TeenageTells- Publishing (1)

When I say publishing, I mean I'm going to be talking about doing everything on your own, and how to do that. Because it's so hard to get traditionally published, especially as a teen, so we have to resort to indie publishing. But then we're left drowning in an endless sea of information, unable to find what we actually have to do, and what we can avoid to not have too much on our plate.

I think I'm going to split this topic up into a couple of blog posts, so stay turned. Today I'm going to be talking about cover designing.

My number 1 tip is to look at other covers (specifically in your genre(s)) to get a general idea of the market.

Look inside your book, and think what is the key theme/message/general vibe? Your cover shouldn't trick your reader. The things on your cover should all have significance in some way. For example your main character(s), a hint at what the world is like, an important flower, or maybe a lot of little things that only make sense once you've read the book.

Colours are essential. They also help to give off the vibe. Or if your characters are basicallty colour-coded (mine are!) then use those ones. If your book is about happiness, you can use yellow, if it's about getting lost in the woods, use dark blue or purple. it doesn't have to be exact. But colours are a good way to entice your reader.

Look online. What are people hating on? What do you not like about book covers? I personally don't like people on the cover, and I did that with my debut! I regret it, and now I'm going to be avoiding doing something just because someone else says it would be cool.

If you're an avid photographer, you can take photos for your cover! Like an autumnal scene, or a water pool.

Whatever you plan to do, make sure you have a good software (not necessarily top-tier, or super premium: just good enough for you) and play around. This is the first thing someone will see. Here are some things you almost definitely have to include:

• the title

• your name

• other contibutors (if there's a co-illustrator. this would be on the back though, above the barcode of something)

• a barcode

• a spine (the side of the book. On here you also want the title, your name, and maybe a little image or series number).

• an image (probably, but not necessary)

Lastly, this is your book! Do what you like, and if one person says they hate it, that doesn't mean it's bad. Your first cover won't be expert-level, and neither will the next few. But that's fine! It'll show your evolution as a writer.

If you found this week's tips for teenage writers helpful, enjoyable or you think someone else will love to read it, share it with others! Let's help more teen writers achieve their dreams. Together.