This is the third post in a series on designing a book cover. The first is Creating a book cover that screams “Pick me up.” The second is Use font to create a high-impact book cover.
The glasses of bubbly tea on the left depict the harmony I am trying to create with the covers of books in a series I am writing. Not only does the combination of colors work well for each individual glass, but the interaction of each glass combines to produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual element.
This synergy between the elements is my brand. I want each book to perfectly balance color, font, layout, and photo, and then I want each book to work together, in any combination. Think of how they would look lined up on Amazon, Goodreads, or on a bookstore shelf.
In the first two parts of this series, I listed elements that need to combine harmoniously to create the perfect cover. Realizing that I did not have the artistic skills or experience, I decided to contact designers.
I put a query out on thumbtack.com, “a new way to hire local services.” I looked at the respondents’ portfolios, and then I selected a few to call. I struck a rapport with one designer and we agreed to meet. Prior to meeting with her, I did my homework.
I wrote a description of my ideal reader. I felt that the designer needed to know this to create a cover that appealed to my type of reader specifically.
I created a matrix list of the books I am planning to write, the proposed titles, themes, and possible color schemes that I thought might reflect the themes. Since I write about travel, I included photos for each book that might work as the cover picture. I figured that having several photos to chose from might make is easier for her to chose the color pallet.
After looking at books in my genre on Amazon, I noticed trends. Most travel books have a pretty picture, and lots of blues and greens. They also tend to be cluttered with information. I want my book covers to be different: simple, bright, with lettering that pops outs rather than blends in.
The designer mentioned another element in the synergy that I had not previously consider—the title scheme. For the books that I am going to create, there is no problem. But for the book that exists, I must decide whether to change the title to fit the style or leave it. Besides having to obtain a new ISBN and ASIN, I would have to revise the title inside the book, affecting each page. Additionally, the new title scheme does not truly reflect the existing book. I like the current title, but will not make a decision until I see the designer’s preliminary workup. I am hoping we can make the old title work.
On the business side, I asked about the contract and who would have the rights to the work she created. I was relieved to find that I would own the artwork and that she would supply me with a variety of formats: pdf, jpg, png, and others. She will also provide the artwork fit for HTML (72 dpi) and for print (300 dpi). The quote would be for the anticipated hours spent on the project. If she spent less time, I would be charged accordingly. If she spent additional time, I would be charged on an hourly rate. Fair enough!
We also discussed her design process and how much input I would have. Being charged by the hour means I can ask for a redesign, if needed; I just have to pay for it. I will also ask her if we can complete the concept now, and then rehire her to add the final touches just prior to release. Doing so allows for the unexpected. I will need to negotiate that point next time we meet.
I feel a great sense of relief. I have confidence that working together we will create an appealing book cover. I can’t wait to see the preliminaries!
References
- Simple Tips for Hiring a Book Cover Designer
- Who owns the copyright to my book cover?
- Steph’s Cover Design Sample Contract
- Top 10 Tips for Working With A Book Designer
- 6 Copyright Page Disclaimers to Copy and Paste, and Giving Credit
Did you design your own cover or hire someone to do it for your? Have you changed the title of your book? If so, what advice would you offer? Please comment.
