E-book – Page 3 – Jean's Writing

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!

Who knew they’d be this many decisions to make

Published on October 9, 2015October 7, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Some days I’m overwhelmed with the tweaks and decisions and tweaks to the decisions needed to publish a book. Even a small children’s book.

Writing a book is hard but I’m beginning to believe the hard part is just starting once the publishing begins.

So many decisions, so many choices, and so many mistakes before a book is published. The last one I’m trying to keep to a minimum.

Editors, cover, designers, oh my.

I feel like Dorothy tiptoeing down the yellow brick road in the land of Oz.

To publish or self publish, with an agent or without? Those are the questions. (Ah the old Bard slipped in.)

If you thought the writing took forever, take a deep breath, grab a snack and settle in for the publishing and promoting.

To market, to market to sell a new book. (Getting a bit punchy.)

Getting a book “out there” is not for the faint of heart. I’m re-learning the definition of perseverance.

I’ve spent as much time reading and researching how and where to publish as I did writing the book.

Misery loves company, so I thought I’d share just a few articles in case y’all need something to read. After all, what’s a friend for?

Ask ALLi Member Q&A: Your Self-Publishing Questions answered by Joanna Penn and Orna Ross Tuesday October 27th

8 Steps to Write and Publish Your Book by Angela Shelton

The 12-Step Program to Successful Self-Publishing – the talk and slide show by Susan M. Toy thanks to CHRIS THE STORY READING APE’S BLOG

A step-by-step guide to publishing your work worldwide on Amazon by BRIAN S HALL

Getting Published: The Basics for Book Writers by Glen C. Strathy

Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published by Jane Friedman

And these are just the tip of the iceberg!

However, at some point, it’s time to bite the bullet and let it go.

I’m almost there.

What do you think? Got any good tips on publishing?

You’ve made it this far so take a few more seconds. tell me what you think, and then please share on Facebook and Twitter.
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!

UPDATE-Want to see your e-book at the library?

Published on July 6, 2015July 7, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Wanted to update this morning’s blog. Thanks to Ruth Glover for checking with our local library. Sadly, they can only pull from contracted sites. Sigh… However, I do see this as a wave of the future. Fingers crossed, Amazon will lead the libraries into the e-century and very soon.

I so glad to see the library won’t be left behind now that self-published e-books is taking the world by storm.

Do you want readers to check out your self published e-book at the local library?

Well now it’s possible!

Thank you Jane Friedman for introducing us to Porter Anderson and his post about Self-e Library Journal.

For all the nitty-gritty click and read:

How Self-Published Authors Can Distribute to Libraries by Porter Anderson / @Porter_Anderson

There are no fees for submissions, nor limits on the number of submissions an individual author can make.

I love comments, almost as much as I love clicks, so after you pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals remember to tell me what you think.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!