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Posted by Jerry Lopper Dec 12, 2007 |
In the last entry I formatted my content, the internal visual appeal. Now for the all important cover, the chance to make a good first impression.
For my first book, Jump for Joy, I designed the cover myself. This time I decide to avoid that effort and use a stock cover.
There are dozens of stock covers to choose from. I selected five or six that are nature scenes in blues and greens and which suggest tranquility, abundance, and positive growth. I copied images of each of these and asked for comments from members of my writers group. They unanimously selected one that was also one of my favorites.
The cover shows a meadow of yellow flowers set against a beautiful blue sky with a prominent dark green-leaved tree in the foreground. The colors are uplifting, yet peaceful, and the abundant growth suggests personal growth, abundance, and harmony. Perfect!
My writers group members also helped with my title decision. I printed several versions of titles on individual pages and, again, they unanimously selected one.
With the manuscript "completed" (it's never really finished) and cover selected, I'm ready to upload my files and start the publishing process. Lulu's publishing "wizard" guides me step by step through the process.
First I select book format: size, black and white or color, and binding. My selections of 6X9, black and white, and perfect binding are simple clicks of the mouse.
Next I upload my manuscript with a point and click. When uploaded, the wizard converts it to a pdf document. This takes some time, but I can leave the page and do other things. Lulu sends an email when it completes.
The next wizard step is finalizing the cover, entering text and picking font size and color, which I'll cover (no pun intended) next time.