DIGITAL & DOWNLOAD

INSTANT ACCESS

Anita Nipane

Book Cover Design Formula

By Anita Nipane
Book 4 of the author’s series focuses on the basics of what readers expect when looking at a book cover, and how authors can measure their cover against those expectations. It’s a straightforward read with lots of specific detail from her perspective as an art director and marketer.

Stuart Bache

The Author's Guide to Cover Design

By Stuart Bache
Stuart Bache is a well-known designer, with many bestselling designs under his belt. In his guide, he stresses the importance of design briefs when working with cover designers, and breaks down the elements that make designs successful from the marketing perspective.

R Haskell

Cover Your Book: An Author's Guide to Working with a Designer to Maximize your Sales

By Rebekah Haskell
Haskell includes several case studies detailing several genres and gives solid tips for working with designers for both custom design and premades. She also includes advice for audiobook and other non-print versions of design.

JD Smith

The Importance of Book Cover Design and Formatting: For self-published authors

By JD Smith
Author JD Smith offers less of a technical how-to guide, but rather insight into what an author needs to ensure a properly formatted cover with loads of examples and comparisons.

Derek Murphy

Book Cover Design Secrets You Can Use to Sell More Books

By Derek Murphy
Murphy’s book is a lifehacker’s recipe to getting cover design right. With step-by-step instructions for researching genres and effective checklists for avoiding common mistakes, it offers fantastic insight into how a successful author “cheats” their way to cover success.

Picture of Indie Author Tools

Indie Author Tools

Indie Author Tools is a directory of all the helpful assets indie authors can use to elevate their careers. Submit a tool at Indie Author Tools.

Start or Join a Conversation About This Article:

When Writing Means Business, Storytellers Read Indie Author Magazine

Read Indie Annie's Latest Advice:

Dear Indie Annie,

I’ve just hired a new cover designer for my series, but English is not their first language. I want to make the process run smoothly. Any tips for working around a language barrier? Lost in Translation Dear Lost in Translation, Oh, poppet, collaborating across cultures can feel as daunting as decoding hieroglyphics! But with patience and open communication, you can transcend language barriers. View this as a thrilling expedition with your design sherpa! What you

Read More »

Dear Indie Annie,

I know it’s important to understand who you’re writing and marketing to, but how do I develop my ideal reader avatar? Every time I try, it feels like I’m limiting myself. Needing to Niche Down Dear Niche,  Oh darling, focusing on your target audience feels as frightening as finalizing a paint palette for your parlor. Why choose when there are so many gorgeous colors to pick from? But defining your ideal reader liberates your creativity

Read More »

Dear Indie Annie,

In the past, I’ve hired editors, cover designers, and even a virtual assistant. Passing off those responsibilities makes sense, but internal formatting always seems so straightforward. At what point is it worth investing in professional formatting services? Frugal Formatter Dear Frugal, Oh my, that moniker sounds like you’re an inhabitant of Middle Earth, but I digress. Formatting your own manuscript seems as simple as building a bookcase from IKEA: just insert tab A into slot

Read More »

Follow Us

Weekly Tutorial

Sign up for our Newsletter

We’ll send you our best articles, special offers, and industry updates

Would You Like a Free Issue?

Hello! I’m Indie Annie, and I would love to send you a copy of this month’s issue of Indie Author Magazine. Just join our email list and I’ll drop it in your inbox!