Musings from N-K projects. How do you find a graphic designer? Review the portfolio, read client testimonials and blog posts.
From Stock Images to AI-Generated Artwork Three book cover concepts created with stock images were presented to a first-time author. However, he was not satisfied with the initial designs. After reviewing the layouts, he envisioned a more specific concept. I directed him to several stock image websites to search for suitable visuals. Unfortunately, he couldn’t…
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Typos are frustrating and can easily slip through when you’re rushing or losing focus. Sometimes, even when you’re careful, missing or incorrect information from a client or colleague can lead to costly errors. Here’s a closer look at why typos happen, how they can go unnoticed, and strategies to prevent them. Dot Com or Dot…
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In a recent episode of Book Marketing Tips & Author Success, (Oct. 4) the importance of selecting the right vendor and avoiding costly mistakes came up, and the advice couldn’t be clearer: get it in writing. When hiring a designer or any other service provider, it’s essential to have clear terms upfront, ensuring both parties are on…
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What key components go on the back cover of your book? I recently saw a book cover diagram on Pinterest. It showed the back cover, spine and front cover with margins, and placement of elements. Overall, I agreed with the image. However, the diagram’s back cover repeated the book title, subtitle and author’s name. This…
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Search Pinterest for book marketing ideas. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration. To start, simply type “book marketing” into the Pinterest search bar, and you’ll be greeted with a variety of visually appealing posts that are sure to spark ideas. I’ve curated numerous Pinterest boards, including one dedicated solely to Book Marketing, featuring over a…
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Do you have an elevator pitch? Have you memorized it? Can you confidently deliver it when somebody asks, “What is your book about?” You may be thinking, of course, I know what my book is about. I wrote it. But that question isn’t as simple as it sounds. At a recent St. Louis Publisher’s Association…
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For many years, I have been amassing book marketing plans from various self-publishing experts. As a book designer (and admitted packrat), my interest in this topic runs deep. Recently, I revisited most of these plans to gather ideas for an upcoming meeting. While some are nearly a decade old, they remain remarkably relevant. Although book…
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If you are someone who loves typography as I do, you should treat yourself to a magnificent book on the subject by Steven Heller and Louise Fili. The book—Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design’s Golden Age—contains more than three hundred pages of vintage magazine images, signage, advertisements, stationery, food labels, wine bottles, packaging, and more. Script…
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