Cover Tips

Updated: Dec 3, 2023

Last week, I shared how I created one of my covers. This week, I'd like to share some tips that I have learned along the way...

First, you need to know the genre(s) of the story for the cover. Then head over to Amazon and search through the top genres you're going to use. From those covers, look at the ones that fit the closest to your story. Do not copy the cover, but use it as inspiration.
When selecting graphics for the cover, read the license information and make sure it is legally usable. There are a lot of sites where you can purchase the graphic and the license. That's always the best route. Once you have legal rights to use the graphic, you can alter or manipulate the picture to achieve the "look" you want.
If you use a software to put the parts together like Paint Shop Pro, work in layers and do not "flatten" them or you won't be able to make changes to the work once saved. I learned this part the hard way. I know with PSP, you can save the file safely by clicking on "save copy as" and then choose paint shop pro option. That saves the layers in place so when you open the file later, they are the way you left them. Even after you publish the book, you want to keep this file in that method because you can create an audio book using those saved layers and create a similar cover with all the layers.
Before you finalize the cover, ask other artists and authors for their opinions. You can do that in Facebook Groups or on Instagram. You can create a different file by "saving as" and select png or JPEG (make sure the layers file is saved first so you don't lose it). The feedback is important so don't take the negative comments personally. It could be something as simple as changing the font. Since you have the file saved correctly, you can go in and make that one change easily without messing up the rest of the file.
Downloading Amazon's templates and use it as the bottom layer will help you place everything in the proper areas including the spine. Once you have the cover finished, you can turn that layer off unless it is covered by a background or color and can't be seen. To get a template, follow this link https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/cover-templates Fill it out including the page number so the spine is accurate.
When you are ready to publish, convert the png or JPEG file into a PDF so it is print-ready (it's the only way Amazon will accept the cover). I use Convertio https://convertio.co/ If the size is wrong, you can adjust the size through your software and convert again until you get it right. This does take time so make sure you do this way early so you're not running out of time. Amazon will tell you if the size is wrong when you upload it and test it. Make sure you don't skip that part.
If you don't know how to do something, ask others. Some will charge while others will gladly work something out on trade. There are also a lot of videos on Youtube to show you how to do things like photo manipulation, creating different looks for fonts, sparkles, and more. I am on there all the time learning. It does help.