paint_brushCrrreative creates custom covers

On many of the websites that offer services for Indie publishers, cover design is limited to templates that specify how graphics are used and limit font choices.

For extra $$, non-template custom designs can be created. The latest price I’ve seen for this on CreateSpace is $999.

No limits at Crrreative

CreateSpace’s $499 “Unique” program gives you 2 concepts and limits designer time to 5 hours.

Their $999 “Signature” program provides 2 concepts and limits designer time to 10 hours.

Sounds kinda mechanical to me--what if your cover design is not right when you run out of hours?

We provide as many concepts and as much design time as it takes to get it right.

Book-cover essentials

Front Cover: title, name, and appropriate graphic. Thought is given to creating a brand image if there are multiple books by the same author, and especially for nonfiction books.

Observer-thum-150WSpine: includes title, author name, and imprint logotype.

Back: includes graphic for ISBN number (which can include price); cover blurb (editorial assistance included); author photo if provided and desired, and design and placement of blurbs, if any.

Make sure the design works for the Internet.

The combination of the cover graphic with the title and author’s name must be designed with the Web in mind. Sometimes two designs are needed, one for print and one for websites. See an examination of designing for the Web here.

Creating the right cover graphic

1. Using stock photography and/or illustration. Unless you have the budget for original art or photography, or a friend who can supply either, this is the most affordable.

A cover may need only one photo or illustration, or it may require the combination of several. The costs for stock images are quite reasonable, and many cover graphics can be purchased for less than $50.

SummerBoy-75WWe  search for the right images to engage readers (and you can provide your own) and then  merge them into a unique image. The cover you see here uses 3 different stock photos and 1 stock illustration (and a lot of manipulation) to create a “hot” summer look for a coming-of-age story laced with murder.

2. Using original photos or art. This is a fine approach as long as the photo or art suits the cover’s mission.

Icons by http://dryicons.com