Reading a book is much more than words on a page—it’s an experience. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which font type and style to select for the most pleasing reading experience. Choosing the right font for your book will have an enormous impact on readability, layout, size, spacing, and overall design. So if you’re tackling a new project or just need some helpful advice about fonts in books, look no further! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best fonts for books and how they work together to create that perfect layout.

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Pick the perfect font for your book—selecting a font that best conveys your message

When it comes to selecting the best font for your book, you should consider more than just the aesthetics. The right font can convey your message, add personality, and even enhance the reading experience for your audience. It’s important to choose a font that not only looks great on paper but also complements the tone and style of your writing. With so many fonts for books available, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect one. However, with careful consideration, you can select the best font that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Size matters—establishing the right size for easier reading and maximum impact

When it comes to fonts, size really does matter. Display fonts may be eye-catching, but if they’re too small, they become difficult to read. Monospaced fonts can ensure clarity, but they don’t always pack the same visual punch. Choosing the right size is key for maximum impact and ease of reading. This is especially true when it comes to children’s books, where the font needs to be large enough to make reading a pleasure, not a chore. As for the best fonts for children’s books, it can be a matter of personal preference, but experts recommend clear, easily readable fonts with a touch of whimsy to keep young readers engaged. With careful consideration and a little experimentation, you can find the perfect font size and style to make your text truly impactful.

Spacing is everything—understanding how to arrange the text on each page to make it easy on the eyes

When it comes to designing any type of text-heavy document, from a book to a brochure, spacing is everything. Finding the right balance of white space and font size can make the difference between something that’s pleasant to read and something that’s a chore. One trap that novices sometimes fall into is cramming too much text onto a page—but the truth is that a little bit of breathing room can go a long way. It’s also important to choose the right font. Generally speaking, easier-to-read fonts like Times New Roman and Arial are your best bet for body text. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a monospaced font or a handwritten font for headings or special elements. A professional designer can help you make the right choices and strike the perfect balance.

Make it pop with color—using color combinations to create an inviting atmosphere 

Color is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it has the ability to evoke emotions, set moods, and even drive sales. It’s the heart and soul of design, and can make or break a project’s success. When it comes to typography, the right color combinations can create a truly inviting atmosphere. From the use of serif fonts to display fonts, each design element plays a vital role in communicating a message to the viewer. This is especially true in the realm of children’s books. The best fonts for children’s books are those that inspire wonder and spark imagination. By combining the right colors with the right typography, you can truly make your project pop.

Don’t forget about layout—crafting a professional layout that looks great on both paper and digital formats

Crafting a professional layout may seem like a daunting task, but it is crucial for conveying a strong message. With the prevalence of digital formats, it is important to create a layout that looks great both on paper and on screen. One aspect to keep in mind is the use of fonts. While handwritten fonts and decorative fonts may be tempting to use, it is important to select the best fonts for the type of message being conveyed. A professional layout is not just about aesthetics but also about ensuring that the content is easily digestible for the audience. With the right balance of design and functionality, a professional layout can make all the difference in delivering an impactful message.

Get creative with typography—exploring unique designs and letterforms in order to stand out from the crowd

Typography is one of the most powerful tools for designers looking to create memorable designs. Sans serif fonts are clean and modern, while serif fonts offer a refined and elegant look. But why limit yourself to these traditional options? Exploring decorative fonts can add a touch of fun and uniqueness to your designs. By mixing and matching different fonts, you can create a visually striking text that draws the eye and commands attention. So the next time you’re working on a design project, why not get creative with typography and see where your imagination takes you?

By considering factors such as font, size, spacing, color, layout, and typography, you can create a beautiful book that captivates readers and makes your message heard. A few simple changes can make all the difference in quality, and it is important to get help from professionals who have the experience to make sure you get it right. Contact Elite Authors for help taking your book design to the next level—our team of creative professionals is ready to guide you every step of the way! From selecting just the right font to perfecting page layouts with gorgeous typography designs, our expert team will ensure your book looks amazing. Don’t leave your fantastic stories behind lackluster design—let us give them life through breathtaking artwork and cutting-edge formatting. Let’s create something extraordinary!

The post Best Fonts for Books: Layout, Size, Spacing, and More appeared first on Elite Authors.

As you go through the process for your children’s book, try to keep in mind what colors and font are best suited for your book cover and the interior pages. After you determine the book trim size you’ll use, you can work on formatting your illustrations. But the best place to start may be with a storyboard.

How to create a storyboard for your children’s book

The first step in this process is creating a storyboard, which you can use as both a starting point and a roadmap to keep your book design on track.

When you create a storyboard, you are building a foundation for a beautiful book design. Your storyboard helps you figure out which sentences or paragraphs in your book should be accompanied by an illustration.

Eye-catching illustrations go a long way to marketing kids’ books. Although a storyboard might seem like an unnecessary step, it can really set you up for success in the long run.

What is a storyboard, and how is it made?

A storyboard is basically a visual representation of the children’s story that you’re writing. It helps you as the writer determine how many illustrations you need. And when you partner with an illustrator, it helps them understand the story and what you’re looking for.

To start making your storyboard, go through your story line by line and identify which parts should be illustrated. Some children’s book authors like to draw rectangles to help break up their overall story into smaller, more manageable sections. Each rectangle represents a section of your story. Just write some notes or sketch some ideas in each rectangle to create a visual storyboard for your children’s book.

Which tools can help you create a storyboard for your children’s book?

There are several tools you can use to create your storyboard. If you’re self-publishing your children’s book, there are two main options:

• Paper and pen or pencil. This might sound old fashioned, but some of history’s most famous children’s picture book illustrations started with a handmade storyboard!
• Graphic design software. You can use programs like Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite to create a storyboard template and add your notes and sketches directly into the software.

If you’re working with a publishing house, they might have resources like specialized software to help. However, you can also easily create a storyboard on your own if you’re self-publishing!

How long does it take to create a storyboard for a children’s book?

Creating a storyboard takes time, so try not to rush it. Keep in mind that a storyboard is a great way to communicate with your children’s book illustrator. If you rush your storyboard, your children’s book illustrations might miss the mark.

The actual time it takes to create your storyboard will depend largely on how long and complex your story and characters are. Each scene and character illustration takes time to both develop and create. So be patient and try not to rush this fun, creative process!

Layout, colors, and font options for children’s books

Choosing the layout, colors, and fonts for your children’s book is exciting! You really get to see your book come to life. These components will help create your book’s overall aesthetic, so it’s important to consider them as you begin to lay out the book.

How do you lay out a children’s book?

Once the storyboard is done, authors who self-publish picture books often work with their illustrator to develop the book’s layout. Here are a few questions that might help you create the layout:

• How many illustrations do you want, and how much of the page will they take up? You’ll have larger and more plentiful illustrations in a picture book than a more text-heavy book for a young adult reader.
• Where will the text be in relation to the book illustration on each page?
• Will you recycle an illustration for the book cover, or will the front and back of your book have their own imagery?

How can color choices affect your children’s book?

As you lay out your book, keep in mind that the color choices affect how your readers perceive your book.

Color choices greatly affect your readers’ initial reactions. If your book is catering to a young reader under the age of five, try to include bright colors to stimulate their minds. And if your story is more appropriate for children a little older, broaden your color spectrum a bit. Use colors that might invoke emotion, such as bright yellow for happiness, or a nice, calming blue.

What font styles and sizes should you consider for your children’s book?

When it comes to structuring picture books and young adult novels, the font you choose makes a big difference.

Young children learning to read will have an easier time understanding a picture book with a large font and clear, simple letter shapes. Conversely, an older child who can understand more complex storylines might prefer a smaller font.

There are millions of fonts out there. So choose the one that fits best with your book!

Common trim sizes for children’s books

Book trim size is an industry term for a book’s height and width. Your ideal trim size will depend on a few factors, including:

• Your reader’s age. The younger the reader, the larger the recommended trim size.
• The ratio of illustrations to text. If you need more room to showcase intricate illustrations, a larger trim size will suit you better than a smaller one.
• Your publishing method. If you self-publish, chances are your printing company will have a few templates for you to choose from. If you’re working with a publishing house, they might be able to create a custom size or shape for your book.

It always helps to research some cover design tips so you can learn more about standard and custom book trim sizes—and to find some examples.

What are some examples of trim sizes for children’s books?

You broke the mold when you wrote your children’s book. And you can do the same with a custom trim size if you’d like! However, depending on how you’re publishing your book and your overall budget, you might want to stick closer to the industry standards.

Here are a few examples of common trim sizes for children’s books:

• 12” x 9” or 9” x 7” for a board book
• 10” x 10” or 10” x 8” for a children’s picture book
• 6” x 9” for a text-heavy chapter book

Why is it important to know the average trim size of a children’s book?

Trim size is a big factor in how you design and lay out your book, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the average sizes.

If you begin to design your children’s book before you choose a publisher, it’s important to have an idea of the average trim size. This way, you and your illustrator can begin laying out the book and just make small adjustments when you choose the printer and get their template.

For example, say you’re creating a board book for very young readers. The book should be large enough to accommodate thick cardboard pages that are easy for little fingers to turn. You might be envisioning a big, impressive 16” x 16” book that showcases large, beautiful illustrations. However, if you start designing such a big trim size, you’ll have to do a lot of cutting if you end up printing a much smaller standard size.

On the other side of the coin, if you know that the average trim size of a board book is 12” x 9”, you can begin designing your book with those dimensions. This dramatically cuts down on your revision time down the road.

In other words, knowing the average trim size of a children’s book makes your life easier when you prepare the book to print and publish.

What does the term “safe area” mean when it comes to formatting a children’s book?

The term “safe area” is basically the boundary in which you can include your text and illustrations. Your book printer needs to leave room around the perimeter of your cover and each page to account for page margins and the binding.

Review the template that your publishing house or self-publishing company provided. There should be an overall boundary as well as a smaller “safe area” boundary. The space beyond the safe area basically allows the printer a little wiggle room so they don’t interfere with your font or illustrations when they print, cut, and bind the pages and covers.

How to format illustrations in a children’s book

All right, you’ve created your storyboard, chosen your colors and font, and picked a book trim size. It’s time to format!

Every part of your book needs to be formatted—even your title page, which probably won’t have much text or illustration. Formatting your illustrations is easier than it might sound, especially if you understand the basic formatting principles.

What factors affect how you format illustrations in a children’s book?

One important factor in how you format your children’s book illustrations is the ratio of illustration to text on each page. Some pages might have a large, colorful illustration with just a little text, and other pages in your book will work well with just a background image and more words.

Another factor to consider is the trim size. You don’t want to overwhelm a small page with a large illustration or too much text. Likewise, you don’t want a large page to look blank. In many cases, your illustrator will have access to software that will help you play around with formatting options so you can design the perfect page.

What software do book illustrators use?

Each professional book illustrator has their own preferred medium. Some prefer the tried and true, old-fashioned method of drawing by hand. However, in the evolving landscape of e-books, computer-based programs have gained popularity over the years.

Nowadays, many illustrators use tablets that they can draw on, just like they might on paper. This allows them to effortlessly save different sketches and color schemes to show the author.

The actual software will vary depending on the type of computer or tablet your illustrator works with. Here are a few of the most common software programs that book illustrators use:

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Canva
• Procreate
• Corel Painter

Once your illustrator has created beautiful images for your book, it’s on to the formatting process.

What are the steps to formatting illustrations in a children’s book?

Each book is unique. Although there’s no universally “right way” to format your children’s book illustrations, here are a few steps to take as you finalize your book design:

• Ask your publishing house or printer for their book template.
• Carefully review the template for the safe area and resolution requirements.
• Lay out each page of the book in the template. Play around with the font and illustration size on each page to make sure you’re happy with how it looks.
• Make sure each page’s text and illustrations fall within the safe area.

Most self-publishing companies are happy to answer questions about formatting. After all, they want your book to look great, too! So if you have any questions on the steps you should take to format your illustrations, just contact them for advice.

The right design will help your children’s book shine

Beautiful books capture their target reader’s eye. Since young readers are drawn more to pictures than text, beautiful book design is extremely important in children’s book design.

Let the experts at Elite Authors help you design the perfect children’s book. Visit our website to learn more about our book cover design, formatting, and marketing services!

The post Guide to Children’s Book Design appeared first on Elite Authors.

What is a book jacket and why does your book need one?

A book jacket—also called a dust cover or dust jacket—is the paper book cover that wraps around your book. Although it’s usually used on hardcover books, some paperbacks use a book jacket as well.

Book jackets provide both critical and helpful information about your book. And that’s just one of the purposes that a book jacket serves.

Purpose of a book jacket

One of the main purposes of a book jacket is to protect the book itself. Sometimes a reader might drop the book or spill liquid on it, and the jacket takes the brunt of the damage to keep the book itself safe.

Another main purpose is book marketing. Your book jacket acts as a sales tool to entice a potential reader to dive into the story within. Since a jacket provides more space than the actual book cover, you can really provide your reader with some great information.

Factors that lead a book to needing a jacket

The main factor in whether your book needs a jacket is the type of book you’re creating. Obviously, since jackets only apply to written books, you won’t need one if you’re only publishing an e-book.

However, you might want to seriously consider a jacket if you’re printing a hardcover. Since a book jacket provides protection to the book itself, a hardcover often deserves a jacket—particularly when compared to its less expensive paperback counterpart.

How to tell if your book should have a jacket

Book jackets should be impressive. They convey that a book is high quality simply because it deserves the protection that a jacket provides. If you want to convey that perception to your audience, you should consider a book jacket.

Additionally, your book might need a jacket if you have a lot of information to provide to your readers. A standard book cover includes the front cover design, back cover design, and spine. A book jacket has more real estate with flaps that fold over the cover.

Elements of a good book jacket

A good book jacket design isn’t just thrown together overnight. It requires careful planning, and in some cases, a skilled designer. Because the jacket is the first thing your potential reader will see, it’s important to make a good impression. People judge a book by its jacket, and you can help control how they perceive it!

Why people judge a book by its jacket

The book cover design printed on your book jacket tells the reader all about the book itself. The jacket is more than just a front cover, spine, and back cover. It of course includes the book title, author name, and publisher, if applicable. And the actual image or illustration and typography or font give your reader an idea of your book’s theme.

Think about the last time you picked up a book from your local library or bookstore. As you perused the hardcovers, you probably made your choice largely thanks to the jacket. You likely also noticed the elements that each book cover included that provided you information about each book and its contents.

Core elements that all book jackets should have

Every book jacket is unique in design and the information it provides. However, there are several core elements that all book jackets should have, which are often organized by placement on the jacket.

Here are a few elements that the front cover should include:

• Book title
• Book subheading or tagline
• Author name
• Editor name, if applicable
• Publisher name, if applicable

The back cover should also include its own elements, such as:

• Book blurb or description that summarizes your story
• Publisher information, if applicable
• ISBN barcode

And don’t forget about the spine! This is the simplest part of your entire book jacket. The spine usually includes the full title, the author name—sometimes just the last name if there’s not much space—and the publisher.

In addition to these core elements, there are a few optional elements that you can include.

Optional elements to include—and why you might want them

Although you don’t want your book jacket design to feel too cluttered, you might want to consider adding some optional elements to give your readers more information about your book.

For example, it’s not necessary to include background imagery on your book jacket, but it sure goes a long way to impress and communicate with a potential reader. Adding a creative background design like a photo, illustration, or color scheme that hints at your book’s theme and tone can really entice someone to purchase your book.

Additionally, it never hurts to have a book review or a testimonial from a happy reader or industry professional! Many people in the book industry—including other writers—are happy to promote authors and their work. Consumers love to read reviews, so this could really go a long way to helping you ring up some book sales.

Finally, consider adding an author bio and photo to your book jacket. The flaps that fold around the book cover are a great place for this! Let your readers know a little bit about you and what inspired you to write the book. If a potential reader feels a connection to you as the author, they might be more inclined to read your book cover to cover.

How to design your own book jacket

Book jacket and cover design are not only important to how your target audience perceives your book—they’re also art forms that often require a talented designer. However, great design costs money. If you don’t have much of a budget for your book, you might consider designing your own book jacket.

How to know if you’re ready to design your own book jacket

On the surface, it might seem pretty simple to design your own book jacket. After all, it’s just typing some basic information onto a page, right? Wrong!

There’s a full design process to creating a book jacket. If you want to determine whether you’re ready to tackle the design on your own, start by asking yourself a few questions:

• Do you have access to graphic design software like the Adobe Creative Suite or Canva, and do you know how to use these programs?
• Where can you find a stock image or illustration to include on your jacket?
• Do you have a template for your book jacket, or do you have to set up the file?
• Are you familiar with design terms like resolution, bleed, and artboard?

If you’re not sure how to answer these questions, you’ll need to spend some time educating yourself on how to design your own book jacket. And during your research, be sure to read up on the legal ownership of the images and typography you choose to use.

How to make sure not to infringe on copyrighted materials for your book jacket

When you design a book jacket, you have to be careful not to use someone else’s work without express written permission. Many design elements like images and fonts you’ll find online are protected, so you could run into copyright infringement.

If you fall in love with an illustration, photo, or graphic for your book’s cover, make sure you understand who actually owns that image. You don’t want to publish something on your cover and later be sued by the person who snapped the picture or designed the image. The same is true for typography. Each font could be a professional designer’s intellectual property.

One way to avoid copyright infringement is to visit a stock image website. These sites often allow a person to purchase images and use them at their will. However, you’ll still have to read the fine print to make sure you’re allowed to publish it as part of your book.

Other things to keep in mind when designing your own book jacket

As you plan your book cover design, there are a few more things to keep in mind. You want to include a font and graphic that fit into your genre. So explore your options and make the right choice!

It never hurts to take a look at what other authors in your genre are doing. Check out some recently published books and inspect their jackets closely. You’ll likely find some book jackets that successfully communicate information about the author and the book itself. And you’ll come across other book jackets that aren’t quite as effective. Use this for inspiration! Springboard off of what works in the examples you find, and disregard the less successful jackets.

Additionally, determine what exactly you want on your book jacket. Thanks to the flaps that fold over the actual book cover, you have more room to work with on a book jacket. If you use every square inch of space wisely, you’ll create an effective book jacket that will entice potential readers.

When to hire a book jacket designer

Most authors don’t have professional design experience. And that’s okay! A professional book cover designer can create a stunning jacket that will attract and intrigue readers. If you’re ready to invest in your book and make a splash as a successful author, it might be time to hire a book jacket designer.

How to know when it’s time to hire a book jacket designer

There are two main factors that will help you decide when it’s time to hire a book jacket designer:

• You’re not comfortable with elements of the design process like setting up a template or creating a custom graphic image, and you want a professional to handle the design for you.
• You want your book jacket to have a “wow” factor to ring up book sales and help make a name for you as a serious and professional author.

You can hire a professional designer not just with graphic design experience, but also with experience in the publishing industry. These experts can create and execute a stellar design concept that will grab more readers’ attention than a jacket designed by a novice.

Things to keep in mind when working with a book jacket designer

When you work with a professional cover designer, you want to make sure that you communicate the information that you want your book jacket to convey. Explain your book’s genre, story, and tone to give your designer a thorough understanding of the experience you want your readers to have.

Once you’ve decided to hire a professional designer, you can concentrate on finding the right one for your book.

How to find the right designer

As an author, you take a lot of pride in your book. And you want to work with a book jacket designer who takes a lot of pride in their work.

Don’t just sign on with the first designer you find. Look around and review multiple design portfolios. When you find a designer whose style you like, talk to them about your project. Make sure you feel comfortable with them and feel confident in their work. After all, they’re going to create your book jacket design, and therefore provide your first impression to your readers.

Your book deserves an Elite book jacket design

The world is ready to read your book. You just have to show off a great book jacket design to draw them in!

Elite Authors knows how important book cover design is. And we take great pride in making beautiful books. Visit our website to learn more!

The post How to Design a Book Jacket appeared first on Elite Authors.

Your book’s back cover is an overview of your masterpiece. And although it might seem like a small component of your overall work, it’s an extremely important one. Read on to learn more about how to design a back book cover.

Why the back cover of a book is important

The back cover of a book is a key component of your book marketing strategy. It draws attention to your book by giving your potential reader an idea of what the book is about. So as you plan your book cover design, think about what will make your readers want to dive right into your story.

What should be on the book spine?

A book spine is small and simple, but important. It’s basically a quick snapshot of your book: the title, author name, and—if applicable—the publisher. Your potential readers might find your book at their local library or bookstore, and the spine is the first thing they’ll see.

Make sure the book spine accurately reflects the cover design and the theme of your book. The background of your cover art should also be the background of the spine. Additionally, use a font that represents your book’s theme. Just make sure the font is clear and legible so your potential readers can easily read it.

What makes a good author photo?

Your author photo is often the first time your readers will see an image of their next favorite writer. As you sit in front of the camera, try to take a picture that represents your personality and your book’s themes.

For instance, if your author photo is going on the back cover of a children’s fiction book, your picture should be colorful and lighthearted. So smile for the camera! Conversely, if you’ve written a nonfiction book about a serious topic, your picture should be more solemn.

Readers often want to see the face behind the masterpiece so they can see the storyteller. So give the people what they want with a nice author photo on your back cover. In fact, your photo is just one of the reasons that the back cover of a book is so important.

Why is the back cover of a book so important?

The back cover of a book provides the reader with some great information. However, it’s more than a quick book description and a nice picture of the author. It gives the reader an enticing summary of your story and a taste of your writing.

Think of it this way: the book spine and front cover make the reader want to learn more about the book. The back cover makes the reader want to enjoy every word that’s inside the book.

Because the back cover of your book is so important, make sure you allocate some resources to perfecting it. Spend some time editing it and consider hiring a professional cover designer. After all, your book and your readers deserve a stellar cover!

Elements that should be on a book’s back cover

You might not realize it, but your book’s back cover is a powerful marketing tool. When the back cover is designed well and includes the right elements, it’ll make readers want to buy your book.

What software is used to design book covers?

There are various software programs available to design book covers. A professional graphic or cover designer will likely have high-end design software like the Adobe Creative Suite. If you’re trying to create your own book cover design, you might start with a less expensive—but therefore less powerful—software. Online programs like Canva are a great place to start.

If you’re self-publishing, your printer or e-book publisher might send you a cover template. The template will show you the size of the front cover, back cover, and spine. Some templates even guide you on ideal image resolution and font size. If you have a cover template to work with, choose the best software to accommodate the template. Your self-publishing company might be able to provide some guidance here.

What will make readers want to buy your book?

Your book only gets a few seconds to make a first impression on a potential reader. In order to make readers want to buy your book, your entire cover design needs to draw them in.

Your book’s back cover is a built-in marketing tool. A great back cover can itself make readers want to buy the book. Find a great cover photo and get creative when writing your book blurb and author bio. Leave that reader wanting more!

What elements should be on a book’s back cover?

Your book’s back cover should include basic information about you and your book’s story—along with a few other pieces of information. Here’s a list of the elements you should include on your book’s back cover:

• Book blurb, also known as a book description. This summary lets your reader know what to expect about the plot as well as your writing style.
• Author bio and author photo. Give your readers a glimpse into who is telling them the story!
• Publisher information. Most publishers require that their name and logo are printed on your back cover and book spine.
• Short book review or testimonial. Consumers often check reviews before buying anything—including a book. Print a couple of short testimonials raving about the book on your back cover if you can.
• ISBN barcode. Your publisher or self-publishing company can usually create this barcode for you. This is important information, and is standard for all fiction and nonfiction book covers.

If you have any trouble getting started with your back book cover design, check out some resources for authors online. The writing world is a vast and supportive community, so use others’ experience to help design a great back cover.

How to design a back cover that tells a story

From the cover blurb to the author bio and cover art, your back cover should tell two stories:

1. Your story as the author.
2. Your book’s story as a literary work.

Since the back cover is an important element of your book marketing, check out some cover design tips that have worked for other authors. Use their advice as a springboard to begin writing your back cover copy so your cover can tell a great story.

How much information about the author should be included on the back cover?

Your readers want to know a bit about you as the author. So it’s a good idea to include a quick author bio and a small photo of yourself on your back cover.

However, don’t monopolize your cover. Give your readers a glimpse into who you are, but keep in mind that the main reason that a potential reader picks up your book is for the literature. Keep your author bio under three hundred words and make sure your picture doesn’t take up more than 20 percent of the back cover.

In other words, let your masterpiece—and not yourself—be the star of the back cover.

Who writes the summary on the back of books?

Have you ever read a book cover blurb and wondered who wrote it?

The answer generally depends on the author’s preference and how they published their book. Some authors like to write their own cover copy so the tone and voice stay true to the way the rest of the book is written. In other cases, literary agents hire professional blurb writers to craft the summary. And if you’ve created a picture book, the back summary might be best left to the cover designer.

Regardless of who writes the summary on the back of your book, remember: your back cover needs to tell a story.

How can you design a back cover that tells a story?

Your back cover will tell a story as long as you include a well-written book description and author bio. Testimonials and an author photo are a bonus! However, sometimes writing these elements is easier said than done.

As a writer, you’re a talented storyteller. However, writing a manuscript with a well-developed main character and a complex plot is a lot different than squeezing the entire storyline into a paragraph-long book description.

Try to separate yourself from your book’s story in order to create an effective book description. After all, it’s difficult to boil your entire manuscript down to a small paragraph. If you’re self-publishing and don’t have access to professional writers or cover designers, consider asking a friend or a colleague to help write your book description.

How to present testimonials on the back of your book cover

Testimonials are fantastic additions to a book’s back cover. These are short reviews from well-known sources that will entice prospective readers to pick up your book. The more testimonials you have from renowned sources, the more readers will respect your book—and want to read it!

Why should you include testimonials on your back cover?

People love to read reviews. And that includes your potential reader. Testimonials lend credibility to your book. They show that other readers—oftentimes book reviewers, publishers, or other book industry professionals—enjoyed your book so much that they took the time to write a positive review.

Additionally, large bookstores love to see testimonials. If you have a review or blurb from a credible source on your book’s back cover, retail stores will take note. This might lead them to purchase copies of your book. And for an author, what feeling is greater than seeing your masterpiece on a large retailer’s shelf?

How should you present testimonials on your back cover?

Incorporating testimonials into your back cover design can be a challenge. You want to include all the great things reviewers have said about your work, but you also need to save room for the other back cover elements.

First, pick the two or three strongest testimonials. They should be one or two sentences each, preferably from renowned and credible sources. Then, find the best place for them on your back cover. Since you want to distinguish the testimonials from your book description and author bio, you might want to change the font size or color.

How can you get testimonials for your book?

Indie authors tend to have a lot of publishing questions—including how to get testimonials for their books. Getting testimonials for your book can be difficult, but here are a few ways you can do it:

• Write letters to book reviewers or established authors within your genre. Ask them for a testimonial you can include on your back cover. Since you’ll directly quote them on the cover, they’ll get some publicity too!
• Ask your family and friends to write online reviews of your book. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely it is that a professional book reviewer or publisher will notice—and the easier it’ll be for you to ask them for a cover-worthy testimonial.
• Even if you haven’t had success with literary agents and publishing companies in the past, keep contacting them. You never know when the timing might be right to get a testimonial or a book contract from an industry professional.

Requesting testimonials can be a frustrating process. Just be patient and stick with it. You’ll get a great testimonial eventually!

A great book deserves a great back cover

Your book’s back cover needs to reflect the story within. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a simple or complex book cover design, Elite Authors can create an amazing book cover for you.

Visit our website to learn more about our award-winning cover designers!

The post How to Design a Back Book Cover appeared first on Elite Authors.

Take a look at your home bookshelf. What do you see? That’s right: the spine of every book!

Even though the spine is one of the smallest physical parts of a book, it’s often the first thing a potential reader sees. So when you’ve finished writing your masterpiece, spend some time learning how to design your book spine!

Information to include on a book spine

You need an eye-catching spine design to attract potential readers. Although it’s small compared to the rest of any publication, the spine is one of the most important physical parts of a book.

What are the physical parts of a book?

Before you start on your book cover design, it’s helpful to understand the different physical parts of your book. As an author and a reader, you already know about the table of contents, chapters, and acknowledgments that you wrote. However, the book’s anatomy goes beyond those components. Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with:

• Text block. The physical pages of the book which are glued into the cover.
• Cover board. A stiff board, usually cardboard, that encases a hardcover book. Cover boards are often wrapped in a dust jacket with the book cover design printed on it.
• Flyleaf. A piece of paper inserted between the cover and the printed pages.

Another physical part of a book, of course, is the spine. And although it’s a small physical part of your book, it’s an important one—and you have to include the best information on it.

What type of information is typically included on a book spine?

The book spine generally includes the book’s title, the author’s name—or at least last name—and the publisher. Your book spine design depends on two main factors: whether you’ve printed a hardcover book or a paperback, and your book’s length.

Hardcover book spines are larger than paperbacks due to the binding process. So you can include more information, imagery, or a larger font on your hardcover copies. And since the spine width is determined by the number of pages in your book, books with more pages have a bigger spine size.

What factors should you consider when deciding what information to include on a book spine?

There are a few factors to consider when laying out your spine design. Your publisher or printing company might require that their name or logo is prominently displayed on the spine. And depending on the length of your title, author name, and spine size, you might have to just use your last name or very small spine text.

One more factor to consider is your book spine design budget. If you’re hiring a professional designer, your cost will vary depending on the spine design’s simplicity or complexity. One of the best ways to create a great book spine at low cost is to only use the key elements of an eye-catching book spine.

Elements of an eye-catching book spine

Remember: your book spine is often the first thing that a potential reader will see on a bookstore or library shelf. So your book spine design needs to be eye-catching and informative. And although you only have a little bit of space to work with, you can use your book spine to make a great first impression. The best way to begin your book spine design is to understand the best practices and check out some good examples.

What are some best practices for book spine design?

If you’re working with a traditional publishing company, chances are they have a graphic designer on their staff who can create your entire book cover design—including the spine. However, if you’re self-publishing, you have to understand some best practices for spine design. Here are a few tips:

• Your book spine should be a continuation of the front and back cover. So if you’re using an image or a gradient, carry that through to your spine instead of making the spine a different color.
• Most online and self-publishing companies will provide you with a book cover template that includes spine size. Follow the template exactly so your spine text fits in the allotted space.
• Include your book title, author name, and (if applicable) the publisher on the spine. Don’t go overboard on the spine text since you don’t have much room to work with.
• Use an easy-to-read font so your readers can quickly identify which book is yours.

Just like there are best practices for book spine design, there are also some things to avoid. And those things should be next on your list to learn.

What should you avoid in book spine design?

The main thing to avoid in book spine design is an illegible, busy spine. The spine should be clean and easy to read. A potential reader’s eye should be drawn to the book’s title first, and then your name. There’s no need to overstuff the spine with information. When it comes to spine design, less is more!

What are some examples of effective book spines?

Once you know what to do—and what not to do—for your book spine, it’s helpful to look at some examples. Check out the spines on some of your favorite books. Is the spine informative and easy to read? Does it reflect the color scheme or imagery of the front and back cover?

Keep in mind that some authors have help with their book spine design. Maybe they have a literary agent or publisher who has connected them with a professional book cover designer. So use their work as a resource! Even if you’re self-publishing and creating your own cover design, you can get their expert advice just by looking at their effective spines.

How to start designing your book spine

Alright, you know the best spine design practices, what to avoid, and how to find examples of effective book spines. Now comes the fun part: starting your design!

What tools and resources are useful when designing a book spine?

You don’t have to be a professional graphic designer to create an effective book spine. In fact, depending on what platform you’re using to self-publish, the book cover template might be as easy as dragging and dropping your background image and typing in the cover’s information.

However, if you want to create a more intricate book cover and spine, you might need some additional resources. Fortunately, some of them come at little or no cost. Start with online resources like Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite. You might have to purchase some design software—but consider it an investment! Your spine and cover are built-in ways to market your book, so it’s not a bad idea to spend a little money here.

What should you consider when choosing colors for your book spine?

Self-publishing often means that you don’t have professional guidance on your book cover design. So you might feel like you’re on your own on even basic design decisions like choosing colors for your book spine. Don’t worry! You can learn all about the best colors to use. Here are a few things to consider when you choose your spine color:

• The color should be a continuation of your book’s front and back covers. Make the spine part of the cover instead of its own entity.
• Use a background color that relates to your book’s theme and your cover image. If you’ve written a children’s novel, a bright, happy color does the trick. And if your book has a darker theme like crime or horror, you might want to use black or some dark reds.
• Find out if your book printer is using matte or glossy paper for your hardcovers and paperbacks. Some colors look better or worse depending on the type of paper.
• Try to stick with regular colors instead of gravitating toward metallics. Metallic paper tends to be more expensive than matte or glossy paper. And if you’re publishing a digital book, your e-book cover won’t show the metallic effect.

The next step in your book spine design is choosing the font. And since there are countless fonts available, you might need some time to check out the options!

What should you consider when choosing the font for your book spine?

Whatever software you use to create your book spine design, you likely have access to hundreds of fonts. And if you don’t fall in love with any of them, you can find thousands more online for free. So how do you choose the right font for your spine?

Like your spine’s color, the font should reflect the theme of your book. So choose a typeface that relates to your story. You’ll also have to pick a font that’s easy to read. Don’t make your potential reader work to interpret your book title or your author name!

When to hire someone to design a book spine

Not everyone possesses the talent for book formatting and design. And that’s okay! You can hire someone with a graphic design background who also has expertise in the book industry to create a standout book cover for your masterpiece.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional to design a book spine?

When you hire a professional book designer, you get a talented partner who knows how to create an eye-catching book cover and spine. A professional designer likely has access to powerful design software and can lay out the design within your cover template.

Your book deserves a professional book cover design. And a graphic designer can create a cover with a spine that will get your book noticed! Some designers even prefer to work with indie authors such as yourself rather than established writers. And if you give them illustration credit on the book, you might be able to negotiate a discounted fee for their services.

What is the typical cost of professional book spine design services?

Professional graphic design costs money. And although you might have to set aside part of your book budget to cover design expenses, there are ways that you can estimate and control your spend. Here are a few things to ask your graphic designer before they begin work:

• Do they charge an hourly rate or a flat project fee?
• Does their estimate include any revisions?
• Does their estimate include versions for your hardcover book, paperback, and e-book covers?

Shop around and interview a few professional designers before you make your final decision. You worked hard on your book, and you want the world to read it. So don’t rush through the design process. Take your time and find the right cover designer!

How should you determine when to hire a professional to design your book spine?

It can be difficult to determine whether to hire a professional to design your cover and spine. Basically, it comes down to your purpose for publishing your work. If you wrote and are publishing your book for fun, you might not want to incur the expense of a professional designer. If that’s the case, consider giving the cover design a try on your own.

However, if you’re hoping to establish yourself as a serious author, you need an outstanding book cover and spine design to attract readers and large publishing companies. And a professional can make that happen! The more dedicated you are to your professional writing career, the more seriously you should consider hiring a professional designer.

A great book needs a great book spine design

The world is ready to read your masterpiece. All you need is a great book spine and cover design to draw readers’ attention!

At Elite Authors, we make beautiful books with indie authors just like you. Visit our website today to learn more!

The post How to Design a Book Spine appeared first on Elite Authors.

It takes a special writer to complete a book. So congratulations on finishing yours! Now it’s time to start preparing it for the world to see. And that includes your book cover!

A great book cover attracts readers and helps establish you as a serious author. The cover design is a very important process. So before you start thinking about what your book cover will look like, you should understand what goes into designing a book cover.

What you need to know about book covers

The first step in designing a book cover is to understand why the cover is so important. You spent a lot of time writing your manuscript, but readers won’t even experience your masterful storytelling if they aren’t intrigued by the cover. Drawing them in is the main purpose of the cover itself.

What is the purpose of a book cover, and why is that purpose important to nail down?

Your book cover is your book’s first impression to each potential reader. It needs to be eye-catching, inviting, and informative. When a reader looks at your book cover, they want a snapshot of the story your book will tell. They want to that they’ll enjoy the plot and empathize with the characters. And your book cover can communicate this to them!

A great book cover creates an emotional reaction. The background color and the book title’s typography should give your reader an idea of what your book is about. For instance, a children’s book should have bright colors and a large title. And a book that tells a horror story could be dark, with a creepy book title font. In other words, your book cover gives the reader a glimpse into your story.

What costs are associated with book covers?

Custom book cover design often comes with a cost. And the price varies depending on your publishing method and how intricate your cover is. If you’re working with a traditional publishing company, your contract might include a professional book cover designer as part of your book marketing strategy.

If you’re self-publishing, you might need to branch out for book cover design help. One of the best ways to get a brilliant custom cover is by hiring a freelance designer. Talented illustrators and graphic designers generally charge either by hour or by project. However, you might be able to get a discount by giving them design credit on the book cover. Just talk to your designer about the scope of your project, and negotiate a design fee that you’re both happy with.

What do you need to understand about book covers and book cover design?

Before you start looking for a book cover designer, you should understand the elements that create a great book cover. Here are a few aspects to keep in mind:

• Imagery. What color scheme will you use? Will you showcase a custom illustration or a stock image?
• Typography. Choose an appropriate font that conveys the theme and feel of your story.
• Subtitle. Some authors include a one- or two-sentence description on the front cover.
• Book summary. The back cover should include a plot summary to draw your readers in.
• Author bio. Tell your readers about yourself!
• Spine. The spine is a small portion of your overall book cover design, but it’s the first thing readers will see on a bookshelf.

Once you understand the elements of book cover design, you can start researching the different techniques you can use for your book cover.

Different techniques used in book cover design

Technique is the foundation that helps you determine your overall approach to designing your book cover. Remember: your cover introduces your book to the world. So it’s important to understand the various book cover design techniques.

Why is it important to understand the different techniques used in book cover design?

Understanding the different techniques helps you appeal to each potential reader. A good book cover includes the necessary elements on the book jacket. A great book cover makes people want to dive into the full book!

Your book cover design technique might also change based on what type of book you’re publishing. Different methods exist depending on whether you’re printing hardcover or paperback copies—or going digital with an e-book. In fact, those are the main three categories of book cover design.

What are the different categories of book cover design?

The three main categories of book design are hardcover, paperback, and e-book. Since each type of book has its own design requirements, you’ll have to design your cover accordingly.

If you’re printing your book, you might have a slightly different design for hardcover copies and paperbacks. Hardcovers tend to have thicker spines and therefore more room for larger typography or more words than a paperback. And since you can print your book just about any size and shape you’d like, your cover designer might have to start from scratch instead of working within an existing book cover template.

E-books are a different story. Just about every e-book publisher has their own ready-made template that your graphic designer or illustrator can use.  The template includes sizes and resolution requirements for quick and easy cover production. Just keep in mind that since the template will vary depending on your e-book publisher, you might have to create a few different designs if you want to publish on a few different platforms.

What else do you need to know about techniques surrounding book cover design?

When you plan your book cover design, it’s important to know what mistakes to avoid. The biggest mistake, of course, is creating a bland, boring book cover that doesn’t reflect the theme and vibe of your story. However, there are other obstacles you might encounter.

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind as you determine which cover design technique works best for your book:

• Determine your target audience, and create a book cover that draws them in. Your book cover design needs to speak to your potential readers. The book jacket will look and read differently depending on whether you’ve written a children’s book, a young adult novel, or a manuscript with more complex themes meant for adult readers.
• Get creative. Your book cover is more than your title, author name, and a plot summary. Use interesting typography and imagery to entice your readers. There are millions of books out there, and a great book cover design will help you stand out.
• Try out different book design techniques. You might have found a great stock image for your book jacket. Include that in one cover design draft—but don’t just stop there! Keep searching for other images, and hire a graphic designer to create a custom cover. Use a few different techniques, and create a few cover drafts. You’ll be shocked at how different your book can look with a variety of designs!

Here’s one final pro tip: ask for help when you need it. You’re a great writer and have written a fantastic book. However, book marketing necessities like cover design and book promotion might not be in your wheelhouse. And that’s OK! You can find experienced professionals to craft and execute a marketing plan for you.

When to hire a professional book cover designer

Maybe you’re an indie author learning the ropes of the self-publishing industry. Or maybe you’re a serious author trying to make a splash. Either way, one of your goals is probably to put your masterpiece in front of as many people as possible.

A great book cover is one of the best ways to market your book. So if you want to impress your potential readers, you might want to consider hiring a book cover designer.

Should you hire a professional book cover designer?

Professional book cover designers are experts in their field. They know what your target audience wants to see and can create a custom cover inspired by your story and genre. When you work with a professional designer, you don’t just get a gorgeous book jacket. You get a thought leader who can produce an attention-grabbing cover.

What is the best place to find good graphic designers for book covers?

So, where do you look for good book cover designers? The internet is a great place to start. Established designers have professional websites that give you an idea of their talent and capabilities. So search around, read their online reviews, and see if any particular designer stands out to you.

Word of mouth is another great method for finding a good designer. Try joining a few author groups on social media, and ask for some advice. And if you have any family, friends, or colleagues who have published a book, get them on the phone! Draw from their experience to find a great—not just good—book cover designer.

What should you keep in mind when looking for a professional book cover designer?

Your book is a personal achievement. And you want to know your book cover designer is going to take is much pride in their work as you do in yours. So when you search for a designer, first look at their experience. How many book covers have they designed, and how many different authors have they worked with? Do they specialize in your genre, or do they branch out?

There are a lot of designers out there. So take your time and pick the one that will best communicate your book’s message through their cover design.

What to do before you hire a book cover designer

You already know that cover design is just part of the book making process. And if you’re ready to hire a book cover designer, there are just a few more steps that’ll help you choose the right one.

How do you organize your material and finances before hiring a book cover designer?

Before you hire a book cover designer, you should have everything organized so your designer can jump right in. Create a checklist of items to prepare, including the following:

• Book title and subtitle or tagline
• Author name and bio
• Genre
• Dimensions and template, if applicable
• ISBN so your designer can drop it into the layout

You should also have a budget in mind before you start working with a cover designer. Determine whether you’ll pay by the hour or a flat fee for the entire project so you can have a better idea of what costs to expect. Be sure to communicate any financial concerns with your designer so they can work within your parameters.

How do you pick a book cover designer that is right for you?

Because the cover is one of the most important elements of book design, you want to choose your cover designer wisely. After all, they’re your creative partner and will help you convey your book’s message to the world! The cover designer that’s right for you will understand your genre and demographic. Your cover needs to appeal to your target audience, and the best designers are able to create custom covers that bring you more readers.

In addition, you and your designer need to have a strong rapport. They should believe in your book and be excited to work with you. And that relationship goes both ways! You should be enthusiastic about the author-designer partnership. Don’t just choose the first or cheapest designer you find. Make sure they’re the right designer for you!

How do you go about setting up a contract with a book cover designer?

Alright, you’ve chosen your book cover designer. The last step before the design can begin is setting up the contract! Because contacts are legal, binding documents, you’ll need to make sure all parties are satisfied with its terms. Make sure you clearly describe each party’s responsibilities, publishing rights, and ownership rights.

Before anyone signs a contract, it’s best practice to have a lawyer review such an important document. So try to set aside a portion of your budget for legal fees. And once you and your designer sign the contract, the fun and exciting design process can begin!

Your masterpiece deserves a beautiful book cover.

Great books use words to tell a story. And great book covers use powerful images and striking designs. Elite Authors can craft a custom cover design to get your book into readers’ hands. Visit our website today to learn more.

The post How to Design a Book Cover appeared first on Elite Authors.

In order to be a successful children’s book author, you have to market your work in a self-publishing world. This involves determining your target audience and then connecting with them. There are different ways that you can market depending on your audience, book genre, and even your experience marketing previous books. And this process can start even before you even begin creating your new book!

How to find your children’s book’s target audience

Identifying your target audience helps you market to the right people. And when you determine your audience, you can start working on book marketing ideas to capture as many potential readers as possible.

So identify your target audience, perform some market research, and then wait for those book sales to ring up!

What factors determine your target audience?

One of the most important factors in determining your target audience is age group. Have you created a picture book for toddlers? Did you write a middle grade book with more prose and less pictures? Or are you publishing a young adult book with a complex story line and characters? Understanding your target audience’s age group helps ensure that your readers understand what’s happening in your book.

Another factor in finding your target audience is interest. Within each age group, different children have different hobbies and fascinations. So the overall theme and story of your book also help determine your target audience—and where to market your book.

How important is market research to your children’s book’s success?

Market research shows you whether there are enough potential readers to make your book successful. If the market research shows that there are a lot of books available that are similar to yours, that means you might not sell many books. But if the research shows that your target audience doesn’t have access to books like yours, chances are you’ll sell a lot of copies!

How do you determine the appropriate age range for a children’s book?

To determine your book’s appropriate age range, think about your story’s complexity, overall length, and the ratio of text to illustrations. Here are some basic guidelines to determine the appropriate age range:

• Picture books or board books are great for toddlers and young children. They have lots of illustrations and not much text.
• Middle grade books explore more than one main character and deeper plots.
• Young adult books introduce complex themes and issues to the reader. These are almost always chapter books.

How to build your following as a children’s book author

Your following is important. It establishes you as a serious children’s book author and puts you in front of more people. And if you’re hoping to make a career out of writing, your following will help build your author platform and expand your target audience.

Why do you need to build a following as a children’s book writer?

If you want to make a living as a children’s book author, you have to build a following. You can even create an author brand so that your readers can easily find your work.

When you build a strong fan base, your target audience will seek out your books. They might feel a connection with one of your characters or really enjoy your illustrator’s work. You want your readers to want more of your work. When you build a following, you’ll earn more book sales and a reputation as a professional children’s book author.

Why should you work with an agent to build a following as a children’s book author?

Hiring a literary agent can really catapult your career as an author to the next level. An agent will prepare your book for your audience. They’ll help with everything from your book cover design to line editing to make sure your book is perfect. And after that, they can help you get a book deal with a publishing house!

How do you build a platform as a children’s book author?

Building an author platform helps you market and sell your book. You can build a platform to strengthen and widen your fan base, which leads to a solid reputation as an author. And more book sales!

Here are a few components that your author platform should include:

• Expertise. Know what you’re writing about, and let your expertise shine through your book.
• Previous books. Each previous book helps build your platform—even if you’ve changed genres. For instance, if your past work involves a nonfiction novel or an adult coloring book and you’re moving onto children’s books, your platform is already established!
• Existing readers. You can increase your fan base and strengthen your platform by keeping your existing readers happy and wanting more.
• Social media presence. Social media is an inexpensive—and sometimes even free—marketing platform. Your readers (or their parents) are likely on social media. So post about your book and increase your following.

How to market your children’s book online

Book marketing is key to your success as an author. There are different types of marketing, like advertisements, a book launch event where you read part of your book aloud to a group of people, and even book fairs. But don’t forget about the importance of online marketing!

Many people research and purchase books online. So you need a strong online presence to capture those potential readers. The more you market online, the more book sales you’ll earn.

What steps must you take to market a children’s book online?

Since the internet is so widely available, it’s relatively easy to market your book online. Here are a few steps that you can take:

• Create a website for your book. This helps with advertising and lets your target audience read about you and your work.
• Create a blog for your book. You can write the blogs yourself or hire a professional book blogger. You can talk about your personal life, your career, and your inspiration in your blog. You can even throw in a short story or a poem that you’ve written!
• Create a social media presence for your book. Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are powerful and inexpensive venues for marketing your children’s book.

How can you use social media to market your children’s book?

People love sharing their experiences on social media. It’s fun, easy, and free. And when your book has a social media presence, people can share their experiences about your book. So ask your existing readers to send in pictures of themselves enjoying your book and to leave a review. This is great free marketing for you and can lead to a lot of book sales.

How does the back cover of a children’s e-book help with your online marketing?

Regardless of whether you’re printing your book or publishing it as an e-book on a platform like Kindle or Apple Books, it’s important to have an eye-catching cover to draw your audience in. Book cover creation is an art, so you might need to hire a professional illustrator. Just think of it as an investment in the self-made success of your book.

Where to market your children’s book in person

In-person marketing is great. It allows you to connect with your audience face to face. And when you get to know your readers, you can create more kids’ books that they’ll love! This type of marketing is important whether you’re self-publishing or working with a traditional publishing house. So get out there and meet your audience!

Where can you market a children’s book in person?

There are several ways that you can market your children’s book in person. You just have to know where to look. Here are a few places to start:

• Book launch. This gives you the opportunity to meet your readers and to give them fun facts about your story and illustrations that they might not know.
• Book reading. When you read aloud to your audience, they get a better understanding of how you imagined the characters and what words in the book are most important to you. Your tone and pitch are important here, so be sure to practice!
• Book fairs. Some schools, libraries, and bookstores sponsor and host book fairs every year. And although it might cost a little money to set up shop at a book fair, it’s a great way to meet your audience and earn some book sales.

How do book readings help you market your children’s book?

Book readings help you communicate your message to your audience. As you read aloud, you might emphasize certain words or change your voice to speak for a character. This helps the audience to understand your vision of your story.

A book reading also allows you to talk about your book and give your fan base some interesting information they might not be aware of. What inspired you to write the book? How did you direct your illustrator to create the imagery? You can educate your audience and have a lot of fun in the process.

How can writers’ organizations help you market children’s books in person?

Writers’ organizations are basically sounding boards and support groups for authors. For example, if you’re just starting out as an indie author, you can join a writers’ organization for advice on self-publishing versus working with a traditional publisher. And if you’re an established children’s book writer, you can ask these organizations about marketing ideas you’re not yet familiar with, like book apps or TV advertisements.

The writers in these organizations can also help you market your books in person. They’ll have information on upcoming events, book fairs, and other ideas that you can join. So use your fellow authors as a key resource when you decide where to market your book.

Success in children’s publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and hard work. Fortunately, if you plan things out and ask for help when you need it, you can become a successful children’s book author.

Why is it important to think in the long term when marketing children’s books?

If you want to earn a career as a professional children’s book author, you have to think in the long term. Consider the big picture here. What are your ultimate goals for your book? Do you have plans to write more than one book? Will you hire a literary agent to help you get a book deal, or are you more interested in self-publishing?

You can make a living as an author. All it takes is planning and hard work.

What steps should you take before you even write your children’s book?

You can start preparing for success before you start writing your children’s book. Here are a few steps to take:

• Perform market research to make sure that you’re not adding yet another book to an already saturated market.
• Join a writers’ organization to get some advice. They can help you decide between traditional publishing and self-publishing, introduce you to the best illustrator for your book, and provide advice on hiring a literary agent.
• Create an author website for yourself, and talk about your upcoming book on social media. This will help you build interest before you even start writing your book.
• Read other authors’ success stories. During the marathon to success, it’s easy to get discouraged. But learning about other people’s positive experiences can help you stay optimistic and focused.

How can you get professional help writing and marketing a children’s book?

Everyone needs help sometimes. But when you need help as an author, where do you turn?

If you’re working with a literary agent or a traditional publishing house, let them know what you need a hand with. And if you’re a self-published author without those resources, you can turn to a writers’ organization for guidance and advice.

Marketing your children’s book leads to book sales and a great career as an author!

Elite Authors wants to help you succeed as a professional children’s book author. We can take care of your book formatting, editing, and marketing. Reach out to us to learn more!

The post How to Market a Children’s Book appeared first on Elite Authors.

Your book cover is your novel’s first impression to potential readers. The cover design not only communicates your book’s genre but also highlights the tone of your story. Thus, creating a book cover design that captures readers’ attention can help you generate book sales.

If you choose to traditionally publish your book through an agent and publisher, then the publishing house will often use an in-house graphic designer to create your cover design. However, if you choose to self-publish your book, then it’s important to consider hiring a professional book designer.

Book designers are well versed in the software needed to create a book cover that appears professional and attracts readers. A professional designer can help you create the graphics and typography that best portray the style and content of your book. Hiring a book designer can also save you time as you work to get your book ready for publishing.

What does a book designer do?

The goal of your book cover is to catch the reader’s attention. Book designers create graphics and fonts to make readers grab your book off the shelf.

At the end of the day, your book design is a crucial visual for your book promotion. Understanding the role of a book designer can help you budget publishing costs and outline your marketing plan.

What’s the difference between a book cover designer and a book designer?

A book cover designer creates the graphics and layout for the front cover, spine, and back cover of your book. Book cover designers work on everything that relates specifically to your book’s outside cover. So, from the font of your title to the artwork on the cover and the summary on the back, book cover designers can help design the exterior of your book.

Book designers also design book covers. However, they do more than just cover design and typography.

Book designers work on the entire physical appearance of your book. This includes designing the interior of the book along with the exterior. As a result, book designers outline the font and layout of your book’s text and choose the type of paper for your book.

Depending on the setting of your book, different styles of paper may better fit your book’s theme. For example, if your book is a historical fiction novel set in the 1700s, then your book designer may choose paper that is slightly discolored and ripped around the edges.

Reading is a visceral experience. Your story has the power to transport readers to a different time and place. Your book’s feel and appearance should contribute to that experience as well.

It’s the book designer’s job to make sure the physical appearance of your book reflects your story’s theme so the reading experience can be as vivid as possible.

What kind of educational background do book designers often have?

Book designers often have a background in graphic design or some form of art. Most book designers have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or art and understand how to use different types of design and editing software.

Designers who didn’t pursue art specifically will often have a portfolio displaying their previous projects. Viewing a book designer’s portfolio is a great way to see their experience and the style of their work.

Additionally, many book designers have a background in marketing. Because book covers are a key marketing statement for generating book sales, many book designers can help you develop a marketing strategy for your book cover.

Finally, book designers have a strong understanding of how the publishing industry works. For new self-published authors especially, having a designer who understand the field can help you create a finished book that looks professional.

How are book designers paid?

Book designers can be salaried or hourly workers. Designers who work directly for a publishing house or marketing firm are usually salary employees. On the other hand, freelance designers are often paid on a per-project basis.

As a result, depending on the publishing route you choose—the traditional route or the self-publishing route—your designer will be paid differently.

Elements of book design

Book design is more than just the cover of your book. From typography to layout and ISBN, numerous factors go into designing a bestseller.

What should a good interior layout look like for e-books and print books?

In general, both e-books and print books have the same design elements for a book’s interior layout. On the page level, a good interior layout formats the chapter headings, margins, page numbers, and footers.

From an overall standpoint, your book’s interior content should follow the traditional order of title page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents, body of the book, acknowledgments, and author bio. Additional elements, such as prologues, epilogues, and book previews, may also be included.

It’s also important to note that the interior design of e-books is usually simpler than that of print books. Because e-books appear differently across various types of e-readers, designers tend to maintain simple graphics and typography. Reflowable layouts allow the book’s contents to adapt to different e-readers.

How long does it take to create the elements of a great book design?

A great book design accurately and creatively formats the interior and exterior of your book. Depending on whether you’re designing an e-book or printed book, the timeline may vary.

If you’re looking to design the book cover and interior layout of an e-book, it can take anywhere from a week to a few weeks depending on the page number and design complexity.

The book layout for a print book, however, can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the graphic designer and the book. Print books are generally more complex to design than e-books as they have additional book design elements.

Why do margins and typesetting affect book design?

Margins and typesetting affect book design because they determine the interior layout of your book. If your margins and typesetting are not formatted correctly, your book design can appear unprofessional.

For example, most book margins provide extra space near the book’s binding. If your book’s margins are too small, your book may be hard to read. Creating wider side margins prevents the text from getting lost in the book’s binding.

Typesetting is the layout of your book’s text. Essentially, it’s how the words appear on the pages. Most books follow the same typesetting guidelines, using justified paragraph alignment and serif fonts.

Following both margin and typesetting tips when self-publishing can help you avoid common mistakes and help you create a professional book design.

Challenges with using Microsoft Word for publishing

There are numerous programs and formatting services you can use to layout your book. For self-published authors, Microsoft Word is a common platform.

Understanding the challenges and limitations associated with Microsoft Word can help you determine the best publishing option for your book.

What are the disadvantages of using Microsoft Word for publishing?

One of the main disadvantages of using Microsoft Word for publishing is the lack of customization. Although you can choose different book templates in Microsoft Word, you cannot edit and customize many of the book design elements.

For example, in Word, you cannot edit the banners and page numbers, as these elements are already outlined in the template. As a result, using a template from Microsoft Word can make your book appear generic.

Additionally, editing content in Microsoft Word’s text box can be challenging. Word has an autoflow feature that can help you outline your book. However, if the text box isn’t large enough, then Word won’t accept the content.

Finally, while many platforms within the Office app are compatible with one another, incorporating graphs and charts from Microsoft Excel into Microsoft Publisher can be difficult for new authors. This is because Publisher converts charts into images, so once you add them to your book layout, you can’t edit them.

Which are the best software programs for book design?

Depending on the type of book you’re creating, different software programs can better format your book. For example, Shutterstock Editor is a book design software specifically for e-books. Adobe InDesign is a popular software program for e-books and print books.

Some additional top-rated publishing software programs include Microsoft Publisher, Canva, and Pages.

What do you need to know about Microsoft Word before you use it for book design?

First, text boxes and images in Word can get misaligned easily. This can be frustrating for authors because as you begin editing and formatting a new page of your book, previous pages can get realigned.

It’s also important to know that Microsoft Word has limited version compatibility. As a result, if you try to convert your final book template into a PDF file, the template can look completely different.

Finally, Microsoft Word was not designed for print production. If you’re looking to generate a book template to send to designers, then using Word may work for you. However, if you’re trying to create a polished final product that can get printed, then considering other software programs is a good idea.

How to choose a book designer

Choosing the right book designer for your book can be overwhelming. You may already have an idea for your cover design, or you may have no idea where to start.

Following the below  tips for authors and understanding your different design options can help you narrow down your search.

What should you avoid when choosing a book designer?

Avoid hiring a book designer who typically works outside of your book’s genre. The book’s genre plays a significant role in determining the color scheme and graphics for your cover design. For example, mysteries often use a darker color scheme to create an ominous tone whereas romance novels use a lighter color palette to reflect tones of love.

If a designer is not accustomed to working within your book’s genre, their graphics may not fit your book’s tone.

Also, avoid hiring an inexperienced designer. While it may be more expensive to hire an experienced book designer, these designers understand how the publishing industry works. Therefore, they will have a background in book marketing and will understand how to use colors, visuals, and fonts to best portray your story.

How much does it cost to hire a book designer?

If you choose to hire a freelance book designer, costs range depending on the designer’s experience level. For example, hiring a junior designer can usually cost between $50 and $150 per project, whereas hiring a more experienced book designer can cost between $500 and $800 per project.

These price ranges also reflect the type of book design you’re purchasing. Oftentimes, less-expensive book design costs can lead to generic book covers and interior layouts.

What should you look for when hiring a book designer for your book?

First, identify your budget. Determining how much you can spend on cover designs and formatting services can help you find designers within your price range.

After selecting a price range, research book designers within your genre. You’ll want a graphic designer who has experience creating book covers for your genre. If a book designer doesn’t have a portfolio of their previous work online, ask to see samples of their work. This will help you determine whether they’re a good fit for your book.

Finally, be sure to ask designers about their estimated timeline. Although some freelance book designers may be able to offer a quick turnaround, designers working on multiple projects may require more time. Understanding how long the final concept will take may also factor into your decision.

Creating an Elite book design

For self-published authors especially, it’s important for your book cover to look professional. Your book cover can be the difference between potential readers grabbing your book off the shelf or walking right by it.

At Elite Authors, we have award-winning designers who can create captivating visuals that will attract readers. Contact us today, and we’ll help you create a beautiful book cover that promotes your book and your author brand.

The post Why You Need a Book Designer appeared first on Elite Authors.

It’s every writer’s goal to be published. From the indie author to the renowned novelist, all authors are excited for the world to read their work. And once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s time to decide whether to self-publish or sign a book deal with a traditional publishing company. Let’s take a look at how to self-publish a book.

Pros and cons of self-publishing a book

Choosing your publishing method is a big decision. If you’ve never thought about how to self-publish a book before, it can be daunting to figure out where to start. The best way to decide whether to self-publish or work with a traditional publisher is to first educate yourself on the pros and cons.

How much can you make from self-publishing a book?

Each self-publishing platform offers their own commission plan. For instance: if you sell a self-published print book at a local bookstore, you’ll earn different commission than if you sell a self-published e-book through Amazon Kindle.

What advantages do traditional publishers offer authors?

Traditional publishers have resources like book editing options and book cover designers. These services can cost money, so be sure to ask each publisher a lot of questions before you sign a book deal.

How can you overcome some of the challenges of self-publishing your book?

The best way to overcome challenges is to be prepared. So do your research and determine what you’ll need to self-publish. Here are some questions to keep in mind during the self-publishing process:

• Do you need to hire an editor?
• How will you market your self-published book?
• Which self-publishing platform is best for you?

Formatting your manuscript for self-publishing

Your manuscript’s format is important. If your book isn’t formatted well, it won’t impress your potential readers. So take the time to make sure that your book is ready for the world to see.

What software can you use to format your book for self-publishing?

Whether you’re an indie author or an established writer, you might not have access to formatting software. And that’s okay! Depending on your book’s layout, you might not need anything fancy.

If your book is text-heavy, you can use a standard word-processing program like Microsoft Word to format your book. And if you have a lot of illustrations, you can use a graphic design software like the Adobe Creative Suite.

Many self-publishing services offer templates and programs to help format your book. For instance: KDP Select and Kindle each have specific formatting requirements. But they also provide helpful instructions on how to format your book. So before you get too far into the book design process, find out what formatting assistance your self-publishing company provides.

What are the steps to formatting a manuscript for self-publishing?

The first step to formatting your manuscript is obtaining a template from your self-publishing company. And once you have that template, just follow these steps:

• Editing and proofreading. Make sure your manuscript is free of typos, and avoid any words used incorrectly.
• Page numbers. Check every page number for accuracy.
• Book cover. Design an eye-catching cover with clear, crisp images and text.

These steps will help you with formatting. And then it’s off to publishing!

How difficult is it to format a manuscript when self-publishing a book?

Formatting your manuscript is easy if you know what software to use and what challenges you might face. Just keep in mind that your format will be different depending on whether you’re creating a print book or an e-book. Follow the instructions and templates that your self-publishing service provides and contact their customer service if you run into any trouble.

Tips for editing your manuscript when self-publishing a book

Every literary work—from a nonfiction book to a children’s book to everything in between—needs to be edited. Editing helps you avoid typos, misspellings, and even continuity gaps. So before you self-publish, get your manuscript professionally edited!

How can you get your manuscript professionally edited before self-publishing a book?

When you’re ready to start the editing process, it’s easy to find an editing service. Do some online research to educate yourself on costs and timing. And make sure that the service that you choose can help with multiple phases of editing, including:

• Developmental editing
• Copyediting
• Proofreading

You can also hire a beta reader to give you feedback on your book as a whole before you start submitting to self-publishing companies.

Why do writers need editors when self-publishing a book?

All writers need editors. You’ve been working hard on your book, and you need a fresh set of eyes to make sure you’re not overlooking any errors. Your book editor can help make sure that your story flows well, historical facts are accurate, and that there are no typos or misused words in your manuscript.

What should you look for when performing editorial passes on your own manuscript?

As an author, you are proud of your work. And you want to impress all of your readers—including your editor! So before you send your manuscript to a professional editing service, you can perform an editorial pass on your own.

First, make sure that your story flows well and makes sense. Then, confirm that any historical names or facts in your book are accurate. After that, you can get into the nitty-gritty of searching for any typos or incorrectly used words.

Self-publishing e-books versus self-publishing print books

Self-publishing takes time and energy. And after you self-publish, you’ll need to market your book to reach your target audience. You can have a successful career as a self-published author regardless of whether you prefer to publish e-books or printed books. So check out your options and see what’s best for you!

What challenges are associated with self-publishing an e-book versus a print book?

One challenge associated with self-publishing a print book instead of an e-book is timing. It will take time for your publisher to physically print and ship the books. If you self-publish an e-book instead, you’ll often see your book ready for sale more quickly.

What genres of books are easiest to publish as an e-book rather than a print book?

You can publish your work as an e-book or a print book in just about every genre. But some genres are more suited to a physical book rather than a digital copy. For instance: a graphic novel or a children’s book with interactive aspects might be best as a print book. But a fiction or nonfiction novel can work as both a digital and a print book!

When should you consider releasing both e-books and print books when you self-publish?

Readers have various opinions in the print versus e-book debate. And you want to make your readers happy! So as long as your manuscript can translate well to both a physical book and an e-book, it’s a good idea to consider publishing with both methods. Every book sale counts. And providing your audience with multiple options can ring up your sales!

Costs for self-publishing a book

Self-publishing a book is a “spend money to make money” process. You can earn a living as a self-published author, but first you’ll need to invest in your book! As with any investment, it’s a good idea to be aware of the costs you can expect when you self-publish a book.

What can affect the cost of self-publishing a book?

Two factors that affect the cost of self-publishing a book are the services you need and the actual book production.

Here are a few services that you might need to pay for during the self-publishing process:

• Graphic design for your book cover design
• Book editing to ensure that your manuscript is free of typos and misused words
• Formatting to prepare your work for print and/or e-books

Print book production is another expense. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re printing your book:

• What kind of paper? High-quality paper for a photo book or a graphic novel will cost more than standard newsprint used for most novels.
• What kind of ink? Color ink is expensive. If you have a lot of colorful images, your book will cost more than a text-based book that just uses black ink.
• What kind of cover? Hardcover books cost more to produce than paperbacks. So if cost is a concern, opt for paperback over hardcover.

E-books generally cost less to produce than print books, but there are also design and formatting costs associated with digital copies. So do your research and be prepared!

Where do the costs of self-publishing a book come from?

The costs of self-publishing a book come primarily from preparing and producing your book. The publishing platform that you choose to work with will likely offer some of these services. And you can find outside help for cover design, editing, and any other services that your publishing company doesn’t provide.

How much does it cost to publish a book with a traditional publisher?

If you sign a book deal with a traditional publisher, there should be no cost to you. The publishing house will cover the production costs and book marketing campaign to drive up your book sales. A traditional publisher basically gambles on your book. They spend the money up front in hopes that your book will earn them a large return on their investment.

Book deals are very hard to obtain, though, so if you’re just starting out as an indie author, it might be best to start with self-publishing.

How to get your self-published book printed

Once you decide to self-publish rather than work with a traditional publisher, you need to know your next steps. So once you select the self-publishing platform you want to work with, just prepare your book and submit it for printing!

What do you need to get your self-published book printed?

All you really need to get your self-published book printed is the book itself. It just needs to be formatted correctly. Your self-publishing company should have a template to help you format your book. And don’t forget that you can hire a formatting service if you need help!

When should you send your self-published book to be printed?

Your book needs to be perfectly formatted and professionally edited. Once those two steps are done, it’s time to go to print! Your self-publishing company might not do a final copyedit or line edit before printing, so be sure to send them a print-ready book.

What is the process of having a self-published book printed?

Your publishing house can walk you through their specific process. In general, you can expect your printed books to ship a few weeks after you send your work in for printing. The timeline will depend on the quantity of books you’ve ordered and your publisher’s production timeline.

Marketing and distributing your self-published book

Figuring out how to self-publish a book goes beyond putting the book itself together. As an author, you already know that it’s important to write every day. But did you know that marketing and distributing your self-published book takes the same dedication? Book marketing and distribution are crucial to earning every book sale. And although it’s time-consuming, it’ll be worth it when you’re a successful self-published author!

Why is it important to market and distribute your self-published book?

Book marketing and distribution put your work in front of your target audience. It’s the only way your readers will know that your book exists! So set aside some time and energy to promoting your book. And then sit back and wait for those book sales!

What platforms can self-published authors use to market and distribute books?

There are multiple platforms that you can use to market and distribute your books. If you have a small marketing budget, start with low-cost options like social media or a basic website. And if you’ve allocated big bucks to your marketing, consider a book fair or book tour! These options will all put you directly in front of your target audience.

What tools do you need to market and promote your self-published book?

Your publisher might have built-in tools to help you market your book. An e-book aggregator will send your book to multiple retailers. And some self-publishing companies offer social media and website marketing. So find out how your publishing platform can help you market and promote your book!

Let Elite Authors help prepare your book for self-publishing

Self-publishing is exciting. But it can also be a difficult process to navigate! Elite Authors is here to help you succeed in your journey of learning how to self-publish a book. Visit our website to learn how we can boost your career as a successful author!

The post How to Self-Publish a Book appeared first on Elite Authors.

An ISBN—international standard book number—is basically your book’s fingerprint. It’s the long, hyphenated series of numerical digits shown on the copyright page of every book. Each version of every published book has its own ISBN regardless of whether you’re printing your book, selling it as an e-book, or both.

In fact, ISBNs are so specific that an e-book, paperback, and hardcover version of the same work will each have its own ISBN. The ISBN is permanently tied to each version of your book.

ISBNs tell a story.

Just as its name suggests, the ISBN system provides each book its own unique number within a standardized international database. This allows people from all over the world to access each other’s work. Because of this, your book’s ISBN is perhaps the most important piece of information on your copyright page.

What information does the ISBN give?

Your book’s ISBN tells your book’s story. It’s a part of your book’s metadata. In 2007, ISBNs were changed from ten digits to thirteen because of the quantity of books being published.

ISBNs aren’t just a collection of random digits. In fact, each set of numbers in the ISBN has meaning. Here’s a brief explanation:

• The first three digits are called the global standard indicator. This will either be 978 or 979.
• The next set of numbers identifies the country in which your book is published. For example, books published in English-speaking countries are either assigned a 0 or a 1.
• After that comes the publisher’s code, followed by a number assigned to your particular title and publication method (i.e., paperback, hardcover, or ebook).
• The final digit is called the check digit. Check digits are used for validating a number or bar code.

Altogether, your book’s ISBN tells the story of its publishing life. And since each book has its own ISBN, if you publish an updated edition or volume to your original work, that book will get a different ISBN.

Who needs to pay attention to the ISBN?

The international standard book number is crucial to publishers and book retailers. It identifies where, when, and by whom the book was published. Publishing companies can look at a single ISBN and learn the book’s history.

But ISBNs aren’t only important to publishers and retailers. Your target audience might pay attention to them too. Avid readers might notice that two different editions of the same book have different ISBNs. This alerts them to the fact that there is some variation between the two copies of your book.

When did the ISBN system become commonplace?

The ISBN became commonplace in international publishing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The international community realized that it needed a standardized system to keep track of all of the books that had been published around the world. This standardization made it easier for readers across the globe to access published works from other countries.

How to use a Book ISBN

Your book’s ISBN is its unique fingerprint. No other published work can have your ISBN—it belongs solely to your book. And from the first digit to the check digit, each number within every single ISBN provides information about your book.

Your ISBN helps people to find your work. This helps drive up your book sales. Whether you’re printing or publishing as an ebook, an ISBN is a vital part of your book’s success.

What products are given an ISBN?

All books that are published for sale need an ISBN. Your book’s ISBN allows retailers of printed works and ebooks to identify and track your book’s sales. It also helps your target audience to find a specific edition of your book.

Your book needs its own ISBN to differentiate your work from other published books. Maybe you titled your book using generic, simple words in order to draw in as many potential readers as possible.

Or maybe you have a rather commonplace name as an author. Your book’s ISBN will let buyers and sellers differentiate your title and name from other similar titles and authors.

Additionally, the ISBN lends credibility to your work. It proves to retailers and readers that you are a serious author who knows that your book deserves to be published.

When publishing companies and potential readers see that ISBN bar code on your back cover, they are assured that they’re reading a legitimate piece of published writing. Everything about your book—from the title page to the actual content—is tied to your ISBN.

What does the ISBN facilitate?

The ISBN helps publishers, retailers, and readers identify, find, and track your book. Each country has a national ISBN agency that assigns all international standard book numbers.

Since ISBNs are assigned by a national-level body, you can rest assured that your book is formally published within your country. Each ISBN agency can only assign numbers within their own country—but since ISBNs are part of an international system, your book can be available worldwide.

Each and every published book gets is own ISBN. This means that your book is the only published work in the world with that number and bar code. You should be very proud of that accomplishment!

How do book ISBNs differ between editions?

Each new book gets a new ISBN. If you publish new editions to your original book, each edition will get its own ISBN. This is part of the fun for book collectors—they can compare each version of your book and see the different ISBNs.

Keep in mind that each version of your book—regardless of the edition—has its own ISBN. If you are printing some paperback versions and some hardcover versions, you will have two different ISBNs. When you choose to offer your work as an ebook, you will have a third ISBN.

How to interpret an ISBN

There are many benefits to obtaining an ISBN for your book. In fact, in order for you to sell your work and make a name for yourself as an established author, your book really does need an ISBN. But what exactly does your book’s unique international standard book number mean?

Each and every digit of each and every ISBN has a meaning. The numbers identify where your book was published and by whom. It also includes a unique identifier for your book and your book alone.

How many digits does a modern ISBN have?

Current ISBNs have thirteen digits. These digits include a location identifier, publisher identifier, edition identifier, and check digit that validates the ISBN as a whole. Each international standard book number is packed with information specific to your book.

What does the first string of digits signify?

The first string of digits of your ISBN signifies basic but important information about your book. These numbers create the foundation that the rest of the ISBN will build upon.

ISBNs go from general to specific, so the first string of digits involves high-level information, such as the prefix and the group identifier.

In 2007, ISBNs were increased from ten digits to thirteen. The reason was to include a three-digit prefix—either 978 or 979—to make the system compatible with the European Article Number (EAN) system. This prefix is the first three numbers in your thirteen-digit ISBN.

The next set of digits identifies where your book was originally published. Each country is assigned a number, similar to country codes when you make an international phone call. Here are a few examples:

• 0 and 1 indicate English-speaking countries
• 2 indicates a French-speaking country
• 3 indicates a German-speaking country

There are specific codes for each country and geographical region, so be sure to research what your book’s first ISBN digit will be.

What does the second string of digits identify?

The second string of ISBN digits tell your book’s specific story. After the group identifier (country code), your registrant number is listed. This points to the specific publishing company that you partnered with. This string tends to be about five digits long.

Getting even more specific, the publication number comes next. These digits identify the exact version of your book. This string of digits will differ for each edition of your book. They will also vary depending on whether the book is paperback, hardcover, or an ebook.

The final section of an ISBN is the check digit, which basically validates the ISBN as a whole. Many industries use check digits to verify coded numbers and avoid errors. Even your credit card has a check digit!

When you need an ISBN

If you want to sell your book, you need an ISBN. This unique number helps publishers, retailers, and your target audience to easily track and find your book. An ISBN lends legitimacy to your work because it means your book has been formally registered.

Books without an ISBN might not be taken seriously since they’re less official. That means that without this identification number on your copyright page, you’ll have a difficult time making a name for yourself as a serious author.

How much do ISBNs cost?

The price of an ISBN varies based on how you want to sell your book. For instance, if you’re publishing an ebook without printing, the ISBN will be less expensive. But if you’re going to publish your work in both ebook and print formats, you might need to spend a little bit more.

Your national ISBN agency is the best starting point for researching how to obtain an ISBN and how much it will cost. There are outside agencies that will gladly sell you an ISBN, a bar code, and marketing packages. But it’s best to begin at the federal level to make sure that any third-party agencies you’re considering are legitimate.

Where do you get an ISBN?

Most national ISBN agencies have applications that you can fill out online or via mail. However, if you’re working with a publishing company, they can also help with this. Many publishers offer this service to their authors, since assigning an ISBN to your work will also help the publisher make money off of your book sales.

In order to ensure that you’re getting the best price and service, always check the governmental agency’s website, and compare it with the information from your publisher. You worked very hard on your book, and it’s worth protecting during this phase.

How long does it take to receive an ISBN?

The time it takes to receive an ISBN will vary depending on the number of requests and the time of year. Just like so many things in life, it’s best to be as proactive as possible so that you don’t miss any publication goals or deadlines.

If you’re working with a publishing company, they might have a fast track to obtaining an ISBN for you. If you choose to go through your national ISBN agency by yourself, it could take several months for the copyright office to fully process your request.

An ISBN is critical to your book’s success

You worked hard finishing your book. And you’re excited to publish it! You now need an international standard book number to help publishers, book retailers, and readers find you.

Elite Authors can be your all-around partner in building a successful book sale campaign. We offer services from formatting service to book cover design—and everything in between! Check out our website to find out how we can help you establish yourself as a great author and ring up those book sales.

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