So, once I'd decided to publish my books directly onto Wattpad, I got to work designing covers. It took about a week to think up the concepts, and it had been a long time since I'd done any graphic work on the computer so it took me a while to get used to the program again (I use Gimp - easier than photoshop and free).
I didn't think of format or size, just formed the basic shape of a book. I was happy with the results, but when I researched Wattpad I found I had to adapt my covers to fit their upload requirements. So... back to work on Gimp. This worked ok, though I lost a little of the edges of one of the images. Not important. Also I had to diminish the images to about a fifth of the size. Which I did, but forgot to save the originals. Stupid, but that's how you learn right? I'd also made double examples, one with my own name and one with Levi Dulce - wasn't yet sure which I was going to go with. Anyway... then I discover Smashwords... and they have a different requirement for size and format of covers. And so I had to adapt them again - this time somewhat more difficult because I had to expand the width. What I ended up doing was clipping the middle and squashing it so the top and bottom would be closer. Luckily, it worked. At least now I know what to do with any new covers... I'm going with my own name, and the Smashwords format. Easier next time. So, look at the examples here, see if you can spot the difference.
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I spent most of yesterday reading through the info on the Smashwords site. I'm not through yet. Gonna take me most of the week to get through it all. But you can't rush these things.
So far, besides being more and more pumped up about starting this, I've identified only two main areas that I'm going to have to study deeply: 1) formatting my manuscript(s) correctly for the platform; 2) taking the necessary actions to market and promote my work so they actually get noticed among the hundreds of other books on offer. Now the formatting just requires time and attention - I've got both. Already formatted my first book according to the requirements of agents and publishers - now I've got to undo what I did and start again. Nothing too complicated, and once I've done it for one book, it'll be easier for the second... and so on. The marketing aspect though... Well, that's not my strong point, and something that always deterred me in the past about self-publishing. But the advice on Smashwords is really good, and sets out all the tips and tricks you need for success. And I'm looking forward to it now. But first I gotta get my first book up... and before that I've still got a ton of reading to do. Just discovered this alternative ebook publishing platform. SMASHWORDS.
At first glance it looks quite promising and it's inspiring me to try the route of self-publishing. I've always turned away from that and aimed for traditional publishing - mainly because I'm not very active on social media and I know it would be a hell of a lot of work doing self-promotion. Also, with all the millions of ebooks out there on the major sites (re: Amazon), I fear mine will NEVER even get noticed, let alone make sales. But there's no guarantee either with trad publishing - still millions of books to compete with, and the added barrier of agents and publishers to impress. So, maybe the direct-to-reader option is the best way after all. I'm going to research this site over the next few days before I make a decision... but if i do go for it, then I'll go big, and I'll log the whole process here on this blog. So... let's see what happens. |
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