PLEASE NOTE THAT BEFORE YOU CARRY ON READING THIS POST THAT THOUGH WHAT I HAVE TO SAY MAY BE BRUTAL IT'S ME TRYING TO HELP OUT MY FELLOW SELF PUBLISHED AUTHORS.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME THESE ARE JUST RULES I'VE MADE UP THAT I STRIVE FOR WHEN I DESIGN BOOK COVERS.

* the covers featured in this post were designed by me specially for this post. These books do not exist.



Rule #1 to self published book designing is to make sure readers can SEE the author's NAME and the TITLE of the book on the cover. There is nothing more I hate than these covers with the font that is practically the same color as the background and it blends in so much it's like it was never there. White font can be your best friend but it can also be your worst enemy. Also be careful with the font you use. Why the hell do these supernatural YA covers have wacky - flowery fonts. Don't, just don't.



Rule #2 to self published book designing is to select stock photos that are the correct size for paperback or ebook. These bookmark sized looking book covers are not attracting and to be honest they are hideous and you do not want your cover in physical form to look warped or pixelated in the final product.



Rule #3 to self published book designing is one that needs attention the most. These extremely simple book covers with wacky looking font and a stick figure or tiny pictures are not easy on the eyes. They will ensure that your book will more than likely not sell well. It's brutal but honest, covers sell the book more often than the synopsis. Do not fall into that hole of terrible simple covers. If you are broke as hell like most self published authors are at the beginning, search for public domain images and find a photo that suits your book best. Public domain images are free to use and will make a difference.


Rule #4 to self published book designing is if you do not know jack shit about photoshop don't use it for your FIRST book cover. Badly photoshopped book covers show laziness and they are never easy on the readers eyes, try your hand at photoshop for a while before you edit your book cover or find someone who can help you. You can find someone online in book cover forums or ask a friend who uses photoshop.


Rule #5 to self published book designing is don't charge so much for your services if you do charge. I've seen people spend nearly $500 for a book cover and that is fucking insane. It does not cost that much for a book cover designer to use photoshop. Authors, don't fall for it go find someone else.


Rule #6 to self published book designing is PLEASE do not cover your stock model's face with FONT. It's just bad. Don't do it.


Rule #7 to self published book designing is to try to your best with the cover you are designing whether it be your own or not. Sloppy book covers are ugly and are not cute on bookshelves. Try your BEST but have FUN!


if you want to add any more list them below!
thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

- :)