling Author: https://write.bigideatobestseller.com/vsl-watch-pageMy first job out of college? Working for the Lakers during Kobe Bryant's final season—a dream come true. But beyond the excitement, I learned eight powerful lessons from Kobe and the team that shaped my mindset and success. In this episode, I'm sharing them with you. Hit play and let's dive in!IG: @jakekelferLinkedIn: @jakekelfer

What's the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses, an Assistant Art Director at Penguin Random House, gives us some answers and provides insight into the role of a book cover designer. Listen to our in-depth conversation to learn about designing typography, special edition production, and the unusual methods for achieving perfect photoshoot conditions. Casey also shares her thoughts on international publishing markets and the importance of communication in creating covers that captivate readers and succeed in the market.Note: This episode was recorded in 2024, and we've since rebranded to the Thriving Writers Podcast. Stay tuned for new episodes soon!Casey MosesWebsite: https://www.caseymoses.com/Social: @_thebookcaseGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we're here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you're ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we're here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children's book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BNEW! Writing Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/

I'm so excited to be at the 400th episode milestone of the podcast! Tune in to see the book cover reveal for my upcoming release, Your Authentic Awakening: A Guide to Every Day Spiritual Living. I'll also be reflecting on this podcasting journey of the past 6+ years. Register for my upcoming summit: https://www.karagoodwin.com/through-veil-summit Support sponsors: https://www.soulelevationpodcast.com/sponsors/ Here is the video if you want to take a look at the book cover! https://youtube.com/live/0NgTnoC9PYU?feature=share Thank you!

VP S4 Ep250:EASIEST BOOK COVER Flashback video! Thanks so much for being here :) Sincerely, Pam and Fam :) MY PODCAST!: The Paper Outpost Podcast! The Joy of Junk Journals! Free to Listen Anytime! Every Tuesday & Thursday! New audio material! Junk Journals, Paper Crafting, life of a crafter, answering crafty questions! Come have a listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast or go to https://anchor.fm/the-paper-outpost You can make your own Podcast! It's easy at Anchor: Here is how!: anch.co/outpost Grab a FUNDLE! Now available in my Etsy Shop!: 100 pieces! A mix of antique/vintage ledger pages, hand-dyed papers, old postcards, tea cards, handwritten paper, awesome book pages and so much more! Wonderful to use in your junk journal creations! Free Priority Shipping in the USA! :) Limited supply! :) Want to see a Fundle? Video!: https://youtu.be/KJnWd9RSpOQ Want to Buy a Fundle? Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1007331616/antique-vintage-ephemera-paper?ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1&crt=1 NEW! PRINT & MAIL Option for Vintage Digikits! :) I heard your call :) No Printer? No Problem! :) I will print & mail 10 Digikits to you! Free Priority Shipping in the USA! :) 1. Select 10 names of digikits, & send me the list via Etsy message or email to pam@thepaperoutpost.com or simply say "Surprise me!" :) 2. Then buy the Print & Mail Digikit option in my Etsy shop! :) Direct Link here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1071078687/printed-mailed-digikits-no-printer?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&crt=1 That's 50 Pages total on lightweight cardstock! See All My Digikits! https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperOutpost Sincerely, Pam at The Paper Outpost :)!! I am currently buried in paper and covered in glue ;) And I am in heaven! :) Remember that Fun Can Be Simple! Go Forth and Create with Reckless Abandon! :) VINTAGE DIGIKITS! Amazing images to download & print out at home on your printer!: Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperOutpost MY AMAZON STORE!: My Personal Favorite Products & Tools!: Click here to see all my items in one click with pictures in my Amazon Store! https://www.amazon.com/shop/thepaperoutpost NEWSLETTER!: Free Monthly Emailed Newsletter from The Paper Outpost! Sign Up here: https://bit.ly/paperoutpostnewsletter - Free Monthly Digital Printable! - Free Checklist of Junk Journal Supplies! - Free The Note From The Book Maker explaining what a junk journal is and how to use it! - Junk Journal Tips & Updates from Pam at The Paper Outpost! MY PODCAST!: The Paper Outpost Podcast! The Joy of Junk Journals! Free to Listen Anytime! Every Tuesday & Thursday! New audio material! Junk Journals, Paper Crafting, life of a crafter, answering crafty questions! Come have a listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast or go to https://anchor.fm/the-paper-outpost You can make your own Podcast! It's easy at Anchor: Here is how!: anch.co/outpost COME FIND ME AT :) ETSY Shop: https://www.thepaperoutpost.com INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thepaperoutpost FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ThePaperOutpost The Paper Outpost Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ThePaperOutpost/ The Paper Outpost Podcast!: https://anchor.fm/the-paper-outpost AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thepaperoutpost PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thepaperoutpost TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thepaperoutpost YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/ThePaperOutpost #thepaperoutpost #paperoutpost #thepaperoutpost #digikits #junkjournal #junkjournals #howtomakeajunkjournal #junkjournalpodcast #thepaperoutpostpodcast #thejoyofjunkjournals #fundle --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-paper-outpost/support

From Amy:We were originally hoping for a November 22 release of my Tiny Altars audiobook on Audible, but that date came and went while it awaited its turn in Quality Assurance for over two weeks. Now it's December 3, and the audiobook has arrived, which reminds me that books, like children, arrive in their own time and way, no matter how we try to control it.Fun fact: From my first callings to write my personal narrative, I kept seeing the number 123 in association with my writing. This book always knew and was telling me what it wanted to be, even if I didn't see it.The part of me that likes to watch such things notes that it's arriving nearly one year to the day that I first met K.O. Myers at Particulate Media, who created this audiobook with me. The meeting was an unexpected development, but a fortuitous one.There's what we think we're doing, and there's what wants to happen. Then we start wrap our head around what's really there. Especially in narrative craft.In this episode, I talk about the surprise of mothering twins. This book, Tiny Altars, was like that. Unexpected. I didn't want to write about the dollhouse on the cover that represents something much bigger than me. I thought I was writing a different book when this dollhouse origin story snuck into my manuscript. I tried to fit it into my German-themed book. The dollhouse image took over. It had its own story it wanted to tell. Not about Germany, but a story much closer to home. I'm so glad I let it.Which is how it ended up on the cover. The origin story of the dollhouse wraps up this episode. I hope you enjoy.Let me also introduce you to K.O. Myers, the producer of this episode and my Tiny Altars audiobook.K.O. Myers is the founder an lead editor of Particulate Media, a full-service audio production company that helps podcasters and audiobook presenters sound more professional without sacrificing their authenticity.https://particulatemedia.comhttps://www.facebook.com/particulatemediahttps://genvexed.bsky.social Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Learn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

(**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses Suicide) This dual feature episode celebrates Ellen Raskin's transformation from a prolific book designer to an award-winning author, seamlessly blending design and storytelling in works like The Westing Game. Briar Levit shares her own journey as a designer and author, using mediums like film, exhibitions, and publications to champion stories that inspire._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay Important Links:Graphic Means DocumentaryNew Book — Briar Levit: On Design, Feminism, and Friendship_______Sources:Book — Baseline Shift by Briar LevitArticle — Cooperative Children's Book CenterAbout EllenEllen Raskin (1928–1984) was a trailblazing designer and author who seamlessly blended her expertise in graphic design with her passion for storytelling. Born in Milwaukee during the Great Depression, Raskin pursued a fine arts degree at the University of Wisconsin before launching a prolific career in New York City, where she designed over 1,000 book covers, including the original cover for A Wrinkle in Time. Later, she transitioned to writing, creating critically acclaimed children's books known for their intricate plots and visual clues. Her most famous work, The Westing Game, won the Newbery Medal in 1979 and remains a beloved classic. Ellen's books, including The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) and Figgs & Phantoms, exemplify her unique ability to combine puzzles, humor, and thoughtful storytelling, leaving an enduring legacy in children's literature. About BriarBriar Levit is a graphic designer, educator, and filmmaker whose work brings underrepresented voices in design history to light. With nearly two decades of teaching at Portland State University, Briar encourages her students to explore design's role in shaping culture and amplifying diverse perspectives. She gained widespread acclaim for her documentary Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production, which chronicles the evolution of design tools and highlights women's significant contributions during the shift from manual to digital production. Briar's feminist advocacy is further reflected in her book Baseline Shift, which celebrates the pivotal yet often overlooked roles of women in design. A former art director at Bitch magazine, she's dedicated her career to showing how design can be a tool for activism, history, and cultural critique.Follow Briar:Instagram:  @briarlevitWebsite:  briarlevit.com ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Learn the secret book cover strategies used by top bestselling authors and big publishers with Claudine Mansour Key Topics: How Claudine Mansour (Random House, Parsons School of Design) ended up designing book covers for T. S. Eliot, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, President Jimmy Carter, The Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II, Elizabeth Berg and more! Do readers judge a book by the cover? What makes a knockout cover: 3 secret strategies that top cover designers use to make a book a standout bestseller The digital world: what your cover must do to grab attention online and in stores What bookstore owners and publishers look for in a cover Do you want to build an audience and monetize on social media in the next 90 days? Join me in the Secret Visibility Project- first and likely only time we'll offer this! https://www.saraconnell.com/secret-visibility-project

Kathleen and Adanna welcome award-winning cover designer Eric Labacz to Talking Book Publishing for an engaging discussion on the art and strategy of book cover design. From his beginnings in graphic arts to becoming a trusted designer for publishers and indie authors, Eric shares how his experiences shape his unique approach to every project.This conversation explores why a book's cover is often its most critical selling tool, especially in an online-dominated market. Eric discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with practical marketing needs, how he adapts designs across genres, and what authors should know before working with a professional designer.Take advantage of Eric's upcoming webinar on December 5 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time! Attendees who register at wpnwebinars.com before November 31 will have the exclusive chance to submit a book cover for Eric to critique live during the session.We'd like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you'd like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Unlock the secrets to crafting book covers that not only capture the eye but also embody the soul of your story. Join us with fiction author Rami Vance and Jake from J Kelly Design as we dismantle the myth that you can't judge a book by its cover. Discover how Rami's partnership with Jake revolutionized his career, particularly through the captivating design of "Setting Fires with Dragons," and learn why a well-designed cover is an essential element of your book's success.Explore the nuances of genre-specific cover design in a journey through fantasy and sci-fi landscapes. Learn how to tap into reader expectations by mastering the art of simplicity and clarity, drawing insights from Donald Miller's "Story Brand." We'll share the secret formula of "sell, tell, yell" to prioritize your cover elements, ensuring they leave a lasting impression and align perfectly with your target audience's desires.Navigate the often-challenging waters of cover design feedback with professionalism and finesse. We'll tackle the common pitfalls writers face when venturing into new genres and provide guidance on how to collaborate effectively with designers. Gain invaluable advice on maintaining mutual respect and understanding in these creative partnerships, helping you craft a cover that not only speaks to your readers but stands out in a crowded market.Watch the free training: https://selfpublishing.com/freetrainingSchedule a no-cost call with our team: https://selfpublishing.com/schedule Here are some links that might come in handy: Apply for a free book consultation Register for our free on-demand training Must-watch episodes: SPS 044: Using A Free + Shipping Book Funnel with Anik Singal SPS 115: Using Atomic Habits To Write & Publish A Book with James Clear SPS 127: Traditional vs. Self Publishing: Which You Should Choose with Ruth Soukup SPS 095: The Five Love Languages: Selling 15 Million Copies with Gary Chapman SPS 056: How I Sold 46M Copies of My Self Published Book with Robert Kiyosaki

If you've written a book and are in need a book cover, this is a super important episode for you to hear. In this conversation, I talk to the brilliant book cover designer, Zoe Novell, who is also the founder of the one-of-kind book designer directory, available on her website, I Need a Book Cover. In this special conversation, Zoe and I cover a range of invaluable and interesting information about book covers, including hot topics like what makes a book cover stand out, book cover trends based on their genre, key factors to consider when choosing imagery, color, and typography for a cover—and, how to find (and hire!) the best designer for your book. And these are only some of the huge takeaways you'll get from listening to Zoe. By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a better grasp on why book covers are so important, what to consider when designing a book cover or hiring the ideal designer for your book, and how to use Zoe's premier directory filled with hundreds of dedicated, full-time, and freelance book cover designers who are consistently adding extraordinary work to adult, trade book genres. What are you waiting for? Listen to our chat now! Connect with Abigail and Zoe: Instagram: @abigailkperry | @zoenorvell Abigail's website Zoe's websites: Zoe Norvell, I Need a Book Cover, I Need a Book Interior Wondering what you should you listen to next? Learn all about book contracts from literary agent Kate McKean on this episode — Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts

Ever wondered why your favorite book looks completely different in other countries? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of foreign book covers. We'll compare stunning international editions, uncover the cultural nuances that shape their design, and discuss how different markets interpret stories through art. Join us as we judge (in a good way!) and celebrate the visual storytelling that extends beyond words on the page. Get ready to judge some books by their covers... and love every minute of it! Instagram: @webookedit

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2024 Reading Glasses Challenge - pick a book based on the cover. Plus, they test a bookish candle and recommend YA books and graphic novels. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Sol Readerwww.solreader.comCODE: GLASSESMiracle Madewww.trymiracle.com/GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Slack channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinSarah TikTokHorny Fairy Book ClubMallory's Book!Paddywax Poe CandleMallory's Candle Rex:Burke and Hare, Lichen and LimestoneBooks Mentioned - Model Home by Rivers SolomonThe Naming Song by Jedediah BerryOnce There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghyThe Manicurist's Daughter by Susan LieuI Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuistonLaura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell 

In this episode, we're discussing book awards and how authors can earn their accolades. As an awards judge for three book award programs, Jennia D'Lima will share her behind-the-scenes knowledge of how winners are selected and how to stand out to judges. Show notes and transcript Check out Tanya's book, Ideas, Influence, and Income Submit your book or book idea to Greenleaf

It's time to judge books by their covers! We run through a list of well known book-covers from the romance, ya and fantasy genres and deem if they're good, bad, or straight up not fun to look at. We also discuss if the books cover matches the tone and overall vibe of the story. To see some of our favorite books covers follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf

In this episode we're exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us as we dive into why our very own author, Marlene Bell, is always prepared with a second cover, and why you should be, too. We'll share her experience and how her sleuthing around the strategies of major publishers has served her well. We'll break down the unexpected benefits and how you can implement it to maximize your book's success.Send us your feedback!Help promote the podcast and earn free swag! If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session! Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!FREE BONUSLeave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

You finished your book and now you're looking for a cover designer, but where do you start? Where can you find a good book cover designer? And how much should you expect to pay them for a quality book cover?These are all questions my guest, Zoe Norvell, will answer in this week's brand-new podcast episode! Zoe is the mastermind behind INeedABookCover.com and INeedABookInterior.com—and she's been designing book covers professionally since 2011 (both for big publishers and self-published authors alike). Tune into this episode to hear us talk about things like:[06:33] The very first step soon-to-be-published authors need to take when it comes to finding and working with a book cover designer[08:14] Why searching on Amazon for book cover inspiration isn't a good idea—and what Zoe recommends doing instead (spoiler alert: you'll love it!)[13:19] The difference between book cover designers and graphic designers, and Zoe's thoughts on hiring designers from sites like Fiverr [25:30] Tips for what to consider when hiring a book cover designer, including things like how much to budget for your book cover [31:13] A fill-in-the-blank template to use when you reach out to your dream book cover designer (plus Zoe's insights on what not to say in your email)If you've ever wanted a clear answer to some of the most important book cover design questions, you're going to love this episdoe with Zoe Norvell.⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Siegfried Lokatis is a retired professor of book history, and former head of the University of Leipzig's​ Institute for Communication and Media Studies. He is the author of Book ​Covers of the GDR and is currently working on a history of the S. Fischer publishing house, due out in 2026. We met in Leipzig recently where Siegfried treated me to a tour of ​t​he Bibliotop's splendid Insel Bucherei book collection. Founded in 1912, the series now ​contains some 2,000 titles (and still counting according to Jonathan Landgrebe, head of Suhrkamp Verlag, the company that today produces the books). The series is iconic in Germany and in many ways its publishing history reflects the history of the country. The books are known for their beauty and the care with which they're produced. Qualities include: individual typographical design, exquisite illustration (notably from the thirties - stay tuned) and photography, and printing on wood-free, age-resistant paper, plus they're thread-stitched and bound in decorative cover paper.​ They served as the model for Allen Lane's King Penguin series. The Insel Bucherie series includes both well-known and little known texts from world literature as well as art history, non-fiction, poetry, and fairy tales, plus gift anthologies from Germany and around the ​globe. Subjects covered in my conversation with Siegfried include Rilke and copyright, ​the decision to publish​ established, versus contemporary works; Stephan Zweig and the Nazis, poisonous mushrooms, the rarest volume, the Allied bombing of Leipzig, censorship, the separation of East and West Germany, wartime profits, collecting, pornography and more.

Can you judge a book by its cover?We're revisiting another classic episode this week! Joe and Elly talk about cover design, how to make a book cover stand out, and how a cover communicates to its audience.************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingTwitter: http://twitter.com/microcosmmmInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Discover how self-taught designer Elaine Lustig Cohen became a defining force in modernist graphic design and fine art, with insights from design author and historian, Steven Heller, on her legacy and the importance of re-writing design history to include more women._______Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A CoffeeThis show is powered by Nice PeopleJoin this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknowHave a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay Sources:elainelustigcohen.comThe Daily Heller: Elaine Lustig Cohen's New Website by Steven HellerThe New York Times Article by Anita Gates About ElaineElaine Lustig Cohen (1927–2016) was a pioneering modernist designer and artist, known for her bold, abstract book covers and museum catalogs that helped shape mid-century American graphic design.After the sudden passing of her husband, renowned designer Alvin Lustig, Elaine—without any formal training—took over his studio in the 1950s, working with high-profile clients like Philip Johnson, Richard Meier, General Motors, and the Jewish Museum.What set her design style apart was her ability to merge avant-garde European influences, like Constructivism and Bauhaus principles, with the clean, functionalist aesthetics of American modernism. She brought typography to the forefront, often treating it as a visual and emotional narrative element, while incorporating geometric abstraction to create a sense of movement and rhythm. Her work is now part of the permanent collections at MoMA, LACMA, and Cooper Hewitt. About StevenSteven Heller is one of the most prolific design historians and writers in the field, having authored, co-authored, or edited over 200 books on design, illustration, and popular culture. He is best known for his long-running column, The Daily Heller, published by Print magazine, which offers daily insights on visual culture, design history, and current events. In addition to his writing, Heller is the co-chair of the School of Visual Arts MFA Design/Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, where he continues to shape future generations of designers.Throughout his career, Heller has been a steadfast advocate for women in design. His work has consistently featured and celebrated the contributions of women who have been overlooked in design history. He has worked to bring attention to underrepresented figures in the industry, often calling for a rewriting of design history to include more women. As early as the 1990s, Heller began amplifying the work of female designers, championing their influence on design movements across modernism, typography, and visual communication. He has been vocal about the importance of gender equality in the design industry and has pushed for more inclusive recognition of the women whose innovations have shaped the field.In 2011, Heller was awarded the AIGA Medal for his outstanding contributions to design journalism, education, and history. His ongoing commitment to uncovering the stories of women in design has made him not only a key figure in documenting design history but also an advocate for equity in the industry. Through his work, he has inspired a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the design world, one that reflects the achievements of all its contributors. ____View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

Introduction As per Wikipedia, the phrase “You can never tell a book by its cover” was popularized when it appeared in the 1946 murder mystery, Murder in the Glass Room, by Lester Fuller and Edwin Rolfe: So let's talk about books today from a designer's lens. For this episode, I have, Multiple award winning designer, Ahlawat Gunjan. He is Head of Design at Penguin Random House, India. Ahlawat has a master's degree in graphic design from The Glasgow School of Art, UK. Previous to that he spent a semester at Indiana-Purdue University, USA, focusing on design thinking, innovation, and leadership. At the core, he is from NID, Ahmedabad. What goes into making a book cover design? Secrets of Book Publishing, what goes into making a book, the future of physical books in the digital world, and a few tips if you wish to get into editorial design or publication.  Questions They often say, “Don't judge a book by its cover” Although the metaphorical meaning is different, but how does that feel to you as a designer? How true it is in the world of Book Design? What are the fundamental principles of effective book cover design? How is the balance achieved between telling a story through the cover, aesthetics, and shelf presence to grab a potential reader's attention? How does cover design differ across genres? (literary fiction vs. Children's book vs. Biographies and oh… there are endless categories) What role does audience research play in cover design decisions? Beyond the cover, what design elements go into creating a cohesive and reader-friendly book experience (typography, layout, illustrations, etc.)? How does the design team collaborate with authors and editors throughout the publishing process? Can you walk us through the entire process from penning it down to finally in the reader's hand? What factors influence the size and dimensions of a book (content type, target audience, printing costs, etc.)? With the rise of digital reading, how is the role of design evolving in the publishing industry? I recently was in London and went to Waterstones. They have multiple stores. The one at Piccadilly Circus was 4 4-story huge building. The sections/categories they had were crazy. Each airport has a bookstore. What is the future of books in this digital age? What design trends do you see shaping the future of printed books? How can one be a book designer? What advice would you give to aspiring book designers? What are some of the most iconic book cover designs in history, and why are they effective? Any that you designed and felt nice about or had a good recall? Reference reading https://www.ahlawatgunjan.com/about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLT_nLTtyPc https://books.google.com.sg/books/about/Slow_Is_Beautiful.html?id=nMLFzwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y https://www.instagram.com/ahlawat.gunjan/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahlawat-gunjan-8b866015/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&originalSubdomain=in https://www.penguin.co.in/book_author/ahlawat-gunjan/ https://www.amazon.in/Slow-Beautiful-Ultimate-Journal-Mindful/dp/0670095265 https://booksfirst.in/2023/02/01/ahlawat-gunjan-i-always-try-to-strive-for-simplicity/ https://scroll.in/article/1041022/with-easy-to-use-prompts-visual-designer-ahlawat-gunjan-teaches-how-to-see-reflect-and-create-art https://www.joinpaperplanes.com/ahlawat-gunjan/

In the final hour Brad Young and Amy continue 'Coffee Week' with CEO and Co-Founder of Goshen Coffee Jennifer Hughey about different blends and opening during Covid. Our No Prize Football Pick 'Em has former Cardinal Kyle McClellan and listener Big Blonde Dan. Finally, college some college students have not read a whole book before.

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Malorie Cooper from The Writing Wives to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of book covers and marketing for authors. Malorie shares her insights on using AI-generated images to create stunning, diverse visuals that are often hard to find in traditional stock photos — especially for marginalized communities. We also dive into the ethics of AI, how it's making advertising more efficient, and why authors should embrace these tools to level up their marketing efforts. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

GUEST: Ed Willes, former columnist at The Province & Author of Never Boring: The Up and Down History of The Vancouver Canucks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have British Columbians lost faith in the criminal justice system? GUEST: Jess Ketchum, Co-founder of the Save Our Streets coalition Everything Financial with Peter Cishecki GUEST: Peter Cishecki, Registered Financial Planner and President of the Everything Financial Group Provincial Political Panel - The Rustad Rebate & How much should we hold politicians accountable for past comments on social media? GUEST: Moe Sihota, former B.C NDP Cabinet Minister GUEST: Mary Polak, former B.C Liberal Cabinet Minister Cineplex fined for charging $1.50 online booking fee GUEST: Geri Mayer-Judson, Show Contributor New book covers the roller-coaster history of the Vancouver Canucks GUEST: Ed Willes, Author of Never Boring: The Up and Down History of The Vancouver Canucks The future of long distance and regional rail in B.C GUEST: Mario Péloquin, CEO of Via Rail Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexa Nazzaro is the founder of Aaxel Author Services, an agency providing authors with turnkey support in editing, book design and book marketing. ---   Upgrade Your Brain  Unleash & Use Your Uniqueness   ⁠⁠https://braingym.fitness/⁠⁠ http://partnerco.world/ All about Roy - https://roycoughlan.com/------------   Speaking Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠⁠⁠ ------------------   About my Guest Alexa Nazzaro : Alexa Nazzaro is the founder of Aaxel Author Services, an agency providing authors with turnkey support in editing, book design and book marketing. Alexa has worked with over 100 authors in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia, and has experience in all genres, including non-fiction, memoir, fiction, children's books, coloring books and journals. A graduate from Concordia University in Creative Writing, Alexa is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and the Writers' Union of Canada. She has contributed articles to the ALLi blog and to Write! Magazine. In addition to her author services agency, Alexa is also founder of Two Pigeons Press, a hybrid publishing house that released its first middle grade book, The Whole World Opened Up, in April 2023. Alexa is a member of the Membership Benefits Committee of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).  What we Discussed:    - Who is Alexa Nazzaro - Why she called the company Aaxel (2 mins) - Do Authors need to worry about Ai (3 mins) - My own Problems publishing with Amazon ( 5 mins) - Do Amazon give True Sales ( 7 mins) - The Advantages of using a publishing service ( 8 mins) - Advice on your Book Cover ( 10 mins) - Is there an Advantage having a Sub-Title on your book (14 mins) - What is the Sweet spot for Font Size ( 16 mins) - Pages and the page colour ( 19 mins) - Should you edit at the end or per Chapter (21 mins) - Should you give links in your Book (25 mins) - A Referenced Yale Study that never happened ( 27 mins) - How Much Money Can you make as an Author ( 28 mins) - Is Self Publishing for you ( 30 mins) - Marketing Your Book (31 mins) - Social Media for your Book (32:30 mins) - Paid Marketing for your Book (36 mins) - Paid PR and the Scams (38 mins) - Best way to Launch a Book (41 mins) How to Contact Alexa Nazzaro:    https://aaxelauthorgroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaxel-author-group/ https://www.youtube.com/@aaxelauthorgroup https://www.facebook.com/AaxelAuthorGroup ------------------------------More about the Awakening Podcast: All Episodes can be found at ⁠⁠http://www.speakingpodcast.com/⁠⁠   All Social Media + Donations link ⁠⁠https://bio.link/podcaster⁠⁠ https://roycoughlan.com/Our Facebook Group can be found at ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakingpodcast

In this week's episode, I take a look at 7 things you should not put on a book cover, and also discuss how I used to write tech nonfiction. TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 216 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is August the 30th, 2024, and today we're considering seven things that you should not put on your book cover. We'll also talk a little bit about how I used to write tech books and have Question of the Week. Last week we also had a bit of a problem with the microphone levels. Hopefully that should now be adjusted and the sound should not be bouncing around randomly throughout the episode. So first up, updates on my writing progress. I am currently done with the rough draft of Shield of Conquest, 97,500 words written in 21 days. Right now, I'm writing a companion short story, The First Command. That will be a short story that my newsletter subscribers will get for free in ebook form when Shield of Conquest comes out, hopefully sometime in September. I'm also 40,000 words into Ghosts in the Tombs, which will be the next main project after Shield of Conquest is out. I'm 10,000 words into Cloak of Titans, which hopefully will be around November. In audiobook news, the recording for Half-Orc Paladin is done. That will be excellently narrated by Leanne Woodward. And if all goes well, that should wend its way through the various audiobook stores and be available soon. 00:01:19 Question of the Week Now let's do Question of the Week, which is designed to inspire enjoyable discussion of interesting topics. This week's question: what is your favorite movie in the fantasy genre? No wrong answers obviously, but I think it's an interesting question because I suspect fantasy is a lot harder as a genre to bring to film than police procedurals or romantic comedies. Quite a few responses for this one. Mary says: The Princess Bride. Justin says: The Lord of the Rings trilogy is in a category by itself. A faithful (given the constraints) adaptation of the greatest fantasy story of all time. Conan is very good, but The Princess Bride is what I watch over and over again. Barbara says: Ralph Bakshi's Wizards. I know it's animated, but I watch it every chance I get. Even hunted down the soundtrack. It was our go to entertainment when my husband and I were dating and right after we were married. William says: Watching Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits as a child was an impactful experience for me. Personally, I don't really see the need to adapt perfectly good books into movies where you can make a perfectly good original movie instead like Star Wars. Martin says: Lord of the Rings has an epic quality about it and has everything. One of my favorite fantasy films is Stardust. It's a great journey for the characters involved and has a wonderful mix of magic and action. Jenny says: Legend and Labyrinth are iconic to me and Dark Crystal. Lord of the Rings is epic though, I agree. A different Barbara says: Got to be Labyrinth. Bowie was spectacular. Not a fan of Lord of the Rings. Gary says: Lord of the Rings is pretty obvious, but I've always liked Time Bandits. BV says: Hand down, Lord of the Rings and the upcoming movie Shield Knight (which is not terribly likely). Bonnie says: Willow is number one, then the original Dune. Yeah, I know-quite the spectrum. Juana says: Lord of the Rings and Fantastic Voyage. David says: Don't forget Krull. Tom says: Lord of the Rings, then Stardust. Rewatched those so many times. AL says: Willow also had a terrible plot. I think my second choice would be Bright, lol. And then the last Dungeons and Dragons movie. Jeanne says: Without question, Lord of the Rings. Darla says: Geez people, every movie you mentioned makes me want to see them again. There are so many good and not so good fantasy movies. I would say Lord of the Rings plus Rings of Power on Amazon. A really old movie from my brain is Scanners. Although the acting was totally terrible, the concept was intriguing. And finally, Pippa says: Lord of the Rings, then Willow. So yeah, we can see from those answers that Lord of the Rings is definitely the category winner, which agrees with my own assessment. For myself, I think the overwhelming answer would have to be Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. In my opinion, and your opinion may vary, The Lord of the Rings movie set the bar very high, so the trilogy is kind of in its own category. You can watch them 20 years later and they hold up well in a way a lot of stuff from 20 years ago does not. But with that said, I think my second favorite fantasy film would be the Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan the Barbarian, since it does a pretty good job of capturing the spirit of the original stories and the soundtrack by Basil Poledouris is superb. The Anvil of Crom track is excellent. Also, James Earl Jones plays an evil sorcerer/cult leader named Thulsa Doom, which is of course excellent, although after reading all the comments and thinking about it, I think Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves from 2023 would be tied with Conan the Barbarian in my second place fantasy film. 00:04:38 Reflections on Writing Tech Books Now onto a slightly different topic, how I used to write tech books. I can always tell when the school year starts because suddenly I have numerous orders for the paperback copies of the Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide and the Windows Command Line Beginner's Guide. This happens because some professors have recommended them for their classes because the books are one- low cost and two- a good introduction to the topic. If you've only discovered my writing recently, and by recently I mean within the last six years or so, you might not know this, but I used to do a lot of tech writing. That was in fact my first successful attempt at writing from the Internet, tech blogging back in the second half of the 2000s. When I started self-publishing in 2011, I also wrote a bunch of tech books and Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide and Windows Command Line Beginner's Guide are definitely the most successful of them. Around 2018/early 2019 I stopped tech writing due to lack of time and the fact that fiction turned out to be much more lucrative. That said, I occasionally get snide remarks and people saying well, why paid $0.99 for an ebook? All this information is available for free on the Internet or YouTube. That is true. However, it overlooks the fact that people learn information in different ways. For some people, having the information laid out step by step in a book is the best introduction to the topic. And the books are intended for absolute beginners. Part of the experience of being an absolute beginner is that you don't even know the proper questions to ask, which means it's hard to find research. It's hard to research and find relevant information on the Internet. It's said that experts know what they don't know. If you're a beginner, you don't even know what you don't know yet. That means you don't know what to Google or look for on YouTube. Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide and Windows Command Line Beginner's Guide were intended to give people a good beginning foundation on the topic. And since the books have been out for 12 years, I think I've achieved that achieved that goal. I've gotten many emails from people who found themselves suddenly forced to use Linux. My favorite was from a teacher who unexpectedly found himself teaching a high school computer science class one week before it actually began. They said that the book helped them come to grips with the Linux Command Line. I'm glad that was helpful. I'm glad that the book has helped people, which is why I've kept them at $0.99 for over a decade now. And if you are learning command line for the first time and you're one of the people who bought the book recently, I hope it is helpful. 00:07:00 Main Topic: 7 Things You Shouldn't Put on Your Book Cover Our main topic this week is seven things you shouldn't put on your book cover. We have talked a lot about book cover design and related topics on this podcast so I thought would be a good idea to take a look at seven things you shouldn't put on your book cover. It is a delicate balance to get a cover that is eye-catching and represents what you want people to know about your book without being either offensive or boring. Studying other covers in your genre is a great start for learning how to make successful covers and to match what people expect to see on a cover. Amazon has a broad “material we deem inappropriate or offensive” sentence in its guidance about inappropriate covers. So how do you know what makes for an inappropriate cover? As a general rule, over my book covers I've avoided any sort of nudity and no weapons pointed at the reader. If you have weapons on your cover, such as swords or guns or whatever, they should not be pointed at the reader. More specific questions you can ask yourself about whether something is inappropriate for book cover are: would someone be embarrassed or nervous to be seen with this book cover on the subway? Thanks to ereaders and phones, you can read whatever you want on the subway or the bus without people knowing what you're reading but if you have a paper book, would you be embarrassed to be seen with this cover in public? Would you have to hide this cover from a grandparent, a former teacher, or a teenager? Is this the kind of cover you would not want them to see? Would a newspaper be uncomfortable printing this cover as part of a story and would a local bookstore not be excited to have this cover in their window for the entire community to see? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, you may want to rethink your book cover. And now on to our actual list of seven things you should not put on your book cover. #1: Awards that no one has heard of or bestseller lists besides the New York Times. If your book has won an award that isn't super well known like the Hugo or the National Book Award or the Edgar, etcetera, it shouldn't take up real estate on your cover. It's definitely not worth chasing some of those random tiny book awards that focus on Indies, some of which are more sketchy than others, just to have a shiny gold metal on your cover. If people don't know the award, it's at best confusing and at worst makes it look like the book couldn't win a real award. New York Times is the only bestseller list the average reader would care about, maybe USA Today if you were on it before it ended. And similarly, advertising your Amazon ranking on your cover is cringey and looks desperate, so unless you've won a prestigious award that people who are outside the book world would have heard of, it's probably a good idea to not put any awards on your book cover. #2: Low resolution images and text and font that can't be read in thumbnail. Both too small and too stylized are problems. Test out your thumbnail on both color and an E Ink screens because you want it to be comprehensible and legible in both formats in thumbnail. Low resolution or pixelated images make your book look cheap and low effort, which will be especially noticeable and regrettable in print versions. Never zoom into a JPEG unless the JPEG is high enough resolution to support it. In any kind of photo editing or cover design, you want to work with the highest resolution photos possible because there naturally are more pixels to work with, and then you can do more things with it or zoom in a bit without it becoming appearing pixelated, which is not possible with low resolution images. So you'll want to avoid those for your book cover. #3 of things you should not put on your book cover are images you don't own or AI generated images. Copyright matters. If you don't own the image or a license to use it, you're infringing on someone's copyright and they can respond legally or send take down notices to the places where your book is sold. Be careful about using Creative Commons sites, since copyrighted work frequently ends up on those sites. Also, many Creative Common photos are restricted from commercial use and/or the artists require attribution. Tread carefully and make sure you understand the conditions for using images with Creative Common licenses. For myself, I source my images either from reputable stack photo sites like Dreamstime.com or I use pictures I've taken myself, or I use images generated by Daz 3D. Because of the way DAS 3D licensing works, you can use any 2D images you generate from their 3D assets. If you generate a 2D image from those assets, you have the right to use it. As for AI generated images, read Amazon's and the other site's instructions on the use of the AI carefully before making something with the assistance of AI or wholly by AI. It's possible Amazon and the other bookstores in the future may somehow penalize work created with AI, so it's not worth risking future problems by not disclosing AI use properly. Also, many people feel very strongly negative feelings about AI Art and associate it with books created using ChatGPT. As of right now on Amazon, if you publish a book, there is a check box you have to check saying that no elements of the book or its cover were created using AI. If you don't check that then your book has a little notice once published saying created with the assistance of AI, which can of course turn people off. And I suspect that Amazon added that so that if some point the legal environment turns against AI, they have a quick and easy way to say they're in compliance and getting rid of most of the AI generated content on their site. So for now, I would strongly recommend that you avoid using AI generated images on your cover. #4: The fourth thing you shouldn't put on your book cover is ineffective review quotes. One or two word reviews on covers like “magical” or “thrilling book” saying nothing about the book and make it look like there wasn't much that was positive to say in the reviews. Conversely, long reviews take up too much space on the cover and end up being hard to read. Someone who isn't well known or a celebrity public figure outside of your genre will look odd or someone who uses a random five star review from Goodreads, like for example Beth from Milwaukee says “I couldn't put it down.” Since the reader likely doesn't know Beth from Milwaukee, it's hard to be excited about her opinion or use Beth from Milwaukee's taste to compare with their own. Many people (often correctly) assume that the reviewer is paid or incentivized to write the review, and that it isn't sincere. For a public figure/celebrity/author, their review on your cover could be a liability later on if they end up associated with some type of scandal or crime. There is a major scandal going down right now with a major fantasy writer who, it turns out may have been involved in many inappropriate relationships (some of them may have been criminal, though none of this had been confirmed yet), and I bet a lot of people who have this major fantasy author's blurb quotes on their book cover are kind of wishing they could take it off right now. Another potential pitfall is copyright, because technically anyone who writes reviews owns the copyright to that review. So if you quote, for example, from a random Amazon review, you technically don't have permission to do that unless you actually go out and get permission. So that is something to be aware of with quoting reviews on your cover. It's generally not worth the hassle in my opinion. #5: So the fifth thing you should not put on your book cover is scantily clad, shirtless, or nude people. Amazon does penalize authors for this, but the enforcement has always been rather inconsistent. The idea is that on Amazon there is what is something that's called “The Erotica Dungeon” where works that feature erotica or erotica style elements on their cover end up and they're not found by general search and you can only get to them through direct links. There's always problems with this, where people who actually do write erotica try to game the system so their books are visible outside of “The Erotica Dungeon” and people who don't write erotica but are mistakenly classified as it end up in “The Erotica Dungeon.” One of the surefire ways to end up in “The Erotica Dungeon” is to have scantily clad, shirtless, or nude people on your book cover. Amazon says book covers are not supposed to contain pornography, which is an intentionally vague warning from Amazon, which means they can interpret it however they want and they need to. Some people find any amount of scantily clad people on a book cover to be gross, awkward, offensive, or embarrassing, even without having to carry the physical book cover around in public or at home. Some people think it makes the book looks like it's from the 1980s or the Fabio era of romance novels, and some people think it means the book is low quality or just erotica. Overall, I found that this tends to get enforced on Amazon when people complain about it, so overall it's best to avoid having scantily clad people in your book cover because it can become a problem for you later on. And in my opinion, in general, it's just in poor taste. #6: The sixth thing you shouldn't have on your book cover is explicit violence/gore. Some people find this a little tricky to define because if you have, for example, on your book cover you have a man holding a sword and he's like making a dramatic pose, is that violence? Not really, no. But if you have the man, you know, driving the sword into someone's, you know, mouth and blood is exploding on the back of the guy's head, then that is definitely violence and will lead to your book being flagged. It's very hard to incorporate violence and gore well on your cover and could lead to your book getting flagged. You'll notice that most with thriller or horror stories, which are often very violent. You know, the typical thriller story has, you know, the hero mowing down a bunch of bad guys and horror stories, often are quite violent, especially ones with, you know, serial killers or slashers. But they often don't have scenes from the books on the covers. It's a common convention for thriller novel to have a man with his back to the camera walking towards like the US Capitol, or something under a moody dramatic sky and a horror novel will have, like, you know, an abandoned looking house or a spooky looking forest on the cover or something of that nature. You notice that's not explicit violence. And it's a case where definitely less is more, and being understated is a better idea than being explicit. Anything that shows violence or abuse against children is very likely to be flagged, so avoid that. And then finally, guns on book covers used to be forbidden, but this seems less of a problem now, provided the gun isn't pointed at a person. I've had a couple of book covers where a person is holding a gun, some Nadia ones. Avenging Fire and the Silent Order covers used to have people holding like future guns on them, but so long as the gun isn't pointed at a person or at the reader, then generally you're probably going to be okay. So just keep in mind that sometimes with violence on book covers, less is definitely more. #7: The seventh and final thing that you should not have on your book cover is hate speech. Now hate speech is one of those things that is notoriously difficult to define, especially in the United States with the 1st Amendment and people constantly argue about what it is or what it isn't or whether something is hate speech or isn't. And of course there's a spectrum to it where someone says something that's very obviously hate speech and can't be construed in any other way to a whole range of other statements that could be interpreted in different ways. But when it comes to book covers, Amazon specifically defines hate speech as “what we determine to be hate speech” and does not give specifics. So that said, it's pretty easy to practically define it as anything that Amazon thinks makes it look bad or could harm their sales across the platform. So if you bear that in mind, it's probably pretty easy to avoid hate speech on your book cover, especially if you're writing about sensitive political topics. And again, that could be an example where once again you don't want to go too explicit, and it's probably fairly easy to avoid putting something that could be construed as hate speech on your book cover. So those are seven things you definitely do not want to put on your book cover. So that is it for this week. Thanks for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your view on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.

*Patreon- and Substack-only bonus episode teaser*Today we are joined by author Luvvie Ajayi Jones to discuss the all-important topic of book cover design and book marketing. Luvvie regularly works with aspiring new authors through her Book Academy, guiding them all the way through the publishing process. We also play a game where we predict whether or not a book will sell based on the title and cover (see the covers here).*This episode is exclusive to members of The Stacks Pack on Patreon and our Substack subscribers. To join a community, get inside access to the show, and listen now, click the link below.JOIN PATREON OR SUBSTACK TO LISTENYou can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/unabridged/2024/08/23/tsu-37-luvvie-ajayi-jonesConnect with Luvvie: Instagram | Twitter | WebsiteConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSUPPORT THE STACKSJoin The Stacks Pack on PatreonPurchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ilana and Katie dive into the creative world of book cover design with Art Director, Casey Moses. Casey shares her journey into the field of books and insight into her job as an Art Director at a major publishing house. They explore how book covers influence reader choices, and discuss their favorite genres.The conversation also details Casey's process for designing book covers, hiring artists, and building a compelling portfolio, all while underscoring the value of book covers and the challenges encountered in the design process.Casey believes all aspiring book cover designers can pursue their passions and find industry opportunities.All that and more when you listen to this episode:• How your favorite books and dream genres shape your creative vision• A look inside the book cover design process, including collaboration and revisions• How to stay adaptable in the face of changing requirements in the design process• Tapping into the power of personal connections in the book cover design industry• Fair compensation & industry limitations in the publishing spaceConnect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype• Goodtype Website• Goodtype on Instagram• Goodtype on Youtube• Join the Good GuildConnect with our guest:Instagram: @_thebookcaseWebsite: caseymoses.comMentioned in this episode:• Penguin Random House• Thoroughly Modern Millie• Kindle Unlimited• A Study in CharlotteLove The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets!Leave us a review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the showTag us on Instagram @GoodtypeFollow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtypeKeep the conversation going on SlackLearn from Katie and IlanaGrab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

Episode #158: Robin's Riff on “How Ugly Book Covers Hurt Credibility”Summary:Attention authors: Your book cover is not just a design—it's the first impression for your book. You know what they say about first impressions and second chances…So, before you sign off on your next book cover, you'll want to tune into this new Robin's Riff, as Robin explains why it's important to get it right and offers some insider secrets on how to create one.In Episode #158 of The Author's Corner, Robin Colucci takes aim at a common stumbling block in publishing: the pitfalls of poorly designed book covers. The sad truth is that a poorly designed book cover not only makes your book less appealing to readers, it can undermine your credibility! Key takeaways:How a poorly designed book cover can undermine the credibility of a bookWhy putting your picture on the front cover is not the best ideaThe importance of not using too much text or low-resolution imagesHow to select a quality book cover designerAnd much more invaluable advice awaits!About Robin Colucci:Robin Colucci is the principal founder of World Changing Books. With over 3 decades of experience in journalism and the publishing industry, she is a multi-hyphenated professional—she's a guide, mentor, and strategist for thought leaders ready to see their expertise and ideas become a lasting legacy that changes the world.Under Robin's expert guidance, World Changing Books has helped authors—from CEOs, astronauts, and Nobel laureates to emerging voices—secure over $6.3 million in advances in a mere 4 years. These authors have successfully landed deals with “Big 5” publishers, won prestigious awards, and earned bestseller statuses everywhere from Amazon to The New York Times.Spread the word:LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebook

Episode #158: Robin's Riff on “How Ugly Book Covers Hurt Credibility”Summary:Attention authors: Your book cover is not just a design—it's the first impression for your book. You know what they say about first impressions and second chances…So, before you sign off on your next book cover, you'll want to tune into this new Robin's Riff, as Robin explains why it's important to get it right and offers some insider secrets on how to create one.In Episode #158 of The Author's Corner, Robin Colucci takes aim at a common stumbling block in publishing: the pitfalls of poorly designed book covers. The sad truth is that a poorly designed book cover not only makes your book less appealing to readers, it can undermine your credibility! Key takeaways:How a poorly designed book cover can undermine the credibility of a bookWhy putting your picture on the front cover is not the best ideaThe importance of not using too much text or low-resolution imagesHow to select a quality book cover designerAnd much more invaluable advice awaits!About Robin Colucci:Robin Colucci is the principal founder of World Changing Books. With over 3 decades of experience in journalism and the publishing industry, she is a multi-hyphenated professional—she's a guide, mentor, and strategist for thought leaders ready to see their expertise and ideas become a lasting legacy that changes the world.Under Robin's expert guidance, World Changing Books has helped authors—from CEOs, astronauts, and Nobel laureates to emerging voices—secure over $6.3 million in advances in a mere 4 years. These authors have successfully landed deals with “Big 5” publishers, won prestigious awards, and earned bestseller statuses everywhere from Amazon to The New York Times.Spread the word:LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebook

A book's title is one of the most important elements to get right, and one of the trickiest. A great title should communicate the promise of the book and who it's for to attract the intended audience — all in a few catchy and memorable words. Maggie Langrick, a creativity coach and founding publisher at Wonderwell Press, explains what makes a successful title and subtitle and what to avoid if you want to make a great impression and hook a reader. Find a transcript and show notes at greenleafbookgroup.com/episode88.

Welcome to another episode of Better Business, Better Life. Join host Debra Chantry-Taylor with guest, Michelle DeFilippo, the owner of 1106 Design. With 52 years in the publishing industry, Michelle has witnessed the rise of self-publishing and the impact of technology on the field. Michelle's business offers high-quality manuscript editing, book cover design, proofreading, eBook formatting, and more, providing comprehensive indie-publishing advice and support. In this episode, Michelle shares insights on true self-publishing, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure your book delivers a solid return on investment. Tune in to learn how to publish like a pro and create a book you're proud to market and sell. HOST'S DETAILS: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUESTS DETAILS: ____________________________________________  ► https://1106design.com/ ► Michelle DeFilippo - LinkedIn   Chapters:   00:07 - Introduction 02:08 - Michelle's Publishing Background 05:33 - What Self-Publishing Really Means 07:47 - The Role of Editors in Self-Publishing 12:19 - Editors vs. AI in Book Editing 15:17 - Starting the Writing Process 17:01 - Producing Booklets for Business 21:10 - Importance of Book Covers 25:16 - Understanding Self-Publishing and Royalties 33:32 - Revenue from Book Sales 34:53 - Marketing Your Book 37:23 - Closing Thoughts

Today, we're diving into the world of book cover design. I'm thrilled to be joined by Katia from Miblart, a team of professional book cover designers who create marketable book covers for indie authors and publishers. We explore the importance of having a finalized manuscript before commissioning a cover, the types of book covers available, and when you should start thinking about your cover design. Katia also shares insider tips on effectively collaborating with designers, managing costs, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're writing your first novel or first series, this episode equips you with the knowledge to create a compelling cover that reflects your story and captures readers' attention. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind powerful book covers. Tune in and stay unstoppable!00:17 Welcome to Write It Scared01:18 Introduction to Book Cover Design02:04 Interview with Katia from Miblart03:41 Understanding Miblart's Services06:25 When to Start Thinking About Book Cover Design08:10 DIY vs. Professional Book Covers10:36 Cost and Time Commitment for Book Covers12:43 Target Research for Book Covers15:44 Designing Covers for Book Series17:39 Common Pitfalls in Book Cover Design22:47 Myths About Book Cover Design24:03 Conclusion and Contact InformationMiblart is a team of professional book cover designers that creates marketable book covers for indie authors and publishers. Katia handles outreach, consults with authors, assists designers, and works in promotion. https://linktr.ee/katia.bookcoverdesignSupport the Show.To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Eleven months Draft2Digital announced the acquisition of SelfPubBookCovers.com (SPBC), a decade-old pioneering marketplace for premade book covers. We've been hard at work rebuilding a site that's committed to helping authors find the perfect cover, and helping professional cover designers build their businesses. Today our own Nick Thacker will provide a deep dive into what's new and provide a preview of what's to come! //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Send us a Text Message.Today's show is for you writers out there! No matter if you are a bestselling author with a huge backlist or you are just kicking around the idea of writing a book, todays show will have huge value to you! I highly suggest you take notes for this episode. My guest on the show today is Bestselling Author and Expert Ghostwriter/Ghostpublisher, Joshua Lisec. Joshua Lisec is a #1 international and Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter who has ghostwritten more than 90 books since 2011 on everything from metabolic health and internet marketing to political tell-alls and current events reporting that have been translated into several languages.After having multiple novels published by an independent publishing house, Joshua turned his talents to helping others achieve their own literary dreams.As a leading expert on author voice authenticity, Joshua has helped executives, coaches, inventors, multimillionaire and billionaire entrepreneurs, philanthropists, politicians, and religious leaders find the best way to say what's on their minds and in their hearts.The only Certified Ghostwriter (California State University, Long Beach) and Certified Hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnotists), Joshua teaches a masterclass on hypnowriting, a method of ghostwriting that uses the techniques of hypnosis to structure a draft and refine a book. In today's episode we discuss:·      How Joshua became a hypnotist, and the life-changing effects hypnosis can have.·      Joshua's bestselling book, So Good They Call You a Fake: Command Attention, Monetize Your Talent Stack, and Become the Uncontested Authority in Your Niche.·      How Josh turns bad reviews on their heads and transmutes the lead of hate into the gold of praise. ·      The psychology of book covers and how unique, obvious, and simplistic covers sell a book! ·      How Joshua started his career in ghostwriting?·      Role of ghost writer and what do you say to someone who says it's “cheating?”·      How a book can ruin your career.·      Joshua explains how books are a form of hypnosis. ·      Common mistakes writers make with their marketing or craft.·      The role and future of Artificial intelligence in book publishing and writing. Please visit Joshua's website packed with valuable information!Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

You've heard the old adage: Don't judge a book by its cover. Well, we all know that a gorgeous cover is hard to pass by, and those of us in the publishing industry know that a good book cover can be the difference between a reader picking it up or leaving it behind. In this episode of "Writer's Digest Presents," editor-in-chief Amy Jones and content editor Michael Woodson are joined by designer Charlotte Strick and writer Zachary Petit to discuss all things book design and book covers!

In this weeks episode Elvis fans discuss the cover of the soon to be published Lisa-Marie Presley Memoir BUY ME COFFEE USING THE LINK BELOW || ALL DONATIONS GO BACK INTO THE COSTS OF RUNNING THIS CHANNEL Join our Discord Channel now for more Elvis fun https://discord.gg/8fMbB7Bf https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Elvisfanchannel OR PAYPAL https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UVMNLFKHCZJGQ Save Elvis' Circle G Ranch https://www.facebook.com/CIRCLEGFOUNDATION/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/elvis_the_ultimate_fan_channel/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Elvis-The-Ultimate-Fan-Channel-1834123136661767/?ref=bookmarks TWITTER https://twitter.com/SteveFrancis5

This week, Halley and I share updates on our 1,000 Words of Summer challenge and dive into what we love about our favorite book covers.  We also share what we've been reading, watching and listening to.Books We Talked AboutAlmost Surely DeadStone Cold FoxThe Last HousewifeThe FavoritesThe Lies I TellThe Force of Such Beauty 

Episode Show Notes In this episode we cover:  Key elements of a successful book cover design How to know when cover trends are changing in your genre The complete process of creating a book cover How to make your book cover stand out Advice for working with a professional book cover designer Find out more about Holly: hollydunndesign.com Instagram YouTube Free Guide to Comp Covers Join the Early Bird List for Premade Cover Releases Rebel of the Week is: Gigi Rivers If you'd like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you'd like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack  THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.

On Friday, November 22, 1963, nineteen year old Buell Wesley Frazier drove to his job at the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas. Sitting next to him in his car that morning was his coworker and occasional passenger, Lee Harvey Oswald. Little did Buell know that later that day his life would be permanently impacted by one of the most tragic events in American history, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In this episode of Your History Your Story, we have the privilege of speaking with Buell Wesley Frazier, author of the book, “Steering Truth: My eternal connection to JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald”. Buell will talk about what it was like to train and work alongside Lee Harvey Oswald at the Book Depository, and will recollect his experiences on that fateful day in Dallas more than 60 years ago. Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Romy Modlin Photography, LLC - Book cover photo. Book Cover design by Robert Frazier and Betty Frazier Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!! YHYS Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Social Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Join our mailing list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner To purchase "Steering Truth": https://www.amazon.com/s?k=steering+truth+by+buell+wesley+frazier&crid=1W01B6R79XTVQ&sprefix=steering+truth%2Caps%2C75&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_3_14 ⁠⁠⁠

Doug Hajicek has had a very successful Television career spanning over 35 years. His accomplishments are also many in the Television and scientific world. His World firsts include building the camera system that filmed the first giant squid well over 54' feet long living in its natural habitat. See (Predators of The Deep) 2 hour History Channel Special 2020. He was also responsible for Filming the first ever birth of wild Black Bears and the first to document wild Mammals of different species co-habituating. He is the Creator and Producer for the hit TV series "MonsterQuest" airing on: The History Channel, 4 seasons. 70 one hour episodes. Doug Hajicek resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Hajicek also invented interactive and patented Augmented Holographic theaters. He also Hosts the Popular Untold Radio AM live show and Podcast since 2020. Hajicek also has many writing credits along with the creation of a many Book Covers. He has appeared on the Today Show numerous times, along with hundreds of podcasts and Magazine articles including Newsweek.https://untoldradioam.com/https://hangar1publishing.com/Get your tickets to the Virtual Convention here:https://cryptids-anomalies-and-the-paranormal-society.ticketleap.com/marinettemenominee-bigfoot--paranormal-convention-2024/Click that play button, and let's unravel the mysteries of the UNTOLD! Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our channel to stay updated on all the latest discoveries and adventures. See you there!Join Barnaby Jones each Monday on the Untold Radio Network Live at 12pm Central – 10am Pacific and 1pm Eastern. Come and Join the live discussion next week. Please subscribe.We have ten different Professional Podcasts on all the things you like. New favorite shows drop each day only on the UNTOLD RADIO NETWORKTo find out more about Barnaby Jones and his team, (Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society) visit their website www.WisconsinCAPS.comMake sure you share and Subscribe to the CAPS YouTube Channel as wellhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs7ifB9Ur7x2C3VqTzVmjNQ

In this month's episode we talk about what makes us pick up a book in the first place, some of our favorite book covers, and the books behind those covers.

From what defines a historical rom-com, similarities and differences between other sub-genres, and how it provides a seamless transition for fans of contemporary rom-coms, Francesca from the Under the Book Covers blog shares all that plus more in the episode.  Get her expert recommendations for must-read authors and books within the genre. Additionally, we explore Francesca's reading journey, and we talk about the resources available on her blog to help readers find their next favorite historical rom-com.THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDESpring into reading this season! Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com. This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more. So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

In this podcast, Adam Nevill talks about Lost Girl, pandemic life, Samuel Araya Art and Book Covers, and much more.  About Adam Nevill Adam Nevill  was born in Birmingham, England, in 1969 and grew up in England and New Zealand. He is an author of horror fiction. Of his novels, The Ritual, Last Days, No … Continue reading

Good advice about designing your own book cover; don't.   If you self-publish your novel don't ruin it with a do-it-yourself book cover.   Here are thoughts on why you should hire a pro designer.  Also: why have we lost some enthusiasm for writing our novel, and how can we get it back?   And some of the loveliest sentences in literature.Support the Show.

In this episode, Matt and Enn discuss Lord of Chaos and each main character's trajectory throughout. We give out our Destiny's Child Awards and play our seasonal Marry, F***, Kill as well as talk about hopes and predictions for next book and discuss these Book Covers! Since we already took some breaks, our next season will begin next week! Prepare to Soldier on and join us for Season 7 where will start the A Crown of Swords!Support the Show.

If you've always wanted to know what goes into making a book cover, don't miss this episode! Special guest, Christina Marcano, gives us all the inside scoop.

Beat the Kayfabe Effect at our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cartoonistkayfabe Ed's Links (Order RED ROOM!, Patreon, etc): https://linktr.ee/edpiskor Jim's Links (Patreon, Store, social media): https://linktr.ee/jimrugg ------------------------- E-NEWSLETTER: Keep up with all things Cartoonist Kayfabe through our newsletter! News, appearances, special offers, and more - signup here for free: https://cartoonistkayfabe.substack.com/ --------------------- SNAIL MAIL! Cartoonist Kayfabe, PO Box 3071, Munhall, Pa 15120 --------------------- T-SHIRTS and MERCH: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/cartoonist-kayfabe --------------------- Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartoonist.kayfabe/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CartoonKayfabe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cartoonist.Kayfabe Ed's Contact info: https://Patreon.com/edpiskor https://www.instagram.com/ed_piskor https://www.twitter.com/edpiskor https://www.amazon.com/Ed-Piskor/e/B00LDURW7A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Jim's contact info: https://www.patreon.com/jimrugg https://www.jimrugg.com/shop https://www.instagram.com/jimruggart https://www.twitter.com/jimruggart https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Rugg/e/B0034Q8PH2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1543440388&sr=1-2-ent

Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even begin with cover design? If so, today's podcast is for you. In this episode, Kate and I will divulge our best tips and techniques for designing a show-stopping cover — whether you're flying solo or working with a cover designer. We'll share what we've learned on our publishing journey so that you can avoid the worst pitfalls and design a book cover you're proud of for years to come. Ready to dive into this discussion? Grab a notebook, and let's get started! Get access to exclusive livestream hangouts when you support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thekateandabbieshow/