Hi Jim, 

I just started reading Drakin. I have to admit, your cover designs are what drew me in. The first cover on Raiya is badass! I’m just curious how you come up with yours and where you go to get yours done. I’m just about ready to publish my book, but all I have available is the generic covers on places like createspace. Do you think I should use those or pay one of their people to create a cover for me?

Thanks,
LaToya 

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Hi LaToya

At the risk of sounding elitist, I would absolutely NEVER go with, what many in the industry refer to as ‘clip art covers’. Those generic covers have been used over and over again and are, IMHO very plain. You just stated that the cover of Drakin is what drew you in, so let me ask you this; would you have given the book a second glance if I’d gone with one of the covers you’re looking at? I highly doubt it.

The fact is, especially in this day and age, most people are visual learners. We take in more from what we see in pictures and video, and hear in audio, than what we read on paper. This is part of the reason why things like audio books are so popular now.

There is an old saying that goes ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’. To an extent, that’s true, but it’s also not true. The cover is the first thing someone is going to see. It’s going to be the first deciding factor as to whether or not they want to read further. If they don’t like what they see on the cover, chances are, they’re not going to read on.

Personally, I would find yourself a good artist/illustrator/graphic designer. Usually, a cover will run you between $300-$700. Trust me, it’s worth it. For my covers, I go with three people…

A Photographer: Rick Chandler 

A model. (Multiple)

An artist: Brett Warniers

From there, I pick a character and/or a scene from my stories to have created into a cover and have the artist recreate it. Sometimes, I’ll even just tell the artist what my story is about and let them go nuts creating a cover that they think will work. I’ve actually gotten some really good results that way.

Long story short, a good cover is going to cost you a lot of time and money, but it’s worth it. I don’t think you’re ready to publish just yet, honestly. Find a good artist, and for the love of God, do not short change them. Be up front with whatever budgetary restrictions you have, most will work within a reasonable budget to create something great but pay them what they ask for.

Readers, what do you think? Would you ever go with a generic cover?

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Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.

jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com

I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.

Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Also, feel free to check out my works of Fantasy and Historical Fiction, Available on Amazon and where ever books are sold. See the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/James-Harrington/e/B00P7FBXTU

Note:
If you have read my books, PLEASE log into Amazon and post a review. I really love to hear everyone’s thoughts and constructive criticisms. Reviews help get my book attention and word of mouth is everything in this business!

Thanks friends!

Catch you on the flip side!

-Jim