Print on demand technology is changing the rules of the publishing industry, without a doubt. Via self-publishing services, writers everywhere have the ability to get their words into print. This emerging technology has only served to heighten the importance of good cover design.

Self-publishing relies on the Internet as a chief method of distribution. This means that there is no physical book present while the consumer is shopping. Often, the cover is the only visual connection your potential readers have to your work.

You may think you have the next great American novel on your hands, but does your cover make the consumer believe it?

Cover Design: What Works For You?

As a self-publishing author, deciding on a cover design depends as much upon your personal goals for your book as it does upon the book's content. How large of an audience do you wish to reach? Is this book primarily intended for family? Does it cater to peers within your industry or a niche audience? Or would you like for your work to reach as many people as possible?

While not all authors have the same goals for their books, put simply, the more copies of your book you intend to sell, the more important it is to have an eye-catching cover. A well-designed cover is not only a way to attract a reader's eyes; it's also a sign that the content warranted high-quality packaging. A poorly conceived or executed cover is a message to the reader that what's inside the book doesn't deserve their attention. Remember, potential book buyers' first impressions are formed the first moment they see your cover, and the amount of effort you've put towards the cover will influence the next moment: a reader's decision whether or not to purchase your book.

Covers "DIMY": Doing it (mostly) yourself

Wordclay's self-publishing wizard makes it easy to create a simple DIY cover for your book, allowing you to choose the style of its basic elements. But for authors who have a specific vision, the basic elements might not be enough. If the goals you've set for your book demand a unique, novel cover, Wordclay can help, if you let us.

As a writer with a strong do-it-yourself mentality, it might be a great step to let someone else handle part of your book's presentation. But sometimes, in the long run, it's better to allow an experienced professional do the work rather than taking on something that is not your forte. While we've heard the American saying that "you can't judge a book by its cover," we're also familiar with the old chestnut that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." It's no secret that you want your cover to look good — really good. Luckily, when it comes to covers, Wordclay has you covered.

Choices, Choices: Your Professional Cover Design Options

If you're considering cover design options, a custom designed cover is just what you'll get when you purchase our Stock Art Cover design. Wordclay's cover designers can help you achieve your vision by selecting images from their vast catalog of stock art and shaping them according to your wishes. Of course, you are still in control of the final outcome. You get the opportunity to work directly with your designer, review the design and make changes needed to better serve your vision.

If you are looking to outfit your book with something totally unique, speaking to the specifics of your plot, characters and themes, you may want to consider Custom Cover Design.

Custom Cover Design gives you the chance to work with a seasoned illustrator who has collaborated with self-published authors for years. Your cover design will fulfill both the need to convey the book's genre to the reader and the need to distinguish itself within that genre. Your designer will have the ability to use whatever medium is needed to strike the exact tone you want. And again, you have control over the outcome – you receive a concept proof to ensure that the design is headed down the right path and a final proof to assure that only an approved cover makes it onto your book.

Whether your self-publishing goal is the great American novel, a resonant collection of poetry, or a trusty cookbook, your cover is vitally important. As a self-publishing author, it's important to pick a partner who offers you the right options to create a product you'd be proud to hand to a reader. Wordclay's cover design services will help you put the perfect cover on your book and help ensure your future success.

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