I can relate to that. Im currently designing a cover and did some research to get a nice result and everything I find is "go tell your designer" but I AM the designer lol
I'm a book cover designer and it's always been a struggle to explain to clients why I have and require them to answer a project brief. Your video definitely reflects what I have in mind and validated it! Thanks!
Got to say this was the best video I've seen about book covers. I'll have to keep it as a reference; short and to the point but chock full of valuable information.
This is very helpful! I am a self-published author(suspense and thriller)and I have some graphic background so I have slowly been recreating my covers. I have five books currently, three on the back burner that is in the process of being remastered, reblurbed, and recovered(by me). I have been getting critical feedback in a cover group on Facebook, so that's been incredibly good because none of my books sell. I am hoping the new covers do the trick
I'm not a designer and the one I took for the job declined it. So I was thinking in something that I could do and no ideas came but I saw your video and everything was clear!!! I realized what matters for the cover and because of that I've got a good idea that even I could do. Thank you very much!!!
My sister is a graphic designer and she tells me all the time how so many clients will procrastinate in giving the designers whatever the designer needs to work with for whatever project till the last minute, and then the client will say, "Oh and we need this TOMORROW." So be very intentional and responsible with your timing when working with a designer. Be reasonable and don't procrastinate in getting them the information they need because it's on you if they don't have enough time to give the book cover their best work in time.
Wow, honestly that's kind of amazing... how can someone hire a designer to do something for them and just up and ghost the designer? That sounds so weird, as if they don't care about their project. If I were hiring someone, I'd definitely want to be available to answer any questions the designer may have. I guess some people are just irresponsible.
@@syedarizvi7290 My mum is a graphics designer, and her main client is a big company that does exactly what is described above. I feel it's because it's a big company and the people working with my mother don't have personal investment in the project, just want to get by and get paid. They don't care as much about the result as long as there's no glaring mistakes and it looks okay. Whereas you might be thinking about how you'd act if you were to hire a designer for YOUR personal project. Just a theory though, I'd definitely feel guilty acting like those art directors.
Informative video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I see that you understand a lot about designer client communication and why it is so important for getting the book cover that you want. I am a designer and I am working on bible lessons book covers.It may seem to be easy but without knowing what my client is invisioning I can't provide him with satisfying covers. I do a lot of research along with clients brief and then i put my heart and soul to design every book cover. Visual appeal holds a lot of importance to convert a brilliant piece of writing into someones purchase. Design should speak for the essence of the book.
Hi, I've been happy with using this website for my covers. You can select a pre-made one and customize the fonts or request a customized cover. There are hundreds of independent artists who post their cover art there. Hope this helps. Best of luck. selfpubbookcovers.com/
After watching your video, I'm embarrassed of how much I have muddled through my book covers. I iwish my two book cover designers took a few minutes to explain instead of trying to satisfy my every want. Thank you.
What - what is the book about Who - who is the book about - who is the target audience (genre) Where - ? Where is where? Did I hear this wrong lol I'll just keep listening 😆 cuz I need this 5 elements of a cover: 1st - Title 2nd - Series statement, tag line, subtitle 3rd - Author name 4th - Foreground (includes main character) 5th - Background (scene/genre)
So I have a historic romance set in the 18th century with a girl and three longhaired guys who all use swords. A lot of people crave romances with long-haired guys (blond, blackhaired) so shouldn't they be partially incorporated onto the cover? I really like the title covers of animes or mangas. I've even considered including illustrations scattered throughout the book.
just got shortlisted for a german company book cover designers. i just dont know how to start, it feels foreign even tho i've been doing it for years locally.
Hey Michael... Thanks for this design info on book covers. You are right, my book is my baby, therefore, I am quite particular about how it's viewed on the cover. Is this information essential before finishing my book? Should I be looking for a book cover designer now?
I have a question: I am a digital artist and have a working knowledge about digital design. I want to make my book cover on my own, but I also want it to look attracting and professional. I don't have much starting capital to support this book and I am kind of saving it all for publication. Should I risk it and design the cover on my own, or should I pay someone else? Thank you!
@BKM Publishing you don't need to hold the professional title, but you had BETTER know how to make a fitting cover, because amateur covers look amateur to readers.
I'm your new subscriber. I have a question. I'm preparing for IELTS Writing, so. What do you think Grammarly is best to check mistakes in my written essay?
Sure, just make sure you’re clear in what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s better to let the designer have generic info. If you’re too specific you could confuse them.
Personally, as an artist, I would rather have more specific detail for the character (like if they have an earing in the left ear and red chucks) because those things can be easily (or appopriately, rather) created using photomanipulation and photobashing which won't require having to do photoshoots.
That’s well said. I default to the opposite because I’ve seen that authors like to micromanage their designs without having a good understanding of how photo manipulation works. If the author can provide specific details RESPONSIBLY, then yes I agree 100%.
As an artist, being told to “tell my designer” is like that Spider-Man pointing to himself meme. Good video though, very useful for making a cover.
I can relate to that. Im currently designing a cover and did some research to get a nice result and everything I find is "go tell your designer"
but I AM the designer lol
Good point, but everybody’s not an artist. Some of us might actually need to “tell our designer” 👍🏾
I'm a book cover designer and it's always been a struggle to explain to clients why I have and require them to answer a project brief. Your video definitely reflects what I have in mind and validated it! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!!
Everything here sounds so professional.. As a child, I am slightly unnerved
Same.
Got to say this was the best video I've seen about book covers. I'll have to keep it as a reference; short and to the point but chock full of valuable information.
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. :)
This is very helpful! I am a self-published author(suspense and thriller)and I have some graphic background so I have slowly been recreating my covers. I have five books currently, three on the back burner that is in the process of being remastered, reblurbed, and recovered(by me). I have been getting critical feedback in a cover group on Facebook, so that's been incredibly good because none of my books sell. I am hoping the new covers do the trick
Hope you succeed, God Willing
@@syedarizvi7290 thanks!🙂
him: "tell your cover designer-"
me: *cackles* as if I can afford a cover designer!
I'm not a designer and the one I took for the job declined it. So I was thinking in something that I could do and no ideas came but I saw your video and everything was clear!!! I realized what matters for the cover and because of that I've got a good idea that even I could do. Thank you very much!!!
My sister is a graphic designer and she tells me all the time how so many clients will procrastinate in giving the designers whatever the designer needs to work with for whatever project till the last minute, and then the client will say, "Oh and we need this TOMORROW." So be very intentional and responsible with your timing when working with a designer. Be reasonable and don't procrastinate in getting them the information they need because it's on you if they don't have enough time to give the book cover their best work in time.
Absolutely. I couldn’t agree more. Doing what you describe makes people subpar clients that designers won’t want to work with.
Wow, honestly that's kind of amazing... how can someone hire a designer to do something for them and just up and ghost the designer? That sounds so weird, as if they don't care about their project. If I were hiring someone, I'd definitely want to be available to answer any questions the designer may have. I guess some people are just irresponsible.
Also I hope you don't think my comment was rude, I was merely just discussing with you
@@syedarizvi7290 You're good!
@@syedarizvi7290 My mum is a graphics designer, and her main client is a big company that does exactly what is described above. I feel it's because it's a big company and the people working with my mother don't have personal investment in the project, just want to get by and get paid. They don't care as much about the result as long as there's no glaring mistakes and it looks okay. Whereas you might be thinking about how you'd act if you were to hire a designer for YOUR personal project. Just a theory though, I'd definitely feel guilty acting like those art directors.
this guys voice is beautiful.
could do accent coaching.
it's like velvet in ears.
Best video tutorial I've seen on book cover design. Articulate and clear presentation! Thank you
I only have have of a first draft done so I don't why I'm here. Helpful video none the less.
Informative video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I see that you understand a lot about designer client communication and why it is so important for getting the book cover that you want. I am a designer and I am working on bible lessons book covers.It may seem to be easy but without knowing what my client is invisioning I can't provide him with satisfying covers. I do a lot of research along with clients brief and then i put my heart and soul to design every book cover. Visual appeal holds a lot of importance to convert a brilliant piece of writing into someones purchase. Design should speak for the essence of the book.
Excellent insights!
Thanks sir!
Thank you so much for sharing this! This is extremely helpful!
Excellent video, served me from start to finish. Greetings from Dominican Republic
Great video Michael, as always. I'm currently on your 3rd book of the Old Dark Trilogy and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Wow, thank you for buying it! And thanks for watching the video. :)
@@AuthorLevelUp You're welcome; I wish I bought them sooner.
Coming back to this video late late at night because I am trying to design my own book cover an I have no idea what I'm doing. Thank you.
You can do it!
Hi, I've been happy with using this website for my covers. You can select a pre-made one and customize the fonts or request a customized cover. There are hundreds of independent artists who post their cover art there. Hope this helps. Best of luck. selfpubbookcovers.com/
I was writting my "own story" and i realized i need a book cover😅, lol
same
Very clarifying, thank you!
I should have listened to your video before this. Thank you for clear, straighfoward presentation.
Very professional! Excellent presentation. Book goals! Spot on! No work or art? Wow! Clarity! Very different!
I really like this perspective. I will keep these tips in mind for my own videos
Great!
Thank u very informative and clear.
Very well presented information. Thank you.
I'm so glad I found your channel!!!!
Reedsy is where I find editors, and book cover designers.
After watching your video, I'm embarrassed of how much I have muddled through my book covers. I iwish my two book cover designers took a few minutes to explain instead of trying to satisfy my every want. Thank you.
Very helpful and informative
Super informative. Learned something. Thanks much...
Im from philppines. Watching your tuturial☺☺
This was a really awesome video! Preach!
Great video. Thanks.
What - what is the book about
Who - who is the book about - who is the target audience (genre)
Where - ? Where is where? Did I hear this wrong lol
I'll just keep listening 😆 cuz I need this
5 elements of a cover:
1st - Title
2nd - Series statement, tag line, subtitle
3rd - Author name
4th - Foreground (includes main character)
5th - Background (scene/genre)
So I have a historic romance set in the 18th century with a girl and three longhaired guys who all use swords. A lot of people crave romances with long-haired guys (blond, blackhaired) so shouldn't they be partially incorporated onto the cover? I really like the title covers of animes or mangas. I've even considered including illustrations scattered throughout the book.
@@swedishgirl2506 probably but make sure you research what other authors in your genre are doing. That will always lead you down the right path.
Great advice! Thanks!
Am looking forward to write a book but Ts still challenging as a beginner kindly help me
thx for your information just doing my book cover in London Liverpool bank robber to the hollywood butler. this has been help fun thank you. Terry
just got shortlisted for a german company book cover designers. i just dont know how to start, it feels foreign even tho i've been doing it for years locally.
You are so good!!!
Hey Michael...
Thanks for this design info on book covers.
You are right, my book is my baby, therefore, I am quite particular about how it's viewed on the cover. Is this information essential before finishing my book? Should I be looking for a book cover designer now?
After you’ve written the first 10% you can start looking, assuming the story you’ve written wont change drastically.
Thank You!
What a nice guy. Instantly subbed.
I have to make a cover for a project
great video straight to the point! i'm a designer btw
I'm curious about series'. Should the name of my series go on the front cover, or is it enough to have it on the inside pages?
I always recommend putting the series name on the cover. Otherwise readers won’t know it’s a series.
I have a question: I am a digital artist and have a working knowledge about digital design. I want to make my book cover on my own, but I also want it to look attracting and professional. I don't have much starting capital to support this book and I am kind of saving it all for publication. Should I risk it and design the cover on my own, or should I pay someone else? Thank you!
Ding Ding?! Yeah, Ding Ding!
Great video, Michael, as usual. Thank you, sir. Rule #1 - Don't try a DIY cover unless your a graphic designer.
@BKM Publishing you don't need to hold the professional title, but you had BETTER know how to make a fitting cover, because amateur covers look amateur to readers.
I'm your new subscriber. I have a question. I'm preparing for IELTS Writing, so. What do you think Grammarly is best to check mistakes in my written essay?
Use Grammarly. It's a great free source!
Can I send my designer a concept of how I’d like the cover to look?
Sure, just make sure you’re clear in what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s better to let the designer have generic info. If you’re too specific you could confuse them.
@@AuthorLevelUp Thanks !
Personally, as an artist, I would rather have more specific detail for the character (like if they have an earing in the left ear and red chucks) because those things can be easily (or appopriately, rather) created using photomanipulation and photobashing which won't require having to do photoshoots.
That’s well said. I default to the opposite because I’ve seen that authors like to micromanage their designs without having a good understanding of how photo manipulation works. If the author can provide specific details RESPONSIBLY, then yes I agree 100%.
Much power to you #BlackLivesMatter
✊🏾
Video tip... get a stable mic that doesn't shake and distract the viewer.
How much should you spend on a book cover?
I am doing a fortnite book
if it works I will try a minecraft book
then something else
Algorithm comment!
Who else here trying to learn how to create clickable RUclips thumbnails ?😅😅
very informative and clear!