I took an online cover design class using Photoshop a few months ago, and since have been playing around with designing my own covers and marketing materials. Though doing marketing ads is fairly easy, I'm really nervous about taking the leap with covers, because I've always been a huge proponent of the importance of using a professional cover designer no matter what.
The first two covers in the picture below were designed by my fantastic cover artist. A Highland Knight's Desire was released last week by Amazon Kindle Scout, and Knight in Highland Armor in January. A Highland Knight to Remember on the right is a pro-forma cover I designed for a book due out at the end of May.
One big difference is that I made my name fit on one line because one of the criticisms I've had for my professionally designed covers is my name takes up too much of the picture:
I'd love to hear your honest opinion on what you like and don't like. Readers do judge a book by the cover, so it's not something to take lightly.
Do any of you design your own covers?
Do you have cover experiences to share? I'd love to hear them!
For a short time KNIGHT IN HIGHLAND ARMOR is on sale for $0.99. Click here for the deal on Amazon!
~Amy
