Kelley York's Blog, page 7
December 6, 2012
Self-publishing 101: Digital Covers
I won't claim to be an expert. I've only self-pubbed one book--going on two--and I certainly haven't done as much as, say, Nyrae Dawn or Jolene Perry or Steph Campbell who are all champs at this by now. But talking to someone on FB made me think maybe I have some advice that could be handy, so I'm going to do a short series on self-publishing for beginners.
Today's topic: covers
I start with covers because I absolutely love doing them and because they're an extremely vital, often overlooked, part of self-publishing. When people are browsing Amazon or B&N for books, you have one chance to make a first impression. They aren't going to start by reading sample chapters or your blurb. They're going to start by seeing two things: your title and your cover. Which means both of these things need to really stand out.
Hiring a Cover Maker
Definitely a possibility...if you have the funds and aren't adept at making covers yourself. There are plenty of amazing cover artists out there for very reasonably priced. Allie Brennan creates beautiful covers and has done so for several friends of mine. She also has a great selection of posts about design if you're venturing into making your own cover.
Do your research. Look at your budget. Ask around to other self-published authors who either (1) know good, affordable cover artists or (2) make their own covers and might do one for you for a reasonable price.
Stock Images
In the event hiring a cover artist just isn't in your budget and you have the ability to make your own, there are some things you should know. Don't expect you can grab any image you want off a website for use of your cover. There are rules.
Personally, for any of the four covers I've made for myself, I have yet to use any other stock website aside from Dreamstime. Not because their selection is the biggest, but because they're the most affordable. Prices for stock images can go upwards to $100 on some websites, but Dreamstime keeps the cost remarkably low: around $7 to $20 for the size you'll want. Their basic licenses cover royalty free e-book distribution and (I believe) up to 50,000 in print. Any more than that and you'll want to purchase an extended license.
Another reason I like Dreamstime is that they allow you to download a decent-sized 'comp image', which is basically your photo with a bunch of watermarks on it but it still works for putting into an imaging program and messing around with to see if you like what you can do.
Sizes
So when you're buying that image, what size do you want? This post has a lot of really useful info regarding sizes for what each online retailer is going to want (yes, they're different). I work with an image that is 1672x2500, that way I have a high-resolution cover capable of being sized down to any other size I might need.
When you buy your image, keep size in mind. Purchasing the smallest size of something like 400x600 or whatever is NOT going to help you because when you size it up, it's going to look terrible. Get the biggest size you're willing to spend money on.
Filters, Effects, Etc.
If you aren't hugely familiar with or have access to a good imaging program, don't try to force this. I've personally been using Photoshop for over a decade, so I'm comfortable messing around and trying new things.
Look up tutorials online if you'd like. In particular and at the very least, learn how to adjust the levels of your image, and preferably the color balance. This can make a huge different in a photo that might otherwise be a little bland. If necessary, use an online photo editor like Pixlr. Don't slap on random filters like lens flares and weird brush strokes.
Fonts
Fonts are really overlooked but crucial to having a professional-looking cover. First of all, please note that not all fonts are free to use if you are selling a book. Just because it's free to download and use on a website, or even a free e-book, does NOT mean you can use it for free on a book you're going to sell.
FontSquirrel.com is an amazing site for this very reason. Everything they offer is free for commercial use (meaning, you can use it without paying royalties to whoever made the font). They have a gigantic selection. So there's one problem solved for you!
Second, choosing a font to use. Keep in mind what kind of book you have. YA, non-fiction, adult, paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi... All these play a role. Are you writing something dark? Fun? Stay away from really basic, typical fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, Thriller, etc.
Placement and Design
By now you should have downloaded a few comp images, cropped and sized them (they're comp images, so they'll look pixelated but that's okay for now!) to get an idea of what they'll look like on a digital self. You should have downloaded a nice arsenal of fonts you like. It's time to start figuring out where you want your title on that book.
Try multiple fonts. If your title has more than one word, don't be afraid to make each word a different font or size. Example:
Not only are the two words different sizes and fonts, but different colors as well. Experiment. I love this cover because it's so nicely balanced. The color of Quinn's name ties into the leaves, but doesn't blend in too much to make it hard to read. 'Grounding' has an elegant font and the loops on both the beginning and ending 'G' kind of frame 'Quinn'. It just looks nice, like everything was done on purpose.
I prefer a very simple font for author names. (Something I wish I had done on HOLLOWED's cover, but did on SUICIDE WATCH and two other unreleased covers.) I feel it looks more professional, is easier to read in small images, and detracts less from the title. Unless you're Stephen King or someone else very well known, your title needs to take center stage over your name. It's what people are going to be looking for.
Keep size in mind when messing with your fonts and title. You don't want it covering the image, however you DO want it to be large enough for people to read in small thumbnails like they'd see on Amazon or B&N. Steph's cover is a perfect example because even at half this size, it's easy to see what's going on.
Lastly, COLOR. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen self-pub covers with horrible colors. Try to keep your colors to a minimum. Don't make your font red just because it shows up brightly on a purple or black background. Find a complimentary color that--yes, like it says--compliments your image rather than clashes with it.
Now that I've droned on and on...I hope this helps and provides some resources and info to get you started on your new cover!
Today's topic: covers
I start with covers because I absolutely love doing them and because they're an extremely vital, often overlooked, part of self-publishing. When people are browsing Amazon or B&N for books, you have one chance to make a first impression. They aren't going to start by reading sample chapters or your blurb. They're going to start by seeing two things: your title and your cover. Which means both of these things need to really stand out.
Hiring a Cover Maker
Definitely a possibility...if you have the funds and aren't adept at making covers yourself. There are plenty of amazing cover artists out there for very reasonably priced. Allie Brennan creates beautiful covers and has done so for several friends of mine. She also has a great selection of posts about design if you're venturing into making your own cover.
Do your research. Look at your budget. Ask around to other self-published authors who either (1) know good, affordable cover artists or (2) make their own covers and might do one for you for a reasonable price.
Stock Images
In the event hiring a cover artist just isn't in your budget and you have the ability to make your own, there are some things you should know. Don't expect you can grab any image you want off a website for use of your cover. There are rules.
Personally, for any of the four covers I've made for myself, I have yet to use any other stock website aside from Dreamstime. Not because their selection is the biggest, but because they're the most affordable. Prices for stock images can go upwards to $100 on some websites, but Dreamstime keeps the cost remarkably low: around $7 to $20 for the size you'll want. Their basic licenses cover royalty free e-book distribution and (I believe) up to 50,000 in print. Any more than that and you'll want to purchase an extended license.
Another reason I like Dreamstime is that they allow you to download a decent-sized 'comp image', which is basically your photo with a bunch of watermarks on it but it still works for putting into an imaging program and messing around with to see if you like what you can do.
Sizes
So when you're buying that image, what size do you want? This post has a lot of really useful info regarding sizes for what each online retailer is going to want (yes, they're different). I work with an image that is 1672x2500, that way I have a high-resolution cover capable of being sized down to any other size I might need.
When you buy your image, keep size in mind. Purchasing the smallest size of something like 400x600 or whatever is NOT going to help you because when you size it up, it's going to look terrible. Get the biggest size you're willing to spend money on.
Filters, Effects, Etc.
If you aren't hugely familiar with or have access to a good imaging program, don't try to force this. I've personally been using Photoshop for over a decade, so I'm comfortable messing around and trying new things.
Look up tutorials online if you'd like. In particular and at the very least, learn how to adjust the levels of your image, and preferably the color balance. This can make a huge different in a photo that might otherwise be a little bland. If necessary, use an online photo editor like Pixlr. Don't slap on random filters like lens flares and weird brush strokes.
Fonts
Fonts are really overlooked but crucial to having a professional-looking cover. First of all, please note that not all fonts are free to use if you are selling a book. Just because it's free to download and use on a website, or even a free e-book, does NOT mean you can use it for free on a book you're going to sell.
FontSquirrel.com is an amazing site for this very reason. Everything they offer is free for commercial use (meaning, you can use it without paying royalties to whoever made the font). They have a gigantic selection. So there's one problem solved for you!
Second, choosing a font to use. Keep in mind what kind of book you have. YA, non-fiction, adult, paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi... All these play a role. Are you writing something dark? Fun? Stay away from really basic, typical fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, Thriller, etc.
Placement and Design
By now you should have downloaded a few comp images, cropped and sized them (they're comp images, so they'll look pixelated but that's okay for now!) to get an idea of what they'll look like on a digital self. You should have downloaded a nice arsenal of fonts you like. It's time to start figuring out where you want your title on that book.
Try multiple fonts. If your title has more than one word, don't be afraid to make each word a different font or size. Example:
Not only are the two words different sizes and fonts, but different colors as well. Experiment. I love this cover because it's so nicely balanced. The color of Quinn's name ties into the leaves, but doesn't blend in too much to make it hard to read. 'Grounding' has an elegant font and the loops on both the beginning and ending 'G' kind of frame 'Quinn'. It just looks nice, like everything was done on purpose.
I prefer a very simple font for author names. (Something I wish I had done on HOLLOWED's cover, but did on SUICIDE WATCH and two other unreleased covers.) I feel it looks more professional, is easier to read in small images, and detracts less from the title. Unless you're Stephen King or someone else very well known, your title needs to take center stage over your name. It's what people are going to be looking for.
Keep size in mind when messing with your fonts and title. You don't want it covering the image, however you DO want it to be large enough for people to read in small thumbnails like they'd see on Amazon or B&N. Steph's cover is a perfect example because even at half this size, it's easy to see what's going on.
Lastly, COLOR. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen self-pub covers with horrible colors. Try to keep your colors to a minimum. Don't make your font red just because it shows up brightly on a purple or black background. Find a complimentary color that--yes, like it says--compliments your image rather than clashes with it.
Now that I've droned on and on...I hope this helps and provides some resources and info to get you started on your new cover!
December 5, 2012
Cover reveal sign-up: SUICIDE WATCH
A bit last minute, but I'd love some extra help with the cover reveal this coming Monday. If anyone would like to help, just drop me an email and I'll send you everything you need. ;)
December 4, 2012
Upcoming cover reveals, announcements, etc.
I've long been told by my publicist that I need a mailing list, and thus far I've skimped out on it because I had no idea what the heck I would ever use one for. But with self-publishing some works, I've finally realized how handy one can be.
What the mailing list will offer:
- News regarding release dates, cover reveals, signings (whenever I do one), and contests ahead of time.
- Requests for help. I'll no longer be cold-emailing people to ask if they'll participate in cover reveals/blog tours because I know how busy everyone is, and I'd hate for anyone to feel required to help. This way, I can send out an announcement and anyone who feels like helping, can. ;)
- Cover reveals. You'll be the first ones to see my new covers! And I'll send along any and all information for what day I'll be revealing the cover so if you wish, you can choose to participate on your blog the same day.
- Inside news on future books and what I'm working on.
- Coupons for my self-pubbed books for the first few weeks they're out.
- Chances to win books, swag, and e-ARCs.
Not too shabby, right? Don't expect a million emails; I anticipate one regular update a month and only more if I have a lot going on/release date or cover reveal approaching. And, of course, it's designed so you can unsubscribe if you try it out and don't like it.
You can subscribe by entering your email in the widget to the right of the page. It'd be stellar to have some of you sign up. I would love to have you.
What the mailing list will offer:
- News regarding release dates, cover reveals, signings (whenever I do one), and contests ahead of time.
- Requests for help. I'll no longer be cold-emailing people to ask if they'll participate in cover reveals/blog tours because I know how busy everyone is, and I'd hate for anyone to feel required to help. This way, I can send out an announcement and anyone who feels like helping, can. ;)
- Cover reveals. You'll be the first ones to see my new covers! And I'll send along any and all information for what day I'll be revealing the cover so if you wish, you can choose to participate on your blog the same day.
- Inside news on future books and what I'm working on.
- Coupons for my self-pubbed books for the first few weeks they're out.
- Chances to win books, swag, and e-ARCs.
Not too shabby, right? Don't expect a million emails; I anticipate one regular update a month and only more if I have a lot going on/release date or cover reveal approaching. And, of course, it's designed so you can unsubscribe if you try it out and don't like it.
You can subscribe by entering your email in the widget to the right of the page. It'd be stellar to have some of you sign up. I would love to have you.
December 3, 2012
Cover reveal: FAULT LINE
Although I wasn't technically apart of the cover reveal, I really wanted to share this because I adore Christa and she's an amazing writer. I can not WAIT to read this book! And isn't this cover hot? (No pun intended.) I'd snap this up off a shelf in a second.
Add on Goodreads! You should also go see Christa's post and tell her how much you love it.
Ben could date anyone he wants, but he only has eyes for the new girl — sarcastic free-spirit, Ani. Luckily for Ben, Ani wants him too. She’s everything Ben could ever imagine. Everything he could ever want.
But that all changes after the party. The one Ben misses. The one Ani goes to alone.
Now Ani isn’t the girl she used to be, and Ben can’t sort out the truth from the lies. What really happened, and who is to blame?
Ben wants to help her, but she refuses to be helped. The more she pushes Ben away, the more he wonders if there’s anything he can do to save the girl he loves.Release date: November 12th, 2013
Add on Goodreads! You should also go see Christa's post and tell her how much you love it.
December 2, 2012
Nothing says happy December like crazy weather
It's been raining like crazy the last few days. This morning, my mom's apartment complex (about a mile from my house) looked like this:
And that was when the water was receding! Luckily, she was able to wade to her car (not pictured) and since it's an SUV, get it started while the water was lower without damaging anything. The water had reached to her front door of her apartment, too.
Thankfully, we didn't have those kinds of problems at our house. The back porch flooded several inches, but when I splashed out there to open the back gate so we could clear off said porch, a lot of the water rushed out and it stayed manageable until the rain stopped.
Bizarrely enough...it's nice out now. Overcast, but fairly nice. I know other parts of the state are still getting hit, but it's quieted down here.
...
Happy December!
And that was when the water was receding! Luckily, she was able to wade to her car (not pictured) and since it's an SUV, get it started while the water was lower without damaging anything. The water had reached to her front door of her apartment, too.
Thankfully, we didn't have those kinds of problems at our house. The back porch flooded several inches, but when I splashed out there to open the back gate so we could clear off said porch, a lot of the water rushed out and it stayed manageable until the rain stopped.
Bizarrely enough...it's nice out now. Overcast, but fairly nice. I know other parts of the state are still getting hit, but it's quieted down here.
...
Happy December!
December 1, 2012
New website! New layout! SHINY!
Well, this is happening a month early, isn't it? I know I said I wasn't going to have this up and running until January, but apparently it happened sooner than I expected.
Long story short: I got tired of paying for website hosting that I wasn't really getting use out of. All I technically need are some extra pages and a blog, something I can get from blogspot. Given that Google Friend Connect is no longer compatible on anything over than blogspot, I finally decided just to get rid of my hosting and return to blogger. I prefer its theme/layout system, anyway; it's a hell of a lot easier.
What this means:
1. If you're following the blog through Google Reader, you might want to check to make sure your links are working.
2. If you're following through Networked Blogs, there should be no change. I made the changes internally, so you're good to go!
3. If you're using Google Friend Connect...it works again!
4. Sadly, all my images from past posts...are gone. I'm going to work on going back through and trying to replace some, but it's not a priority right now.
5. Some of the pages are a little plain. Still working on sprucing them up. But the books are there, and I have some awesome links for fellow author buddies under the 'links' page.
What do you guys think?
Long story short: I got tired of paying for website hosting that I wasn't really getting use out of. All I technically need are some extra pages and a blog, something I can get from blogspot. Given that Google Friend Connect is no longer compatible on anything over than blogspot, I finally decided just to get rid of my hosting and return to blogger. I prefer its theme/layout system, anyway; it's a hell of a lot easier.
What this means:
1. If you're following the blog through Google Reader, you might want to check to make sure your links are working.
2. If you're following through Networked Blogs, there should be no change. I made the changes internally, so you're good to go!
3. If you're using Google Friend Connect...it works again!
4. Sadly, all my images from past posts...are gone. I'm going to work on going back through and trying to replace some, but it's not a priority right now.
5. Some of the pages are a little plain. Still working on sprucing them up. But the books are there, and I have some awesome links for fellow author buddies under the 'links' page.
What do you guys think?
November 16, 2012
Radio silence and hiatus
Hey, guys.
Obviously, I'm a horrible blogger, given that it's been over two months since I last updated. Most of the reason why is explained here if you're at all interested. Haven't been blogging, writing, or drawing (nothing of substance, anyway).
Long story short--I've been in a huge depression and trying to drag myself out of it.
I'm staying away from blogs and Twitter. I'm no longer a part of group blogs. I was feeling (okay, still feeling) discouraged and completely and utterly insecure with my ability to be good at much of anything--particularly writing. This kind of depression hits me off an on a lot but I can semi-function through it, but every few years I get a huge crash like this one where I'm useless for a few months. It'll pass. I just have to put serious work into it.
I'm trying to de-isolate myself and talking to people I used to talk to almost everyday, so I feel less like a crummy friend. I wrote 3,000 words yesterday. Sadly, not on the book I SHOULD be working on...but at this point any project is better than none. It's the most I've written in a few months, and it felt good. My mom works for the Red Cross and told me they're in need of some volunteers who can type fast, because none of them can. So Wife and I will be going in Monday to help out with data entry stuff. I think that'll make me feel better, to do something good for someone. I'm taking baby-steps to avoid overwhelming myself. I'm keeping off most social media and I'm going to focus on nothing but my writing and my health. (Physical and mental.)
This also means this blog is going to continue being quiet for awhile. I might do the occasional post if I feel inclined, but I don't want to make promises. I want to give myself until the end of the year and hopefully start fresh in January. New layout, with some news to report on what I'm working on, etc.
Some people have reached out looking for me and asking if I'm all right, and I hugely appreciate the concern. It's heart-warming. So this is just a notice to say...yes, I'm alive, so no need to worry. :) You can always email me if you need to get in touch.
Hope everyone is doing well! See you in 2013.
Obviously, I'm a horrible blogger, given that it's been over two months since I last updated. Most of the reason why is explained here if you're at all interested. Haven't been blogging, writing, or drawing (nothing of substance, anyway).
Long story short--I've been in a huge depression and trying to drag myself out of it.
I'm staying away from blogs and Twitter. I'm no longer a part of group blogs. I was feeling (okay, still feeling) discouraged and completely and utterly insecure with my ability to be good at much of anything--particularly writing. This kind of depression hits me off an on a lot but I can semi-function through it, but every few years I get a huge crash like this one where I'm useless for a few months. It'll pass. I just have to put serious work into it.
I'm trying to de-isolate myself and talking to people I used to talk to almost everyday, so I feel less like a crummy friend. I wrote 3,000 words yesterday. Sadly, not on the book I SHOULD be working on...but at this point any project is better than none. It's the most I've written in a few months, and it felt good. My mom works for the Red Cross and told me they're in need of some volunteers who can type fast, because none of them can. So Wife and I will be going in Monday to help out with data entry stuff. I think that'll make me feel better, to do something good for someone. I'm taking baby-steps to avoid overwhelming myself. I'm keeping off most social media and I'm going to focus on nothing but my writing and my health. (Physical and mental.)
This also means this blog is going to continue being quiet for awhile. I might do the occasional post if I feel inclined, but I don't want to make promises. I want to give myself until the end of the year and hopefully start fresh in January. New layout, with some news to report on what I'm working on, etc.
Some people have reached out looking for me and asking if I'm all right, and I hugely appreciate the concern. It's heart-warming. So this is just a notice to say...yes, I'm alive, so no need to worry. :) You can always email me if you need to get in touch.
Hope everyone is doing well! See you in 2013.
September 6, 2012
Cover reveal: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn!
By now, you guys all know who Nyrae Dawn is. If you don't...you should. She's my crit partner and awesome fellow author. You can see all her other books listed under my "Reads" page!
And today I'm getting to share the cover for her newest contemporary, CHARADE!
[image error]
Do you know what that is? It's not just YA, it's NA. This will mark the first of Nyrae's New Adult books! CHARADE is scheduled for a November 30th, 2012 release date, so head on over to GoodReads and add it!
And today I'm getting to share the cover for her newest contemporary, CHARADE!
[image error]
Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens her picture of perfection.
Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it’s what he wants too.
Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another. The game and the emotions building between them become the only things either of them have that feels real.
Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never that easy. When tragedy strikes, their love might not be enough to hold them together.
Do you know what that is? It's not just YA, it's NA. This will mark the first of Nyrae's New Adult books! CHARADE is scheduled for a November 30th, 2012 release date, so head on over to GoodReads and add it!
August 31, 2012
LAST day of the tour: major giveaway!
Today marks the final day of the Hollowed blog tour! In celebration, we have one last post, and it's a special one.
Over on Beyond the Hourglass Bridge, I did my very first vlog. It was awkward and uncomfortable and I recorded the entire thing...only to find out I'd been covering the microphone so there was no audio, and had to do it again. Whoops.
In addition to the vlog, we have the SUPER giveaway! In the prize pack:
- An e-copy of Nyrae Dawn's MEASURING UP
- An e-copy of HOLLOWED
- A print, signed ARC of HUSHED*
- A signed HUSHED bookmark
- a 25-page critique by me
- A "Good Deed" from Kat, owner of Beyond the Hourglass Bridge
*This is my VERY. LAST. ARC of Hushed!
Nice, right? Just answer a few easy questions whose answers are all in the vlog, and win!
Over on Beyond the Hourglass Bridge, I did my very first vlog. It was awkward and uncomfortable and I recorded the entire thing...only to find out I'd been covering the microphone so there was no audio, and had to do it again. Whoops.
In addition to the vlog, we have the SUPER giveaway! In the prize pack:
- An e-copy of Nyrae Dawn's MEASURING UP
- An e-copy of HOLLOWED
- A print, signed ARC of HUSHED*
- A signed HUSHED bookmark
- a 25-page critique by me
- A "Good Deed" from Kat, owner of Beyond the Hourglass Bridge
*This is my VERY. LAST. ARC of Hushed!
Nice, right? Just answer a few easy questions whose answers are all in the vlog, and win!
August 30, 2012
Kindlegraph, contests, and more!
Tomorrow marks the end of the Hollowed blog tour! (I know, the banners say August 30th, but the last post is actually the 31st, whoops.) I strongly urge you to check it out. There will be one last giveaway separate from the one that's been running for the whole tour. (Which has almost 500 entries. WOAH.) This super prize pack will include more than just a digital copy of Hollowed, so be sure to check back tomorrow and I'll link you to the entry.
Until then--Hushed and Hollowed are now both available on Kindlegraph!
For those that don't know, Kindlegraph is a way to get your Kindle books autographed. You just click on the book you want signed, and I can insert a message and a signature into your Kindle book. Neat, huh?
Also on Monday, For the Love of Contemporary will be announcing a new contest!
Until then--Hushed and Hollowed are now both available on Kindlegraph!
For those that don't know, Kindlegraph is a way to get your Kindle books autographed. You just click on the book you want signed, and I can insert a message and a signature into your Kindle book. Neat, huh?
Also on Monday, For the Love of Contemporary will be announcing a new contest!
