Writing – Page 154 – Jean's Writing

You must read this article

Published on October 21, 2015January 19, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

If you want to get the word out to your target audience, click and read how.

A must-read post by Angela Ackerman

How Authors Can Find Their Ideal Reading Audience

Posted on October 12, 2015, on Jane Friedman’s blog is one of the best blog posts I’ve read in like forever.

I understand the importance of connections. But where do I make the right ones?

How do I find who my target audience is?

Angela gets specific and provides links to get us started.

At our house, ask a question and the answer is automatic. “Google it.” But now the question is “Google what?” Angela explains how to expand your search to reach the right targets. Bullseye Target

Okay, now how about Soovle it?

This website takes it to a whole different level. Thank you Angela!

I’ll add one more tip I use, Twitter search. You’ll be surprised how effective Twitter is.

Now go forth and hit the bullseye!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Let’s learn the latest writing tips and tricks together, join me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

3 Ways to Fire Up Your Writing Career Today

Published on October 20, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Do you know how to use social media? Check out Kristen Lamb’s latest post and fire up your career.

Her advice hit home for me because when I get on Twitter it’s as if I lost in the great wild woods of social media. I can’t find my way home. LOL

Thanks for the reminder Kristen. I don’t have to stay all day reading and tweeting. LOL

Source: 3 Ways to Fire Up Your Writing Career Today

Do you want to make a killer cover?

Published on October 19, 2015October 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

I sure do, those are the ones that sale.

A killer cover, gets the shopper to click and hopefully buy.

English: A Picture of a eBook Español: Foto de... — Photo credit Wikipedia

But that means the cover must look great in a 1 inch square.

If you follow my blog, you already know I’m working on publishing a children’s book.

You’ve listened to me bitch, moan, complain and crow (just a little) about the process. As I get down to the wire, making my cover work for an ebook and a print book.

Seems one size does not fit all.

I know I can’t be the only one struggling with this dilemma. So I thought y’all might be interested in some of the stuff I’ve uncovered in my research.

Turns out there is a lot out there on making a book cover pop.

According to Derek Murphy over at Creative Indie Covers, the “main thing about the cover has to be the images; the text just needs to be built INTO the picture in a subtle or complimentary manner.” Click here to read the rest of his article.

In another post, Mr. Murphy explains just what is important. He reminds us that people aren’t going to squint to read the title. “The thumbnail should look clean and professionally designed. It should be balanced with complimentary colors and nice spacing between elements. And if possible (difficult as a thumbnail) it should be eye-catching and evoke an emotional response (surprise, lust, interest, humor…)” Click and read…

The most important thing about your book cover thumbnail

Canva.com now has a template for ebook design. I found this very helpful in moving text, pictures around for my cover. Canva enables you to mix and match different art and photos. Go to Canva and have some fun playing with your cover.

LiberWriter.com gives an abundance of good advice for your cover. “First of all, a “cover” for a Kindle book really isn’t a cover at all. It’s a flat image that will be displayed on various web pages – most likely as a thumbnail, but also in a larger format if the user wants to have a look. For print books, not only does the front of the cover have to be good, but the back must be designed correctly too, with a catchy quote or blurb that captures the reader’s attention and makes them want to spend more time with the book. On the web, none of this happens: readers who want to know more click on your book, and an Amazon page pops up with all kinds of information about the book: blurbs, author bio, reviews, and so on. This information takes the place of the back cover.” To read the entire article click on…

Kindle Book “Covers” – What You Should Know

Read below, KRISTEN ECKSTEIN common sense tips for a cover. She suggests we reduce the book cover to a one-inch-sized thumbnail on the computer and if the title is not readable, it needs to be changed.

The Five Secrets to a Killer eBook Cover

So, fancy or plain, the main thing I got from all of these articles is that my book cover thumbnail needs to pop. The title needs to be readable, and the picture should draw the shopper’s eye.

If the shopper doesn’t click on my thumbnail, odds are I’ve lost a sale.

I hope these tips help you. Me? I’m more confused than ever.

Any of y’all have some good advice for making a great thumbnail cover? Please share.

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!