After the loss of NaNoWriMo, it did not take the Crowvus writers long to realise how much we relied on this structured routine for our writing. For me, November had become the only time I was guaranteed to do creative writing. In fact - if truth be told - I've done very little at any other point of the year. Consequently, we decided to adapt to our own interpretation: Cro(w)NoWriMo - the W is in brackets because there was some discrepancy over whether or not it should be in there. The rules were simple: Write. As November went on, the end goal changed slightly for each writer. Was it 50,000 words? Was it to write every day? Was it to write an entire book? For me, it was about finishing a book. I haven't finished an historical fiction book in ages - though I've started plenty! Now, with four more writing days left on the clock and into the final chapter, I might finally be able to lay the ghost. The story I returned to was Poisoned Pilgrimage , the book I began as a submiss...
Thursday 28th November - Book Covers
The first thing that people see of your book is the book spine. The next thing is the book cover. Then the back cover, with the blurb, then a sample of pages. Your book has to pass the test each time in order to be bought.
When I teach my class about book spines, and book covers, I explain how a reader will subconsciously try and persuade themselves not to buy the book. It's a crazy thing!
So, while it's important to write a fantastic book, it's also important to ensure you have the correct cover.
Now, I'm not going to say that you can't design the cover yourself. I seen some fantastic homemade covers...but I've also seen some terrible ones. The first piece of advice is one of the best:
* Look at other book covers in your genre!
Covers portray a certain type of book, so pay particular attention to books in the same genre that you write. Obviously don't copy, but look through some of the bestselling books and see if you can pick up any similarities between them!
* Don't forget the spine and back cover!
Unless you are publishing an ebook without a paperback, you'll need a spine and back cover too. The best book covers I've seen have the background image continuing over the entire cover. Don't make the mistake of just having a solid colour for the spine and back cover - it's just not as interesting.
* Pay close attention to the font!
The font that you use for the title and author name can make or break a book cover. Try and find a font that is quite individual (providing it is copyright free, of course). Generally, the fonts that look great for the inside of the book are not the best ones to use for the cover. Use a maximum of two fonts on the front cover, and make sure it is clearly readable.
* If unsure, pay a designer!
I love getting someone else to design my front covers. It's just so exciting receiving the finished product! And it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either. I have used a cover designer on Fiverr three times now, and she is just superb. Her profile can be found here!
* Make sure your book cover looks good small!
This is a piece of advice I've heard a lot on the Internet, and it's so true! Don't forget when people search for your book online, they only see a thumbnail size of your book cover. Check it looks good by simply zooming out on your computer.
The first thing that people see of your book is the book spine. The next thing is the book cover. Then the back cover, with the blurb, then a sample of pages. Your book has to pass the test each time in order to be bought.
When I teach my class about book spines, and book covers, I explain how a reader will subconsciously try and persuade themselves not to buy the book. It's a crazy thing!
So, while it's important to write a fantastic book, it's also important to ensure you have the correct cover.
Now, I'm not going to say that you can't design the cover yourself. I seen some fantastic homemade covers...but I've also seen some terrible ones. The first piece of advice is one of the best:
* Look at other book covers in your genre!
Covers portray a certain type of book, so pay particular attention to books in the same genre that you write. Obviously don't copy, but look through some of the bestselling books and see if you can pick up any similarities between them!
* Don't forget the spine and back cover!
Unless you are publishing an ebook without a paperback, you'll need a spine and back cover too. The best book covers I've seen have the background image continuing over the entire cover. Don't make the mistake of just having a solid colour for the spine and back cover - it's just not as interesting.
* Pay close attention to the font!
The font that you use for the title and author name can make or break a book cover. Try and find a font that is quite individual (providing it is copyright free, of course). Generally, the fonts that look great for the inside of the book are not the best ones to use for the cover. Use a maximum of two fonts on the front cover, and make sure it is clearly readable.
* If unsure, pay a designer!
I love getting someone else to design my front covers. It's just so exciting receiving the finished product! And it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either. I have used a cover designer on Fiverr three times now, and she is just superb. Her profile can be found here!
* Make sure your book cover looks good small!
This is a piece of advice I've heard a lot on the Internet, and it's so true! Don't forget when people search for your book online, they only see a thumbnail size of your book cover. Check it looks good by simply zooming out on your computer.
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