Book Cover Design Do's & Don'ts | Behind the Scenes of Publishing #2 (ft. cover designer Mandi Lynn)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Did anything about this cover design chat surprise you? I hope you enjoyed it! And huge thank you to Mandi for joining me on this episode, all the links we mentioned are linked in the description box above!

[@writercleavebourbon]

I have the opposite problem Mandi talked about. I am always afraid I am going to offend the cover designer by asking for revisions or changes. It's good to know the designers kind of expect it. I forget the designers can't read my mind!

[@5Gburn]

I hadn't thought of the blurb as part of cover design consideration. It occurred to me, then, that trim size might play a role. A 4 x 6" trim size will definitely not bear a long blurb.

[@authorraelynnfry8952]

Mandi designed my covers and I LOVE them. Working with her was so easy and fun so I was so excited to watch this video!

[@ArtistMadrid]

I love that you are doing a podcast now! I know mom life is hectic but I really hope this series continues 😍

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay thanks Caitlyn! So glad you enjoyed it! I already have the 3rd, 4th, and 5th episodes lined up so we'll get at least that far haha! :D

[@secretlyadragon4723]

It's Mandi! I actually have been following Mandi Lynn for years now. She's actually how I got to know about Bethany and then started following her. I haven't been on KZbin for a while. Busy writing but I need to just binge watch all of Mandi's videos in the past month. Her channel is such a writing-resource treasure chest.

[@jshorter3303]

As far as designing a cover in Canva I will beg to differ. I did an amazing job with creating a cover where I was able to use the many features in the program and when I submitted and interviewed for my book I was told that they couldn't believe that 1. it was not professionally done and 2. that it was done in Canva. So don't knock Canva! I was able to layer AND customize the features I used. Canva is getting a lot more better than given credit! It really depends on the artistic ability of the cover creator. Furthermore, the people I solicited for cover design, despite my giving clues about my novel did not catch my vision, were waaaay too expensive, and when I looked at their portfolios they were subpar to say the least.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

That's awesome that you were able to utilize canva that well! Like I said in the video, I've also made covers in canva, so I obviously love it too haha, I just want to learn photoshop and level up because as amazing as it is, canva still isn't designed or intended to be at the same level as photoshop.

[@jshorter3303]

@@BethanyAtazadeh I get that. Just be careful on generalizations.

[@Deenatheknittingauthor]

AGREE! Most people have no idea all the features listed in Canva and it is constantly changing. I use all tools out there. I do want to learn more about fonts though. Well actually I want to learn more period haha it's addicting

[@ghoulishanja]

OMG, I felt that DOOM "we can't work together" moment Mandi mentions and I gotta say in 8 years of struggling to find collab and artist to hire, man there's a difference between this isn't right...yet; and YOU'RE not listening. Which brings back that 2 way communication. Mandi and Bethany are a power force together

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I can totally see what you're saying, where the communication is the key to it working! So glad you enjoyed the video, thank you! :D

[@najeeamurray323]

Thank you guys! This was so encouraging and helpful. I'm praying Mandi gets to live her dream of going on book tours! That would be awesome!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you! :D

[@roshanrahealer]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been working on rebranding my first book and have the cover ready for my second. My cover designer for my first book did really well but she's gone a different direction and I'm loving the graphic design challenge. This video and others like it inspire me when impostor syndrome and identity distortions arise, which are part of my disabilities. This challenge has been the best healing journey for me. I don't regret my college years because I have knowledge I didn't know I'd need as a result.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed the video! You’re doing better than you think, keep rocking it! 🥰🙌🏻❤️

[@pjalexander_author]

This is great! Thanks Mandi, it's always so cool to see you, and Bethany, I'm loving this new series!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! Thank you, so glad you're enjoying it!

[@alexwholey3391]

Love the podcast and am subscribed to both your YT channels. As a fellow indie author I have to say I’m definitely pro Canva for cover design. I think if your audience finds your cover appealing, they won’t question if it was designed on Canva instead of Photoshop.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay thank you, so glad you're enjoying it! :D

[@woodlandlady7011]

Hi, Bethany! I love this podcast of interviewing authors, and hope you keep it going for a while as it's so informative and fun!!🥰

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay so glad you're enjoying it! I've got the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ones already lined up so it'll at least go that long and hopefully much longer haha!

[@authormarcelinalobue]

Another amazing video as always, Bethany!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed and that Mandi’s story was inspiring for you! So happy you like the podcast style!

[@mycuprunnethover8062]

This came at just the right time for me! Really enjoyed this podcast.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay I'm so glad, perfect timing! :D

[@annejia5382]

loving the podcast ❤

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay thank you, I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! 🥰

[@tomaria100]

Persistence - yes!

[@jessicachipps2159]

Awesome!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@psmdhaneef]

Thanks for the great info you always share Bethany. Can you please throw some light on Market need for self help books and some inputs for such indie authors especially newbies.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad you enjoyed it! And sorry I'm not totally sure what you're asking? But marketing is always important!

[@usbcartelmedia]

great content

[@SarahMatthews-wd9mq]

Almost 40 subs!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

haha yes! yay!

[@heartlandauthor]

Bethany, is this a KZbin-only podcast, or is this podcast available in audio-only format on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and/or other podcast streaming services?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I plan to put it on spotify for sure (and maybe other platforms), I just haven't had time to figure that side of it out yet, but soon! :)

[@m.j.mcintear793]

I am a lot like her omg. Its two Bethany's on youtube that I always think about because you both have taught me so much about self-publishing. She is children book series and you fantasy and now I have Mandi because I remember she worked on the what I call book jewelry for your hardback book cover bundle for the limited edition. I needed this boost because I want to self-publish into my own legal publishing company because have you ever had people that want you to publish their books and get help from you to write it? I see a opportunity alone with prison reform program to do it, so I am here to relearn how to start a publishing company for self-publishing. So can you explain what makes a publishing company from your pro perspective?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

That's an interesting idea for a video topic, but I don't think I'm an expert starting a publishing company to publish multiple authors, so I wouldn't be the right person to record that. If you mean starting your personal business though (like an LLC that you call your personal publishing company which is kinda what I tend to call mine) then check out this video I did in the past here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYi1f3WrZ6eSodk

[@m.j.mcintear793]

can you explain kindle vella one day. Im out the loop but im jumping in head first these days

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I honestly am not the right person to ask, because I've never tried it either, so I know about as much as you. But good luck trying it! :)

[@Avionne_Parris]

Gosh, Bethany, this podcast series is my new fave! I especially love that it cut down your filming and editing time so you can focus on your family and writing. So many good gems in this video! I use Canva Pro, mostly as book cover inspiration and yeah, I see the creative limitations. Lots of great advice from Mandi Lynn :-)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! Thank you I'm so happy you like it! And yeah it's been so awesome for providing value while still being able to write the books, so here's hoping it'll keep going well haha... Canva Pro is the best! I wish they had a way to "level up" to photoshop level in canva because I'm way more comfortable there lol, but yeah I agree with you. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Avionne_Parris]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Hardcore agree with the photoshop level up in Canva Pro! Til then, I just create IG marketing merch and reader magnets related to my WIPs for when I finally get published! Thanks again :-)

[@cambrimorris3955]

Do cover designers these days use AI at all?