Alicia Kat Vancil's Blog, page 10

Ask Kat: Where do you recommend one look for cover a designer?

I’d start by looking up the designers of covers you like. Next I’d ask other indies who they’d recommend. Third search Google or a forum you frequent.

Ask Kat: How can I tell if stock images allow me to use them in book production?

Seek out the policies page on the stock site. Or on the specific stock’s page. Or if in doubt, contact the creator of said stock. I use Fotolia, because they have a great range of stock and policies that protect you. If your photo manipulation style is more filter heavy, Photoshop is your program. If your photo manipulation style is more illustrative (like mine), Corel Painter is your program.

Ask Kat: What tips do you have for designing covers in a series?

There are two ways I would suggest doing series or trilogy covers based on the content in the books. For single POV books: I’d recommend using the same model or character design for each cover but using different colors, situations or background elements for each. For example, the covers I created for LM Preston’s The Pack series, featured this type of design. If instead you are using symbols or other non-human design element such as Veronica Roth’s Divergent series, all the covers should use similarly important symbols. Color isolation, like that used in the Twilight Saga covers, is another good example.

10 ways to make your cover stand out in the crowd

There are bad covers out there; we have all seen them. The ones with the glaring, eye-searing colors, painful design, and horrid photoshopping that should be a crime against humanity. I could go on for days about the horrors I have seen lurking in the dark corners of bookshops, but I’m sure you’d all rather I talk about what makes a good cover. The kind that stands out on a crowded shelf and demands you buy it.

Calling All Authors: Free Advice, Chats, and Prizes, Oh My!

Hi my Indie kitties, if you’re an author (or want to be), you must make plans to attend the Indie Revolution Conference, or as we like to call it: Indie ReCon – making Indie publishing a mission possible! While the conference focuses on Indie publishing, there will be tons of advice that will benefit writers who utilize all publishing styles. And during the conference, our presenters and partners will be giving out loads of prizes – including new kobo e-readers. Some of the conference highlights include:

Ask Kat: What is the best and worst part of Indie publishing?

Best: That you have complete creative control. Worst: Since you’re basically running your own company you have to split your time between so many things you wouldn’t have to do if you were traditionally published.

Ask Kat: What made you decide go the indie route?

Ask Kat: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

The Next Big Thing [Bloggity Hop]

Purgatory Reign cover

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Client

Phenomenal One Press


Cover design and illustration for Purgatory Reign.

Original stock photo © Olly

Full Covers
Alternate Design

Final Design

ARC Cover