Like so many people, I told myself ‘when Covid ends I’ll finish (fill in your WIP)’. As Covid dragged on, I became sluggish and uninspired when it came to writing, so I decided to give my most popular series, The Josie Bates Thrillers, a cover make-over.
I was going to have my wonderful graphic designer tackle the project, but found myself indecisive regarding the direction I wanted take. Without constructive input, her job would be impossible, so I decided to do a few rough drafts to clarify my thinking. Instead, I became obsessed with the process of redefining my work. This is what I learned when I went all in on DIY cover design.
- The weight, size and style of cover fonts are the difference between amateur and professional looking covers.
- Title and author name should not be equal in emphasis.
- Images must tell one story only. Mine was a choice between individual story, place, or something generic that was evocative of the genre and covered the series.
- How to calculate dimensions and execute a paper cover that is not an Amazon template
The process left me in awe of graphic artists who do this for a living. I can’t imagine working with ten indecisive MEs much less a hundred. Would I do my own covers again? I’m not sure. It was fun, but I should probably leave it to the pros. And that leads me to the biggest lesson of all. When I work with a designer I will be better prepared before I approach her, more respectful of her time, and listen when she tells me her reasoning behind specific design choices. There is a reason for every element on a cover. If I don’t understand how those elements enhance my written work, then the cover isn’t right and it’s back to the drawing board.
I’M CELEBRATING the Josie Bates their make-over on Facebook with book GIVEAWAYS and some very cool PRIZES. Join the fun on my Facebook page
If you want to see the Josie covers in all their made-over glory (and all my other books), visit my new website: www.rebeccaforster.com
Don’t forget to download Hostile Witness for FREE. It now comes with a bonus novella, Hannah’s Diary.
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Rebecca Forster is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and writes full-time, penning thrillers that explore the emotional impact of the justice system.
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Rebecca Forster is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and writes full-time, penning thrillers that explore the emotional impact of the justice system.
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Like so many people, I told myself ‘when Covid ends I’ll finish (fill in your WIP)’. As Covid dragged on, I became sluggish and uninspired when it came to writing, so I decided to give my most popular series, The Josie Bates Thrillers, a cover make-over. I was going to have my wonderful graphic designer […]
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Rebecca Forster is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and writes full-time, penning thrillers that explore the emotional impact of the justice system.
-
Rebecca Forster is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author and writes full-time, penning thrillers that explore the emotional impact of the justice system.
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