If you’ve come to this blog straight from a social media link, then take a step back and look at my homepage where you’ll see the four covers of the books in my book series. Together, I think they look fantastic. I owe all of that to Bespoke Book Covers who have been phenomenal. So, in this week’s blog, I want to discuss how I came to getting these covers and why it’s so important to pay for something that really looks the part.

When I first thought about what my covers would look like, I knew they had to follow a similar style. I always wanted Luke to be at the centre and something related to what had happened to him in his life in that book to be in the background. As it’s a series about growth that takes place over a lot of different locations, it felt fitting that each book should reflect that. I knew what my vision was, I just had to create it. So, in my mind (and on Microsoft Paint!) I tried to do a lot of it on my own. I have never been a designer, and though I can do some of my own graphics, I knew covers were something I had to get done professionally.

I came across Bespoke Book Covers on Google and the thing that drew me to them was that I could make unlimited changes (which I knew I’d need!). They were extremely reasonably priced and I’d seen some of their portfolio before and there were covers there that looked like ones I’d want. I first got Atlantic Split done, and when I got it, after a few tweaks, it looked fantastic – and it’s what you see today. I couldn’t have done anything better myself and it was amazing seeing it finally come to life.

Then, when it came to the next three, I knew I wanted something that fitted. These three do fit better together than the first one (which is still a little of an anomaly as there’s no city in the background) but the four of them together really tell Luke’s story. They look great side by side, as graphics, but also on my shelf. I can’t wait to get that final fourth book printed to put it side by side the others.

So, the moral of my blog is look for a cover designer that gets you and your books. Someone who takes the time to understand what your books are about and what you want your cover to look like. After all, you’re the one who wrote it and it’s your vision. That doesn’t mean you should be stingy and create it yourself, because unless you do design as well, you’re never going to make something that will stand out as well as a designer would. And it’s so important in this crowded market of self publishing that you have something that looks and feels professional. You’re going up against the big boys – you’ve got to be able to compete.

Also, don’t be scared to ask them to make tweaks, it’s your vision, you should get something you think is perfect. When looking for a cover designer it’s so important to get someone like mine who will do as many changes necessary, because if you’re not happy after a couple rounds of changes (that’s the standard in the industry), you’ll be stuck with something you’re not happy with. And, make sure it really stands out but fits in with your genre – browse Amazon to see what other people are doing and what styles you like too.

People say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but that’s exactly what people do, which is why it’s so important to get it right. I’m super happy with mine and I can’t wait to go back and get more done for the other books I’ve been writing. And I bet they’ll look just as fantastic as the four in The Luke Bright Series.

Atlantic Split, At Liberty To Live and An Undercover Dream, the first three books in The Luke Bright Series are available to purchase NOW! The final book of the series A Long Lost Time will be released in 2020!

Please follow me on my blog and social media links below, and use the links on my website to purchase a copy of each if you have not done so. Don’t forget to leave a review! Thank you once again for taking the time to read this blog post.

N.A.K