A.M. Ruggirello's Blog, page 9

5 Essentials to Prepare for your Book Cover Artist

There are a slew of blog posts out there telling you how to find a cover artist, and the questions you should ask when searching for one, but what happens after you’ve asked the questions? After the search is over? In order to get the best experience when working with a designer to create your book cover, you should arm yourself with the essentials—it’ll help both you and your designer reach the perfect cover.

5 Essentials to Prepare for your Book Cover Artist

 

Basic Book information

This should be a given, but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen an author just expect me to know. It may seem like we work magic in Photoshop, but we aren’t mind readers. That’s why the first essential you provide is the basic information about your book. Most artists will request this right off the bat, but make their job easier by providing things like: Title, sub-title, author name (if you’re using a pseudonym), genre and audience age, comp titles, and—at the very least—a synopsis or the beginnings of a back cover blurb. All of this information is crucial to creating a cover that fits within the category it will be promoted within. Because, remember: your cover is pure advertising. While you might have a vision of what your book’s “shell” looks like, it means nothing if it doesn’t attract a reader and sell.

Examples of Book Covers You Love

Everyone has their favored aesthetic, and for a designer to understand yours it’s helpful to provide a handful (3 – 5) example covers of published books whose covers you oogle from afar. Make sure you point out the elements you like of each. Sending examples is great, but if you don’t explain your reason for liking it, it’s just as bad as not having sent any to begin with. And, while covers you love are great examples, there are also . . .

Examples of Book Covers You Hate With a Passion Burning like 1,000 Suns

Similar to the book covers you love, the book covers you hate gives a designer an idea of things to steer clear of and avoid like the plague. Don’t like text on an angle, if you’re unable to state that outright (maybe because you don’t exactly know that’s what you don’t like about a cover), by at least providing an example we can deduce what you dislike. Sending another handful of examples in this category are just as important as the covers you like, so even if your designer doesn’t ask for them (shame on them), make sure you send some.

A Description of What Your Ideal Cover Looks Like

This is a question I ask almost immediately for cover art projects both with Cardboard Monet and REUTS Publications. Essentially, if you could have any cover in the entire world—encrusted with jewels, dipped in gold, or even carved out of a stone tablet—let me know. While I can’t promise any of those difficult requests, this at least gives your designer a mark to meet. They may have suggestions about how to improve the concept, or can give you reasons why it’s not the best direction, but it gives us a glimpse into your mind’s eye, how you view your book, and how we can bring it to life.

Your Timeline of Expectations

It may differ from what your designer can provide, though this is likely something discussed before a contract is even signed. Make sure you’re on the same page, and understand some things beyond your control might interfere and cause the timeline to change. On either side of the fence, if something does change, make sure you let your designer know ASAP. Need a cover sooner? That’s important to know for scheduling purposes. Need to change the dimensions of your paperback book? Crucial. Proportions vary greatly between book sizes, and it’s not as easy of a fix as you might thing. Basically, communication throughout the entire process is key, but if you’re able to establish a baseline going forward, it’ll help in the long run. Trust me.

What’s New In Ashley Land?

The other day I made a semi-cryptic tweets, and received an overwhelming amount of support in return.

So, what happened?

I quit.

No, not the blog, nor Cardboard Monet or REUTS Publications. Earlier this week I made the difficult—and somewhat spontaneous—decision to quit my day job, effective immediately. I won’t go into specifics as to why it happened, and happened in this specific way, but what I will say is so far it has been a positive experience, even if it’ll take a little bit to get used to.

And I can now breath the biggest sigh of relief.

So, instead of being a Debbie Downer about this situation, help me celebrate! I’ve decided to piggy-back off of my “End of the Year” sale, and offer a I Quit My Day Job sale. Order a book cover project by February 15, 2016 and get $100 off your order!

In addition to cover art, I’d like to extend a typesetting discount! Typically my rate is flat for up to 100,000 words, but because we’re celebrating, I’d like to increase that limit to 200,000 words! Huzzah!

Request a quote today and lock in your February and March dates

ICYMI Edition #012416

 

I’m making sure this one gets out on time this week. If you’re just now following along, on top of all the work I do reading and writing for REUTS Publications, offering freelance book production services at Cardboard Monet, or just working on my own work in progress pieces as an author, I’m also a video game blogger (it’s true, we exist) for two exciting sites feature below. Each week I’m wrangling together the articles posted within that week, so you can enjoy them if you missed them.

Enjoy!

That VideoGame Blog // WAR DRAGONS: All Things Burn released today!

It is, after all, Appreciate a Dragon Day, and mobile game pioneer, Pocket Gems, knows just how to celebrate: by transforming their PvP mobile game War Dragons (Android, iOS) into a full-fledge novel.

{Read more at ThatVideoGameBlog.com}

That VideoGame Blog // REVIEW Crashlands (PC/Mobile)

I picked up Crashlands, from developer Butterscotch Shenanigans, for two reasons:  cool, comic book feel, and  the prospect of crafting a “stem cell baby” as teased in the trailer.

{Read more at ThatVideoGameBlog.com}

ICYMI: Debut Blogging in Full Force

**I meant to do this on Sunday, but then Far Cry 4 happened, which I thought was both understandable and fitting

That Whole Blogging Thing

Last week I posted about my resolutions for 2016; some lofty, others more reasonably attainable. You’ll notice point number two under short-term goals was:

-Blog more, both in a personal and professional setting. And I have some exciting things brewing on the horizon which might help me achieve this resolution.

Well, guess what? I can finally announce some of those “exciting things brewing on the horizon.” Within the last week I have been accepted for not one, but two blogging positions with some video game blogs. Eeeee! That’s right, not only will I fulfill my very first resolution for 2016, but it’ll also help me write more, and I’ll have an excuse to pursue one of my favorite hobbies: video games. So, while I’ll focus on writing/design/me in this blog, you’ll be seeing posts from me at BitCultures and That VideoGame Blog in the very near future.

While I’m working on my first articles for these two blogs, I could use some (wo)manpower to help think up some new blog posts ideas. At the start, I’ll be working on reviewing some classic titles (meaning I get to dive back into some of my favorite childhood games), as well as showcasing what I think is the worst video game in video game history (it’s not E.T. for Atari). Have a neat-o burrito idea that I can write about / research in the video game industry? Leave it for me in the comments!

Stick with me, because things are about to get crazy. And you can follow my antics on the PlayStation Network by adding me as a friend! The name’s “supersmaaashley.” Do it, to it.

New Year, New Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions always seem so lofty and out of reach. I almost didn’t want to place any additional stress on myself by coming up with some for 2016. But, at the same time, wandering aimlessly through the year seems like it could be a waste of 365 days. We’re already eight days into this new year, and I definitely feel as if I need some sort of direction, even if they’re small goals, to get me back on track and in the motivated spirit.

And so, with that, I’m setting some resolutions for myself. BUT, instead of just blanket resolutions on the year, I’m breaking these up into short-term and long-term goals, where the long-term goals don’t necessarily have to be completed by the end of the year, but if I’ve at least started them, I’m happy.

Well, here goes…

Short-Term Resolutions:

-Learn to meditate / start meditating. We work out our bodies, I think it’s important to work out our minds, as well. And since my career is primarily a mental strain, I want to do my mind a favor and learn to do… nothing. So, armed with the phone app Headspace I’m making the leap into meditation and mindfulness.

-Blog more, both in a personal and professional setting. And I have some exciting things brewing on the horizon which might help me achieve this resolution.

-Finish writing one novel. I should be putting this under the long-term resolutions, but I’m determined to finish at least one of my WIPs this year. I have to do it.

-Enter a short story competition. I see so many in the writing community who participate in these fun short story/anthology competitions, that I want to join in on the fun, too! A more lofty short-term goal, but that’s the beauty of short stories: they’re short.

Long-Term Resolutions:

-Finish all my WIPs. Not necessarily likely to happen within the 2016 year (though I suppose it could), but if I’m able to make significant progress, I’ll be happy.

-Establish a better work-home balance. The reason this is under a long-term resolution is because I don’t want it to ever end, and I know it’ll be tricky to implement (being the workaholic that I am).

-Learn a new language. Probably my loftiest goals, but I’d like to at least pick up a new language with a basic understanding of how to communicate. I’m deciding between Italian and Romanian, and kind of feel like I need to stick with my roots, and learn how to have riveting conversations with Dracula.

-Volunteer more. I recently was accepted to a local human society to help socialize cats, and I want to make this a permanent part of my life. Nonprofit organizations thrive on volunteer work, and I’m happy to be part of that community.

Do we share any resolutions? Want to learn Romanian with me? Let me know in the comments!

Drumroll Please // And The Winner Is…

Well, it’s been a long month and a half, and I’m so overwhelmed by the interest generated by my Author/Book Branding Giveaway. It’s exciting to be able to offer one lucky fan (and friend) the opportunity to completely re-vamp their aesthetic, much like I have recently done with my site, Cardboard Monet. If you’ve forgotten what that includes, there should be a blog post below with all the information, or you can just click here.

But, more importantly, this entire giveaway was meant to be a big thank you to everyone out there who has supported me throughout this journey. So, here’s to you: thank you, from the bottom of my heart

Sorry, I don’t mean to be stalling. I know why you’re here, and that’s to see who the winner is. Here goes:

Congratulations to the winner, Vivien R.!

Vivien, you’ll be hearing from me within the week about your package, timeline and next steps.

A bit bummed you didn’t win? Don’t worry! In the new year I have something special up my sleeve—a fantastic offer to anyone interested in book cover art. So corral your friends together, and mentally prepare for the awesomeness (seriously, it’ll be a deal you can’t pass up).

Cover Reveal // Sachael Desires by Melody Winter

Just because I haven’t posted these in a while, doesn’t mean they haven’t been happening. I need to get back in the groove of a posting schedule, so what better way to start than with a cover reveal? (None. The answer is there is no better way.)

This time I’m happy to reveal a sequel cover I created for the beautifully mystifying SACHAEL DREAMS from REUTS Publications. Sachael Desires, by the lovely Melody Winter, comes out next month! Here’s the blurb and cover:

 

During her ordeal with the Sect, Estelle Bailey dreamt of escaping back into the arms of the sea—and Azariah. But freedom came at a price, and though she’s back with the Sachael who’s stolen her heart, she’s also land-bound until the next full moon. And with the threat of Orontes looming ever larger behind them, Azariah, Estelle, and Michael—her once-captor turned rescuer and friend—are on the run.

Following Michael’s lead, they seek sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Islands until Estelle can complete her next submergence ritual and Azariah can whisk her away to the safety of Saicean.

​ ​

Secrets, betrayals, and old enemies await them, though, and as events spiral out of control, Azariah makes a decision that puts all their lives at risk, forcing Estelle to face a journey she never wanted to take. With time running out and tempers running high, her only hope to save the man she loves lies in a reconciliation between two kingdoms who despise each other.

Book Two in the Mine Series, Sachael Desires further expands on the intricate underwater world of the Sachaels, and the hostility and isolation of not belonging.​

 

Facebook  //  Twitter  //  Add to Goodreads

Also! Don’t forget to enter to win $5k worth of design services for your author/book brand!

More info here, or enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Full Author/Book Branding!

In honor of my very own re-branding and transition to focus solely on books and their authors, I’d like to give one lucky author their very own brand—from a to z. This is the biggest giveaway I’ve ever offered, and has a total value of about $5,000! It includes . . .

1. Electronic (eBook) Cover

2. Paperback Wrap Art (front cover + spine + back cover)

3. Website Design and WordPress Implementation*

4. One year of free website hosting**

4. All the swag you ever dreamed of!

(A.K.A. Business Cards, Bookmarks, Posters, Banners, Letterhead)^

5. Social Media Branding

6. Email (eBlast) Campaign Design, if applicable

6. Interior Typesetting (for electronic and paperback)^^

7. Consultation with a publishing professional.

You’re probably asking yourself.

How can I win this awesome branding package?!?

Well, there’s an app for that.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

At least 500 entries must be received for a winner to be selected. Giveaway will be extended until 500 entries are received.

Winner will be contacted upon contest end and must claim prize within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in a new winner selected.

*Must have own hosting with PHP capabilities.

**For new set-ups only. Must purchase domain name. Hosting auto renewed after one year.

^Design only. Printing of said swag not included, but I can direct you to some inexpensive online resources.

^^Book must be available within one year of contest end or typesetting prize cannot be redeemed.

Returning to my Roots

No pun intended, heh heh heh.

This return is on a more personal level. Fresh out of high school, many a years ago, I started my own freelance graphic design “business,” and dubbed it Cardboard Monet. Though CM has made many changes over the years, I’ve finally returned to my roots and decided to focus on what I’m truly passionate about. As I’ve always explained, CM is meant to be an evolution of an always-changing industry. And, boy, did it evolve!

It all began with this little bird, a character who holds a special place in my heart:

CM has had many iterations from then until now, including my dropping of this lil fella (a move I regret doing) and trying to go more “modern” in this sense:

But I have since returned to my little birdy, even if he’s just a little updated

And I kind of love him, but enough about the bird. There’s more of a big announcement to this post, I promise:

Cardboard Monet is now solely focused on book branding and production!

What does this mean? I’ve evolved my little freelance business into a one-stop-shop for everything creative when publishing a book. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Electronic (eBook) Cover Art

2. Paperback Wrap Art (front cover + spine + back cover)

3. Book Interior Design

4. Social Media Skinning

5. Marketing Graphics

6. Email (eBlast) Campaign Design

7. Website – eCommerce or Blog

Head on over and see what it has become. Request a quote if you’re ready, or just as me questions I’m happy to help!