Didn't realize until I checked – I've been posting on SleuthSayers for almost eight years, since September, 2016. I don't know how I came up with so much stuff to say, but I'm tapped out. I don't know what else to say about writing, mysteries, whatever.
I'm a fiction writer. Time for me to concentrate on writing my novels and short stories.
This is my last regular posting at SleuthSayers. I've put up a lotta stuff but there was one I think is worth repeating. In the post, I put up examples of my covers back then. I've added new examples:
The subject was Covers, Baby posted 2 December 2016
Harlan Ellison once told me a book cover should have one strong image, the writer's name and maybe one thing about the book. He didn't mention awards listed on a cover because if he wore a military uniform with medals for each of his writing awards, he'd look like a general from a banana republic. We mortals with fewer awards can list one, but I don't recommend cluttering a cover with too many things in the days of thumbnails (the computer kind).
Covers can be good or bad, sometimes really bad. NO, I'm not posting examples of bad covers because I don't like to burn writers whose book has a bad cover. I've seen a number of them recently.
Judge a book by its cover? Of course we do. You see a crappy cover online you move along. Clip art looks like clip art, like a child trying to design a cover. There are many sites where you can purchase excellent photos or drawings for as low as $15 for single use on a cover.
I'm no expert but I know what attracts the eye and in these times of thumbnail searches through amazon.com, etc., I believe a cover should catch the eye.
Our publishing co-op at Big Kiss Productions works hard at covers and here's what we came up with recently:
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| Having a good model helps |
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| A New Orleans above-ground cemetery produces great images |
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| Hiring the right artist helps |
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| Again, having a good model |
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| Another original painting |
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| The trick was finding a Thompson submachine gun and car from the 1930s |
- TIP: If you don't have the ability to design a cover using Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, get your image and go to the nearest community college or university's art department. Seek out a college student majoring in graphic design and hire the student to design your cover. They can add this work to their portfolio and you can cut a bargain with them. I've seen it work.
- SECOND TIP: Demand a good cover from your publisher. And PLEASE get a proof of your cover beforehand. Watch what they put on the back cover. I've had bad experiences with marketing people writing the rear of the cover.
It's time to say, "So long – for now."
I've been invited to submit a guest piece in the future and when I have something to contribute, I will.
Thanks to all for making me a SleuthSayer.
Ciao,
www.oneildenoux.com
O'Neil, congratulations, thank you, and we're going to miss you.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the first tip, my Aunt Rae, a professor of art and art history at FIT in NYC, advised something similar. She suggested approaching a college art department to offer a competition, awarding a modest prize for the 'winner', i'e, the artwork you like best. She must have done something right; at least one of her books is still listed on Amazon nearly half a century after she wrote it.
Farethewell, O'Neil… for now.