Podcasts about cover design

Wie du im Selfpublishing erfolgreich mit Dienstleistern und Dienstleisterinnen zusammenarbeitest In dieser Folge spreche ich über ein zentrales Thema im Selfpublishing: die Zusammenarbeit mit Dienstleister:innen. Ob große Konzerne wie Amazon und BOD oder individuelle Profis wie Coverdesignerinnen, Lektoren und Buchsetzerinnen – die Art der Kommunikation und die Qualität der Zusammenarbeit sind entscheidend für den Erfolg deines Buchprojekts. Ich teile meine Erfahrungen aus über 15 Jahren in der Buchbranche und zeige dir, worauf du achten solltest, wie du Missverständnisse vermeidest und mit welchen Strategien du das Beste aus der Zusammenarbeit herausholst. Außerdem erfährst du, warum klare Abmachungen, Vertragsdetails und Respekt im Umgang miteinander so wichtig sind – und wie du langfristige, vertrauensvolle Beziehungen aufbauen kannst. Ob du gerade erst startest oder schon mehrere Bücher veröffentlicht hast: ‚Auch diese Folge bietet dir wertvolle Tipps und Impulse für deinen eigenen Weg im Selfpublishing!   Hier die wichtigsten Aspekte, die ich in dieser Folge anspreche: # Die 10 wichtigsten Erkenntnisse aus der Folge   1. Zwei Hauptgruppen von Dienstleistern  Die Zusammenarbeit im Selfpublishing unterscheidet sich stark zwischen großen Firmen (wie Amazon, BOD, Tolino) und Einzeldienstleister:innen (z.B. Coverdesigner:innen, Lektor:innen). Diese beiden Gruppen erfordern jeweils unterschiedliche Kommunikationsstrategien.   2. Großunternehmen sind nicht für Autor:innen da, sondern für den eigenen Profit  Eine zentrale Erkenntnis ist, dass große Unternehmen wie Amazon & Co. primär auf Gewinn ausgerichtet sind und nicht existieren, um Autor:innen zu helfen, ihre Bücher zu veröffentlichen.   3. Kommunikation verläuft oft über Filter und Automatisierungen  Der Kontakt mit Großunternehmen verläuft meist unpersönlich und automatisiert. Persönlicher Kontakt findet nur selten statt – und selbst dann sind die Mitarbeitenden an Vorgaben gebunden.   4. Respekt und Freundlichkeit sind grundlegend  Ich kann es nicht oft genug wiederholen, sowohl im Umgang mit Großunternehmen als auch Einzeldienstleister:innen lohnt es sich stets respektvoll und freundlich zu bleiben, aber dabei auch bestimmte Anliegen klar und bestimmt zu äußern.   5. Kommunikation und Austausch mit Kolleg:innen ist wertvoll  Der Austausch mit anderen Selfpublisher:innen hilft, gemeinsame Probleme zu erkennen und Lösungsansätze zu finden. Oft treten dieselben Schwierigkeiten bei mehreren gleichzeitig auf.   6. Geduld und Vorbereitung sind wichtig  Gerade bei großen Firmen muss mit längeren Wartezeiten gerechnet werden. Es ist hilfreich, sich vor Anfragen bereits in den Hilfetexten und Angeboten zu informieren, um gezielt nachfragen zu können.   7. Vertragsprüfung ist unerlässlich  Du musst die Vertragsbedingungen und AGBs der Dienstleister:innen unbedingt genau lesen, insbesondere was Rechte, Exklusivität und nicht beabsichtigte Klauseln (z.B. Hörbuchrechte) betrifft.   8. Schriftliche Abmachungen mit Einzeldienstleister:innen sind essenziell  Für alle Leistungen – vom Coverdesign bis zum Lektorat – brauchst du klare, schriftliche Abmachungen darüber, was geleistet wird und wie die Bezahlung geregelt ist, um Missverständnisse zu vermeiden.   9. Präzises Briefing ist erfolgsentscheidend  Je genauer und spezifischer die eigenen Vorstellungen an Dienstleister:innen kommuniziert werden, desto besser werden die Ergebnisse. Unklare Angaben führen zu schlechten Resultaten und langwierigen Prozessen.   10. Klare Absprachen zu Kommunikation und Bezahlung schaffen Sicherheit  Vereinbarungen über Kommunikationswege und Zahlungsmodalitäten sollen von Anfang an geklärt werden. Auch Authentizität, Ehrlichkeit und Verlässlichkeit in der Zusammenarbeit sind Schlüssel für langfristig erfolgreiche Beziehungen.   Zusammenarbeit mit Dienstleister:innen im Selfpublishing – Warum, wie und worauf du achten solltest Wenn du dein Buch im Selfpublishing veröffentlichen willst, kommst du nicht drum herum: Du musst mit Dienstleister:innen zusammenarbeiten. Das klingt erstmal stressig, kann aber richtig Spaß machen – wenn du ein paar Dinge beachtest. In Folge 334 vom Mission Bestseller Podcast dreht sich alles um das Thema: Wie läuft die Zusammenarbeit mit Dienstleister:innen ab? Welche Fettnäpfchen kannst du vermeiden? Und wie sorgst du dafür, dass dein Buch-Projekt nicht zur Katastrophe wird? Hier bekommst du den Überblick – locker-flockig und mit einem Augenzwinkern. Zwei Sorten Dienstleister:innen – und warum das wichtig ist In der Selfpublishing-Welt unterscheiden sich grob zwischen zwei Arten von Dienstleister:innen: die großen Konzerne (Amazon, BOD, Tolino, Nova MD etc.) und die Einzeldienstleister:innen wie Cover-Designer:innen, Lektor:innen oder Buchsetzer:innen. Und ganz ehrlich: Der Unterschied könnte größer nicht sein! Die großen Firmen sind deine Eintrittskarte in den Buchmarkt. Ohne sie läuft nichts - sie drucken, distribuierten, listen und liefern deine Buchbabys aus. Aber Achtung: Die machen das nicht für dein Wohl, sondern für den Profit. Liebe Autor:in, falls du dachtest, Amazon und Co. existieren nur, um deinen Traum vom Bestseller zu realisieren – sorry, da muss ich die Seifenblase platzen lassen. Sie wollen Geld verdienen, und zwar so viel wie möglich. Respekt und Professionalität – auch bei den Großen Was heißt das für die Zusammenarbeit? Erstmal: Bleib freundlich! Die Menschen (und Bots), die dir bei den großen Dienstleister:innen begegnen, hängen auch nur in ihrem Arbeitskorsett und können nicht zaubern. Aufregen bringt nix, Respekt hingegen kommt immer gut an. Kommunikation ist das A und O – und manchmal leider auch ein Geduldsspiel. Mach dir klar: Die Wartezeiten können lang werden, gerade bei BOD oder Nova MD. Amazon antwortet zwar schnell, aber meistens bekommst du erstmal Standardantworten à la FAQ-Bot 3000. Da hilft: Sich mit anderen Autor:innen austauschen, nachfragen, ob dein Problem ein Einzelfall ist oder ob gleich eine ganze Meute betroffen ist. So fühlst du dich weniger allein und kommst eventuell schneller voran. Ganz, ganz wichtig: Lies dir die Vertragsbedingungen durch! Und ja, ich weiß, das ist so spannend wie Steuererklärung, aber du willst nicht plötzlich alle Hörbuchrechte bei einem Dienstleister eingebucht wissen, nur weil du aus Versehen ein Häkchen falsch gesetzt hast. Die Einzeldienstleister:innen – Lektorat, Cover, und Co. Kommen wir zum zweiten Team in deinem Autor:innen-Leben: die Einzelkämpfer:innen, die sich liebevoll um deinen Text, dein Cover oder das Korrektorat kümmern. Hier ist der Umgang oft persönlicher – aber gerade deshalb sollte alles Schwarz auf Weiß geregelt sein. Verträge schützen beide Seiten. Das klingt nach Anwalt und Stress, ist aber oft das, was am Ende Freundschaften rettet. Wer übernimmt was, zu welchem Preis und in welcher Frist? Das klärst du unbedingt schriftlich. Und wenn dir jemand für ein Komplett-Korrektorat 50 Euro anbietet, dann investiere das Geld lieber in einen Espresso und nutze eine Textmaschine – Ernsthaftigkeit sieht anders aus. Gute Arbeit hat ihren Preis, und das ist auch sinnvoll, schließlich möchtest du, dass die Leute von ihrer Arbeit leben können. Sei ehrlich zu dir selbst: Was ist dir dein Buch wert? Ein gutes Cover ist kein Fiverr-Schnäppchen und ein ordentliches Lektorat kostet Zeit und Geld. Klar kommunizieren – macht alles leichter Egal, ob Cover-Design oder Buchsatz: Je klarer du beschreibst, was du willst, desto glücklicher sind am Ende alle. Vage Angaben führen nur zu Frust und endlosen Korrekturrunden. Rot und Gelb sind für dich vielleicht Farben, für Grafiker:innen aber ein ganzes Universum. Je genauer dein Briefing, desto besser das Ergebnis! Und wenn mal etwas nicht passt – sei ehrlich. Freundlich, aber ehrlich. Nur so kommt ihr gemeinsam ans Ziel. Sprich auch Kommunikationskanäle ab. Wenn du nur E-Mail magst, sag es. Wenn du WhatsApp nicht ausstehen kannst, dann sag's auch. Das erspart vielen Beteiligten das große: „Wie war nochmal der letzte Stand?" Und zu guter Letzt: Bleib flexibel. Nicht jedes Dienstleister:innen-Abenteuer wird ein Match made in Heaven. Jede:r hat schon die eine oder andere Enttäuschung erlebt – das gehört dazu. Offenheit, Respekt und die Bereitschaft, aus Fehlern zu lernen, bringen dich immer weiter. Das Miteinander macht den Unterschied Selfpublishing ist Teamarbeit. Du hast die Kontrolle, klar – aber ohne gute Zusammenarbeit mit Dienstleister:innen wird's schnell ein einsames, frustiges Unterfangen. Also: Verträge machen, respektvoll (und mit einer Prise Humor) kommunizieren, Budgets realistisch kalkulieren – und immer wieder mit anderen austauschen. So wird dein Buchprojekt nicht nur erfolgreich, sondern auch angenehm für alle, die an ihm mitarbeiten. Und falls du doch mal mit eine:r Dienstleister:in streitest – denk daran: Jede Anekdote ist potenzieller Stoff für dein nächstes Kapitel.

On the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, host Howard Lovy talks to Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about the role genre conventions play in professional book cover design. Michele explains the visual signals that help readers recognize a book's category at a glance, from the authority expected in business books to the mood and atmosphere that drive fiction covers. She also discusses the thumbnail test, common amateur mistakes, the danger of cramming too much information onto a cover, and the importance of giving designers enough room to create a cover that serves both the author and the marketplace. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Host Howard Lovy is an author, developmental editor, and writing coach with a long career in journalism and publishing. He works with writers at many stages of their careers, with a focus on helping them develop their ideas and strengthen their work while preserving their unique voices. He lives in Northern Michigan. About the Guest Michele DeFilippo has more than fifty years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, helps authors publish high-quality books, keep control of their work, and earn more from each copy sold. Michele is committed to helping authors ask the right questions, avoid scams, and make informed decisions when choosing publishing service providers. A PDF of her eighty-eight-page guide, "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing," can be downloaded for free.

In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe goes behind the scenes of one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing: book cover design.  In the first segment, Erin Fitzsimmons (Sourcebooks) and Karina Granda (Hachette Book Group) join Joe to talk about how they got their start in design, what their creative process looks like today, and how book covers have evolved alongside trends, formats, and reader expectations.  Then, in the second segment, Kathryn G. English (Blackstone Publishing) and Ryan Willwerscheid (Podium Audio) dive into how design shifts across formats, from print to audio, and share some of the biggest surprises that go into creating a cover that connects with readers.  From concept to final product, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the art, strategy, and collaboration behind the covers you can't stop staring at.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who's in this episode:   Segment 1:  Erin Fitzsimmons - Instagram  Karina Granda – Instagram   Segment 2:   Kathryn G. English - Instagram  Ryan Willwerscheid – Instagram   Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro with Karina Granda and Erin Fitzsimmons 00:03:50 How did you get into this space?  00:09:09 What does on the job training look like for a cover designer?  00:27:54 When do you start desiging covers?  00:39:57 What is a trendy cover vs. A timeless cover?  00:47:07 Thank you to Karina and Erin! 00:47:19 Intro with Ryan Willwerscheid and Kathryn G. English 00:51:03 How do you approach cover design? 01:02:39 Where do you find inspiration when creating covers?  01:06:45 How often do you push comps and trends over author wants?  01:18:11 Do you ever have to change covers right before print? 01:37:50 What would you want people to take away from creating book covers? 01:39:46 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In dieser Folge wird's experimentell, eigenwillig und bewusst anders: Flo und Kai sprechen mit der Band Zeit über ihr selbst definiertes Genre „True Neolistic Black Techno Metal“ – eine Mischung aus Black Metal, Techno und radikaler künstlerischer Freiheit.Gemeinsam tauchen sie tief ein in die Frage, wie neue Genres überhaupt entstehen und warum gerade verrückte, absurde oder unerwartete Songtexte oft der Schlüssel zu echter Wiedererkennbarkeit sind. Dabei wird schnell klar: Für Zeit ist Musik kein Produkt, sondern Ausdruck – roh, ehrlich und frei von Konventionen.Neben kreativen Prozessen geht es auch um die Realität im Underground: bewusste Entscheidungen gegen Plattformen wie Spotify, limitierte Tape-Releases, DIY-Mentalität und die Frage, ob Musik heute überhaupt noch unabhängig existieren kann.Auch das Cover-Design der EPs, der Umgang mit physischen Releases und die klare Haltung gegen „Content-Maschinen“ zeigen, dass Zeit ihren eigenen Weg gehen – kompromisslos und mit einem klaren Blick auf Authentizität.

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by epic fantasy author and publishing professional Melinda Kucsera to explore the visual side of the AI revolution. Melinda discusses her method of hybrid cover design, revealing how she blends traditional 3D rendering and digital painting with AI tools like NightCafe and Ideogram to create captivating artwork for her novels. From generating hundreds of interior illustrations for successful Kickstarter campaigns to using AI for trope analysis and sales copy, Melinda shares practical strategies for authors looking to elevate their production value and diversify their distribution. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

The CCDA Finalists for Fiction Cover Design are here! Thank you to these authors for sharing their beautiful books with us!

The Finalists for the CCDAs in Non-Fiction are already here! Next up in this cover design division is straight to the Winners list! Good luck!

In this spoiler-filled review, we break down Dead Ringer by Chris Hauty, a political thriller centered on JFK assassination conspiracy theories, Cold War espionage, and modern intelligence operations.We analyze the full plot, major twists, and dual-protagonist structure, dig into how the novel reimagines the JFK conspiracy, and discuss what works, what strains credibility, and how Dead Ringer compares to other conspiracy-driven thrillers.If you enjoy political thrillers, CIA intrigue, historical conspiracies, and deep spoiler discussions, this episode goes all in.—

The Semi-Finalists for the Fiction CCDAs are here! Did your cover make the cut? Who will win in one of the newest CIBA Divisions?

A listener asks: "Should you judge a book by its cover?" Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar say... YES! Next, a cartoonist who is too embarrassed to promote his own work gets some encouragement and words of advice from the veteran comic creators.TODAY'S SHOWShould you judge a book by its cover?Too embarrassed to promoteTakeawaysA book's cover plays a significant role in its marketability.It's important to design a cover that reflects the content of the comic.Promoting comics can be challenging, especially in unexpected social situations.Introverts can find it difficult to promote their work in person.Having a decoy website can help ease the promotion process.It's okay to feel uncomfortable discussing your work with strangers.Using humor can help deflect awkward conversations about your work.Online promotion can be more effective than in-person promotion.  You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

One the Second Day of Christmas we are excited to celebrate two new CBIA categories—Cover Design for Fiction and Cover Design for Nonfiction.

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.' Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins. Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements 00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford 01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey 04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40 06:49 Writing Process and Challenges 14:41 Character Development 21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London 23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings 24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones 27:10 Research and Expert Consultation 30:04 The Journey to Publication 34:06 Editing and Feedback Process 35:46 Cover Design and Title Change 38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch 41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book 42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/ Brooke Crawford Website: click here Instagram: click here Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here Instagram: click here This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Short List for the CCDAs in Non-Fiction are already here! Next up in this cover design division is straight to the Finalist list! Good luck!

The Short List of the CCDAs for Fiction is here! Check out some of these great Cover Designs, and good luck to the authors as we move to the next round!

With special guest, Damon Freeman of Damonza.Book covers have a fraction of a second to make an impression on a reader. Good covers attract the right readers, bad covers don't attract anyone. In this episode, we get book cover design tips from the experts at Damonza. They're the talented team that just remade the cover of Lainey's debut, The Exit Strategy. Get behind-the-scenes details on Lainey's experience recovering her book so you can choose a cover that's right for your book or give useful feedback to your designer.Join our⁠ Substack ⁠⁠⁠for posts with quick tips, and a chance to pose questions to Lainey and Paulette! Free book cover review , and Genre Cover Trend Guides from the team at Damonza.Episode Sponsor:12 Weeks to Book Launch Success . In this group mastermind program, Lainey works one on one with a group of authors and helps you create a plan to successfully launch your book. Join the waitlist for next time, or full program info here.

What did it take to write this riveting novel? In this episode, we dive into Rick Skwiot's gripping new historical novel, The Bootlegger's Bride—a haunting tale of vengeance, identity, and survival set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era St. Louis and post-WWII America. When two bodies surface through Long Lake's frozen silence—one suicide, one murder—twelve-year-old A.J. Nowak is thrust into a decades-long mystery rooted in his family's dark legacy.Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, psychological drama, or tales of redemption, this episode peels back the layers of a Midwest gone by—where honor and heartbreak collide. Learn more about Rick Skwiot and his work at: www.rickskwiot.comvisist: www.chuckschathub.comRead a sample: https://amzn.to/4luGKHD00:00 Pet PSA00:05 Author Background and Writing Journey01:29 Exploring 'The Bootlegger's Bride'03:43 Understanding Historical Fiction04:57 Research and Personal Stories06:33 Writing Style and Structure09:37 Setting and Character Development11:11 The Impact of AI on Writing12:34 Book Promotion and Availability14:30 Cover Design and Its Significance15:01 Emotional Depth and Reader Experience17:22 Character Perspectives and Plot Dynamics18:34 Conclusion and Future Works

Michelle Vandepas of GracePoint Publishing joins Alexa to unpack the world of hybrid publishing, red flags to avoid, and how to align your book with your bigger purpose. Learn what questions to ask, what you're really paying for, and why GracePoint is a great home for mission-driven authors.

Mastering Book Cover Design for Amazon & Kindle: A Practical Guide. In the crowded world of self-publishing, your book cover is more than just a pretty picture—it's your first impression, your marketing powerhouse, and the visual hook that can make or break a sale. Whether you're publishing a paperback on Amazon or a Kindle eBook, designing an effective cover is essential. Here's how to make sure yours stands out in the crowded Amazon marketplace. Why Your Book Cover Matters You've heard the saying, “Don't judge a book by its cover,” but let's be honest: readers absolutely do. On Amazon and Kindle, your cover shows up as a thumbnail alongside hundreds of others. A compelling design can make readers stop scrolling and click—while a dull or unprofessional one may get overlooked entirely. Key Differences: Kindle eBook vs. Paperback Cover Before you begin designing, understand the format you're creating for:Kindle eBooks: Require only a front cover. It should be optimized for digital screens and look good at small sizes (thumbnail view).Paperback Books (KDP Print): Require a full cover including front, back, and spine. You'll need to factor in the trim size, page count, and bleed areas.Amazon provides a Cover Calculator & Template Generator for paperbacks:https://kdp.amazon.com/cover-calculator Design Specs for Amazon & Kindle Covers Kindle eBook Cover Requirements:Dimensions: Ideal ratio is 1.6:1 (e.g., 1600 x 2560 pixels).Minimum size: 1000 pixels on the shortest side.Maximum file size: 50MB.File type: JPEG or TIFF.Color: RGB only.Paperback Cover Requirements (KDP Print):File type: PDF for print.Resolution: 300 DPI.Color: CMYK.Bleed: Typically 0.125" on all sides.Spine width: Depends on page count and paper type.Design Principles That Sell 1. Know Your Genre Each genre has visual cues. Romance uses soft, emotional imagery. Thrillers often use dark tones and bold fonts. Non-fiction covers tend to be cleaner and typography-driven. Look at the top 10 books in your category for inspiration. 2. Typography is CrucialUse no more than two fonts.Title should be readable at thumbnail size.Avoid script or decorative fonts unless genre-appropriate.Author name can be smaller but still legible.3. High-Quality Images Avoid using pixelated or stocky-looking images. Invest in high-resolution assets or create custom illustrations/photos. Sites like Unsplash (free) or Shutterstock (premium) are great sources. 4. Balance and Hierarchy Design with clear visual hierarchy:Title firstSubtitle second (if applicable)Author name thirdLeave breathing space. Don't overcrowd. 5. Thumbnail Test Shrink your design to 100 x 160 px. Can you still read the title? Is it still eye-catching? This is how it will appear in Amazon search results. Tools for Designing Book Covers For DIY Authors:Canva (Free & Pro): User-friendly with KDP templates.BookBrush: Designed for authors, with genre templates.Adobe Express: Quick designs with good typography options.For Professional Designers:Adobe Photoshop or InDesign: Full control for advanced design and print-ready files.Affinity Publisher: A powerful InDesign alternative.Using Amazon KDP Cover Creator (Optional) If you're not comfortable with design tools, Amazon's built-in Cover Creator is simple and free. It has templates, font controls, and lets you preview in 3D. However, it's limited in customization, so it's best for basic layouts. Avoid These Common MistakesUsing low-res images or blurry graphicsCentering everything by defaultOveruse of effects like drop shadows or bevelsInconsistent visual tone with the genreMisaligned spine elements on paperbacksIgnoring bleed and trim linesPro Tip: Hire a Designer If You Can A professionally designed cover can significantly boost your credibility and sales. If you're serious about publishing, consider hiring a freelance designer from platforms like Reedsy, 99designs, or Upwork. Always provide your book's genre, blurb, tone, and any visual references you like. Final Thoughts Your book cover is a visual handshake with your reader. On Amazon and Kindle, it's your billboard, brand, and storefront rolled into one. Invest time and care into it. With the right tools, creative direction, and an understanding of what sells, you can design a cover that attracts, engages, and converts browsers into buyers.

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Our guest today has designed countless book covers, including all of Steven's independently published books! Oliver Bennett is a graphic designer and co-founder of MoreVisual, a graphic design and digital media company based in Leicester, England. Founded in 2013, More Visual specialises in a wide range of graphic design services such as website design, logo design, and corporate identity design. You can find everything a writer might need on More Visual's author portal: https://bookartwork.com/ Welcome to RPS, Oliver Bennett!

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/

The Awake Space Astrology Podcast is 100% Listener Supported by our Patrons at Patreon.com/theawakespace For readings, classes and events go to wokeastrology.com/book-online Find Good Love A Novel at http://goodlovenovel.com In S5 Ep 3 of the chart topping talk show, The Awake Space Astrology Podcast your host Laurie Rivers helps you move through the turbulent cosmic currents this week. She takes a look at Dr King's astrology chart, and remembers his mission and purpose to inspire others to hold the vision of a better world. Laurie discusses the Venus/Saturn conjunction in Pisces and how you can use the energy to your advantage this week. As always Laurie walks you through this week in the headlines and what to expect as well as giving advice on how to stay present and centered even through the chaos. Your host, Laurie Rivers welcomes author Brandon Windsor to discuss his new romance novel, 'Good Love.' The conversation explores the writing process, the influence of astrology on creativity, and the importance of community support. Brandon shares his journey as a writer, the challenges he faced, and the joy of seeing his work come to life. They discuss the role of astrology in Brendan's process and he asks Laurie some of his burning astrological questions. Laurie winds up the episode reading from Sen Tzu's, The Art of War and describing how to avoid being manipulated by the media in yet another example of how to hold your consciousness steady in times of chaos. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Cosmic Events and Personal Insights 02:56 The Power of Venus-Saturn Conjunction 06:05 Reflections on Martin Luther King Jr. 09:00 Personal Growth and Creative Endeavors 10:46 Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 13:58 The Astrological Insights of Dr. King 16:49 Lessons from Dr. King's Legacy 18:56 Introduction and Patron Shout Outs 22:44 Reflections on TikTok and Community Engagement 23:40 Astrological Insights and Predictions 32:33 Community Engagement and Upcoming Interview 32:47 Patron Shout Outs and Community Appreciation 35:27 Introduction to Good Love and Its Creator 38:22 The Journey of Writing a Novel 41:23 The Role of Escapism in Literature 44:16 Cupid and Psyche: A Modern Twist 47:34 The Importance of Feedback and Reader Engagement 50:25 Astrology's Influence on Creativity 53:27 Understanding Astrology Charts 56:17 The Art of Cover Design and Writing Styles 01:01:28 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Writing 01:04:49 Astrology and Life Transitions 01:08:59 Understanding Astrological Conjunctions 01:11:51 Marketing as Storytelling 01:14:36 Book Promotion and Future Plans 01:18:49 The Joy of Writing and Creative Process 01:26:25 Navigating the TikTok Landscape 01:32:25 The Art of War: Strategies for Modern Challenges 01:38:08 Finding Calm Through Service and Community

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.

In this conversation, Rodney Miles, a self-publishing consultant, shares his journey into the world of freelance writing and self-publishing. He discusses the evolution of self-publishing, the choice between using a real name or a pen name, and the essential steps for aspiring authors to prepare for their publishing journey. Rodney emphasizes the importance of managing expectations in the competitive publishing industry and outlines the potential investment required for self-publishing. He provides insights into the artistic and business aspects of publishing, highlighting the significance of professional editing and cover design. In this conversation, Rodney Miles discusses the critical aspects of cover design for books, emphasizing its role as a marketing tool that captures attention and sets expectations. He shares his views on AI in cover creation, expressing skepticism while acknowledging its potential benefits. The discussion transitions into marketing strategies for authors, highlighting the importance of direct sales and building an email list over relying solely on social media. Miles provides insights into effective marketing channels and the significance of maintaining control over one's audience.Find Rodney: https://rodneymiles.com/Send us a textSupport the showPageChewing.comPAGECHEWING: Comics & Manga PodcastFilm Chewing PodcastLens Chewing on YouTubeSpeculative Speculations PodcastBuy me a coffeeLinktreeJoin Riverside.fm

Join us as we share our journey of self-publishing ‘The Degree Free Way', highlighting the importance of collaboration and attention to detail. What You'll Learn: - The challenges and lessons learned from working with a typesetter - Utilizing Google Docs and Canva for content creation and formatting - Testing titles and subtitles, choosing cover designs, and the impact of self-publishing decisions on subsequent choices Get valuable insights into the self-publishing process and the importance of proper planning and promotion for a successful launch.  Don't miss out on learning from our experience in self-publishing for future endeavors.  Tune in now! Ready to set your teen on the path to success after high school?  Apply for our Degree Free Launch Program and let's build them a personalized career roadmap: https://degreefree.co/launch To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: https://degreefree.co Your questions, answered on air! Head over to https://ask.degreefree.co/question and Ryan and Hannah will answer your question on the podcast!

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

Marketing strategist, editor and author Charlie Hoehn on the key things bestselling authors do to create a successful and shareable books. We talk about:Helping Ramit Sethi and Tim Ferriss launch their booksHow to test and launch a nonfiction ideaCreating a brand around your book, Effective marketing strategies The merits of self-publishing and the minimum he would accept for a traditional publishing dealOvercoming burnout and the importance of play.*ABOUT CHARLIE HOEHNCharlie Hoehn is a 3-time New York Times bestselling editor, 5-time author, and the founder of Author Alliance. For three years, Charlie was Tim Ferriss' Director of Special Projects and first full-time hire. Together, they launched The 4-Hour Body to #1 New York Times, #1 Barnes & Noble, and #1 Amazon overall. Charlie is also a creative director and video editor. Previously, he was Head of Multimedia for Scribe Media, where he produced over 500 videos and 300 podcast episodes — including two viral sizzle reels for David Goggins, and courses enrolled in by more than 20,000 students. To date, he's created six viral videos, with more than a million views each.*RESOURCES & LINKS

How can authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing to create a successful, high-quality book that stands out in the market?Unlock the secrets to self-publishing success with industry veteran Michele DeFilippo. Gain invaluable insights into maintaining creative control and maximising your revenues as Michelle shares her 50-year journey in book publishing. Learn why hiring experts for tasks like cover design and formatting is non-negotiable if you want to produce books that truly stand out. Michele's experience and passion for empowering authors will inspire you to take control of your publishing destiny.Navigating the complex world of traditional versus self-publishing, Michele outlines the challenges authors face with traditional publishers, such as the need for a large social media following and the sacrifice of creative control. In contrast, self-publishing offers more freedom but comes with its own set of hurdles. Michele stresses the importance of using professional services such as editing and proofreading to ensure your book meets market standards, and she clarifies Amazon's role as a platform rather than a publisher. This episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions about your publishing journey.Finally, get invaluable marketing advice tailored to self-published authors. Learn about the importance of using platforms like Amazon and IngramSpark for broad distribution and how to make your book stand out in a crowded marketplace. Explore two different marketing strategies: self-education through the resources available on our website, and professional guidance from trusted marketing experts. Learn about common pitfalls, such as the do-it-yourself mentality and reluctance to market, and get practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles. This episode is packed with insights to help you produce a quality book that will resonate with readers and stand the test of time.˚

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.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Brave New Bookshelf, a podcast that explores the fascinating intersection of AI and authorship. Join hosts, Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite, as they dive into thought provoking discussions, debunk myths, and highlight the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry. **Steph Pajonas:** All right, everybody, welcome to the Brave New Bookshelf podcast. One of these days, I'm actually going to tell you what episode number this is, instead of just saying, hey, welcome, because I can't keep track of episode numbers. Once again, I'm Steph Pajonas. I'm CTO and COO of the Future Fiction Academy, where we teach authors how to use AI in every part of their process. And I'm joined by my lovely co host once again. Hi Danica. How's it going? **Danica Favorite:** Good, good. Hi, everyone. I'm Danica Favorite, and I'm the Community Manager at PublishDrive, and we help authors and publishers distribute their books to a worldwide network. And we've also got a few cool AI tools [00:01:00] and some soon to be launching. You all missed our chit chat before we got on, but I was telling Steph about some of my testing stuff that we're doing with it, and it's kind of fun. As I've always said, I am not very techie. And so I really encourage anyone who is listening or who starts to think they want to listen. Oh, I'm not very techie. Please do listen in because you get me and I don't really know a lot of tech stuff, which is super awesome because if I can do it, anyone can do it. So today our guest is Stuart Bache and I am so excited to have him. I got to listen to him speak last year at SPS live in London. And he was talking about using AI, and he's a cover designer, and I'll be really honest, up to that point, I was kind of on the fence about cover design and AI and all of that, because I really didn't know how cover designers felt or how it impacted them. And for those of you who haven't seen Stuart's [00:02:00] work, Stuart's a very talented artist in his own right. So how does someone like Stuart who has gotten this AI influx, how does he deal with it? And I was really impressed with his answers because, and I can't remember what he said. I tried to look through my notes to see like the one thing that really stood out to me, but I was just like, wow. I love how he's approaching it and I think it's a really good view of how someone who makes his living off of art is taking a look at AI and art and how that's impacting us in publishing. So, Stuart, why don't you introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, and we can take it from there. **Stuart Bache:** Yeah. Great. Hi, I, I'm Stuart Bache. You've just heard, I'm a book cover designer. I've been doing it for almost 20 years now. I started in traditional publishing. I worked at Hodder and Stoughton and I was a design manager at Harper Collins. Worked on all sorts of different [00:03:00] things from Stephen King to John le Carré. I worked on the Hobbit movie titles. That's where I met my wife, in fact, because she worked for the Tolkien estate. And yeah, so I worked on a bunch of different things. When I went freelance about 15 years ago, I started to work with a few authors indie authors just on one to one. And I think it was about 2015. So that was, yeah, I was sort of growing and still wasn't really a thing. And so I was a very small part of my yearly work, my annual work, however, that sort of flipped over. So, suddenly it became my main source of income. I left my job and I started working with indie authors, almost all the time. And I've worked with people like LJ Ross and Simon McCleave and people like that. And I've got to know a completely different world. And i

In this episode, we are joined by the talented book cover designer Stuart Bache to explore the transformative impact of AI on the publishing industry. Stuart shares his insights on how AI tools like Photoshop's Generative Fill and ChatGPT are revolutionizing workflows, enhancing creativity, and addressing ethical considerations. From his extensive experience in both traditional and indie publishing, Stuart provides a balanced view on the integration of AI, offering valuable takeaways for authors, designers, and tech enthusiasts alike. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

People will ALWAYS judge your book by its cover: it's the harsh reality! So make sure you get your cover design right. Today we discuss what makes a great cover and how you can make sure your cover helps to sell your book, with Cover Designer, Holly Dunn. Enjoy the episode! ElenaMORE ABOUT HOLLY DUNN:Holly is a book cover designer based in New Zealand. She specialises in working with indie authors to make their stories shine through custom illustration and hand lettering. Before switching to full-time design, she worked at a company helping indie authors market their books. Now, along with her design services, she creates resources to help indie authors on their self-publishing journey.LINKS:hollydunndesign.comInstagramYouTube

Pre-order Now, official release June 10thSoulmate Dog tells the brave, moving story of Michelle Slater's extraordinary relationship with her German Shepherd, Brady. Narrated by Alison Larkin in an easy-to-listen-to, conversational style, it “charts the nature of love and the inevitability of loss that accompanies it,” while showcasing the telepathic language that can exist between dogs and humans.In this brave, beautiful book, the author also sheds light on the important field of integrative veterinary medicine.Cover Design by: Lisa CavenderAudiobook available for $25. A portion of the profits from the sale of this audiobook will go to The Brady Scholarship, supporting training and wider availability for holistic veterinary care.Michelle Slater is a scholar of comparative literature and president of the educational nonprofit Mayapple Center for the Arts and Humanities in Connecticut. She holds a Ph.D. in French literature from Johns Hopkins University.Her long battle with and recovery from late-stage neurological Lyme disease served as the genesis for this book. Debilitated by the disease to the extent that she was no longer able to teach at her university or perform simple tasks like driving and reading, Slater spent several years pursuing every known treatment, from aggressive allopathic methods to holistic remedies. When all failed to deliver recovery, she discovered Dr. Sergey Filonov's dry fasting program and spent two months in Siberia under his care. She recovered completely from Lyme disease, regaining her memory and returning to researching, writing, hiking, and running.Since 2017, she has not experienced a single symptom.https://michelleslater.com/#about-soulmate-dog-bookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

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.

Guest: Sarah Rutherford, a romance reader and Associate Professor of Design at Cleveland State University@sarahatschool on InstagramHighlights:The evolution of romance novel covers from the 1980s to the contemporary post-digital age.The significant role of design elements such as typography, color, and imagery in conveying the genre and themes of romance novels.The impact of digital publishing on cover designs, including the preference for stock photography and simplified imagery.How cover designs serve as a branding tool for books and how they contribute to personal branding for readers and collectors.Sarah shares anecdotes about identifying and collecting romance novels based on their covers, highlighting the emotional and aesthetic appeal of cover art.  Shelf Love:NEW! Substack for original writing and stuff | Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeEmail: Andrea@shelflovepodcast.com

In today's rapidly evolving publishing landscape, indie authors often find themselves navigating the tumultuous waters of book creation and promotion alone. The journey from manuscript to masterpiece is fraught with challenges, as writers grapple with the daunting tasks of editing, cover design, layout, publishing, and marketing—all pivotal elements that demand expertise and time. This solitary path can feel overwhelming, making the dream of publishing a book seem insurmountable. Many authors yearn for support but fear losing control over their creative vision, leading to a common predicament: how to achieve professional quality while retaining the essence of independence that defines the indie author spirit. In this inspiring episode of the Author Revolution Podcast, host Carissa Andrews sits down with Michele Defilippo from 1106 Design, unraveling the solutions to these common indie author dilemmas. Michele and her team at 1106 Design offer a beacon of hope, providing a comprehensive suite of services tailored to empower authors—editing, cover and layout design, publishing, and marketing, to name just a few. Tune in to discover how you can elevate your publishing journey without compromising on what makes your book uniquely yours. Don't miss out on this game-changing conversation—go forth and start your author revolution! To learn more or check out the show notes, head over to https://authorrevolution.org/227

Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you'd like to support this show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Books/Resources Mentioned:The 3.3 Rule, by John Briggs: https://a.co/d/fpODfBBWrite Useful Books, by Rob Fitzpatrick: https://www.amazon.com/Write-Useful-Books-recommendable-nonfiction-ebook/dp/B0983HFQX7The Resilience Plan, by Dr. MH Pelletier: https://a.co/d/3rvzPzPPickfu: https://pickfu.com Connect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper: https://ajharper.comWrite A Must-Read: https://a.co/d/4H0xQ7GFree resources: https://writeamustread.comSocials:FB: https://www.facebook.com/AJHarperAuthorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjanetteharper/ Mike Michalowicz: https://mikemichalowicz.comAll books: https://mikemichalowicz.com/books/Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/FB: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMichalowiczFanPage/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/

On today's episode 165th episode of The Thriller Zone I'm happy to introduce you to a long-time fan and friend of our show, Mr. Terrence McCauley. He kicks off SEASON SIX with a discussion about his latest thriller CHICAGO 63, a fictional account of a plot to assassinate President Kennedy. As a bit of history, Terrence is an award-winning novelist, a member of various writer associations, and on today's show discusses his writing career plus shares his journey of writing in multiple genres, including thrillers, crime fiction, and Westerns. Other topics Terrence and I cover include: the importance of decorum and class in society, we discuss the cover design of 'Chicago 63' and the artist behind it, plus Terrence offers advice for aspiring writers, and near the end, introduces us to Silverback Publishing, a company focused on publishing novellas. As you'll see, Terrence is an engaging guest, a prolific writer in not one, but three genres, he's also a podcast host, and just an all-around nice guy. Let's get to the launch of Season Six, and my friend Terrence McCauley right here on The Thriller Zone.-----To learn more visit: TerrenceMcCauley.com and as always, stop by our website TheThrillerZone.com and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our video channel Youtube.com/@thethrillerzone/videos-----Chapters0:00 Introduction and Early Conversations3:21 Writing in Multiple Genres6:55 Favorite Genre: 1930s9:28 Terrence's Novella 'Chicago 63'18:31 Importance of Decorum and Class25:17 Advice for Writers27:42 Benefits of Writer Associations29:45 Silverback Publishing36:32 The Power of Novellas39:44 Lessons Learned as a Full-Time Author40:47 Trust the Process and Trust Your Instincts41:42 Leaving the Big City for a New Life42:47 Transitioning to Life in Dutchess County43:25 The Cover Design of 'Chicago 63'44:19 Closing Remarks 

I really enjoyed this laid-back discussion around AI tools as part of the creative book cover design process with James Helps from Go On Write. We discuss how generative AI tools can help make more unique and interesting cover designs, and how designers can have a more imaginative time making them. This episode is supported […] The post A Creative Approach To Generative AI In Book Cover Design With James Helps first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Miblart recently awarded a book cover design to author and YouTube content creator, Jenny Hansen Lane. We discussed her start in the self-publishing business, how she has over 400 publications, and what she does to determine winning cover design concept using Amazon Advertising. - Jenny Hansen Lane - https://youtube.com/@jennyhansenlane Miblart - https://dalelinks.com/miblart. Use coupon code DALE10 to get 10% off your next cover design. Join Channel Memberships - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl9CjdZQtzufqgYx0CidSbA/join  Join my community on Discord - http://dalelinks.com/discord  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding!  - Dale L. Roberts 

In podcast episode 154, we're diving into the world of book cover design with Karen Horton, graphic designer and former Art Director at Henry Holt. Karen takes us behind the scenes of the process of book cover design, who makes key book cover related decisions, and the role of marketing budgets and author's reputation in this process. Plus, Karen shares her book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights The high-level book cover design process. When and why publishers reach out to designers before a book's launch proposal. The dynamics of deciding which books a designer works on. Freelance vs In-house: Factors that determine who gets to design the top titles. The lesser-known “silent auction” approach some publishers adopt. Whether book cover designers really read the whole book. Who holds the final decision about a book cover. The author's role in the decision-making process and the factors that impact how that can play out. How marketing budgets and an author's reputation influence design choices. The influence of ongoing design trends and when publishers decide to break away from them. Karen's Book Recommendations [35:58] Two OLD Books She Loves A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:11] The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:04] Two NEW Books She Loves Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:36] We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:45] One Book She DIDN'T Love A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:46] NEW RELEASE She's Excited About The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez (April 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] Other Books Mentioned: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [46:56] Last 5-Star Book Karen Read A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25] Additional Books Mentioned Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [15:34] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [26:45] Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:04] Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert [31:17] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [32:11] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [32:20] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [32:25] The Push by Ashley Audrain [32:32] The Whispers by Ashley Audrain [33:00] The Mothers by Brit Bennett [34:49] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [34:50] About Karen Horton Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Karen Horton is an Art Director and graphic designer with more than 15 years of experience working in the book publishing industry. She previously was the Art Director at Henry Holt and Company + Metropolitan Books. Prior to moving over to the Henry Holt imprint in 2016, she was the Senior Designer at Flatiron Books. Over the years she has worked as a freelancer and consulting Art Director for a variety of publishing clients. Additionally, Karen was a co-founder and the Editorial and Social Media Director for the startup design:related. Karen was also an Art Director on staff for a range of New York Times bestsellers at Little, Brown, and Company. Before working at Little, Brown, she managed a small team of designers as an Art Director at Oxford University Press. She first got her start in book publishing at St. Martin's Press (Macmillan Publishers). When she's not designing book covers, she spends much of her time wandering neighborhoods in Queens and researching all things design.

Reb Joey shares a new meditation about Sukkos. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

Reb Joey shares a new meditation on Yom Kippur. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

Reb Joey shares a new meditation on Rosh HaShanah and the healing wisdom of Rebbe Nachman zy"a. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

Reb Joey shares a new weekly meditation. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

How can you expand the possibilities of book cover images with AI? What are some of the controversies and how can authors and designers work together with AI tools to create original design? Book cover designer Damon Freeman discusses his views. There are lots of links in the show notes below to specific resources, but […] The post Using AI Images In Your Book Cover Design Process With Damon Freeman first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Reb Joey shares a new weekly meditation. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

Reb Joey shares a new weekly meditation. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

Reb Joey shares a new weekly meditation. 'Inward' is a production of the Shefa Podcast Network. Music is by Zusha. Help support them by purchasing their music. Production & Cover Design is by Zev Gavriel.

In September of 2022, we snarked a cover, Planet Oster: Fertility Fusion.The cover designer, who is also one half of the writing team behind the series, reached out to me saying that they were unironically flattered that we'd snarked the cover, and asked if I'd like to talk about the process and the behind the scenes of the design work.Of course I said yes.Music: Purple-planet.comCoupon! Control Body Odor anywhere with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code SARAH30 at lumedeodorant.com/SARAH30! #lumepod Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.