writing tips – Page 43 – 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!

Do we overdo some words?

Published on October 19, 2015October 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Are we using words correctly?

We all know about waste words, but what about over doing the descriptive words? Has the definition changed? Research, research, research, now I’ve got to research my words. Sigh.

No one wants their writing to be boring. But in our quest to use different words and mix it up a bit, sometimes we miss the mark. At least I do. Thankfully, I’ve a great critique partner who reigns me in. Thanks Sheila!

In my effort to get my reader to see what is in my head, I often times use a superfluous (fancy, right?) word when a plain one would work better.

Writers on the Move published a post by Melinda Brasher that made me rethink these types of words. Head over and read…

Your Character’s Smirking…or Is He? Synonym Pitfalls.

What do you think? Are any of these words tripping up your story?

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!

Do you use poetry to inspire?

Published on October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I love poetry. Can’t write it worth shit, but I love reading beautiful words.

The movement is so different from other writing. Poetry evokes emotion in the reader, and it can inspire your characters too.

So it’s little surprise that poetry is used in a lot of YA books. I understand why poems and poetic references, are effective in YA stories A teen lives in a flux of angst and poetry speaks to the emotional roller coaster they live on.

Over at The Guardian, Ciara Murphy explains the importance and effect of poetry in YA stories. From John Green’s Paper Towns poetic metaphors, to Ally Condie’s Matched series (one of my all time favorites) where she uses banned poems by Dylan Thomas and Tennyson.

Today it seems as though poems have been regulated to Meme’s, but maybe it’s time to give poetry another look.

Have you considered using poetry, new, or old, to spur a story forward? If not maybe it’s time to see just what poetry can do for your stories.

Pop over and read…

Why is there so much poetry in YA/teen lit? by Ciara Murphy

Let me know what you think. Can poetry improve your writing, or do you think the idea lame?

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!