Authorpreneur Magazine Issue 3 | Page 23

I’ ve found that older publishers seem to operate behind the curve when it comes to design innovation, and effectively utilizing online platforms like 99 Designs and Elance for outsourcing design work. Design arms of conservative publishers rarely produce covers beyond those simply functional and starkly informative.

Once I secured the digital rights, I set to work hiring a grad designer to re-design the cover. The designer was then able to use the cover as a part of her portfolio while making $ 200, so it was a win-win situation.

With the new cover for The Bloody History of the Croissant, I had more copies downloaded in a single day than the previous sales amounted to in a year. In one week, I had over 1.4 thousand downloads.

I attribute that to the beauty of the new cover, the accessibility of digital books, and thirdly, my satisfaction with the new cover, which leads me to be much more adamant in my promotion of the book.

www. davehalliday. com. au

Alyscia Cunningham

In October of 2010 I gave the design of my book, Feminine Transitions, a go using Blurb. Having no previous book design experience made it somewhat challenging however, it was my only option at that time. The fee to hire a designer was much more than I could afford. Given that I was already working on a tight budget, I figured I would put my previous layout experience to the test.

Fortunately, as many artists, I was blessed with the gift of visualization. In other words, I envision my pictures and designs before I actually create them. After awaking from sleep one morning, I pulled out my journal from the side of my mattress and sketched my original cover design for Feminine Transitions.

The initial font color for‘ Feminine’ was red as to me it symbolized womanhood. From our menstrual to pregnancy and birth red is the color of what secretes from our wombs. I thought it was a perfect fit. Also,

the idea of placing the faces side by side represented the‘ Transition’ from young to old. It was vital that the cover image and title tell the story without completely knowing what Feminine Transitions truly signified.

Two years later I was referred to Robin Benson, a publications designer and photography book reviewer. He was unable to review my book since it wasn’ t in print yet. Fortunately, Robin suggested he edit it in order to create a cohesive feel.

I loved his ideas so much that it ended up as an entire redesign. Robin offered his valuable assistance at no cost. I am indebted to Robin for his assistance and truly thankful that Feminine Transitions is now complete and professionally designed.

www. alyscia. com

Leanna Harrow

When I decided to become a writer, I had no idea there were so many details. Editing, reediting, covers, contracts, marketing, public relations. I thought, you write a book, you’ re an author. Easy. Boy, was I wrong!