Robert Howard is the dean of cover artists. In the early 80s he saw a need and filled it. Now many artists serve the smaller publishers. Robert likes to read much of the text and then try to get the feeling of the book into the cover art. He says: "The package outside should represent and sell the text inside."rhgd@verinet.com

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Book Publishing Tips of the Day

Daily words of wisdom from Dan Poynter and other publishing industry experts. (Search on "tip" in archives for complete list.) - Today's Tip from Poynter: "Hire a Cover Designer."
PUBLISHING TIP OF THE DAY

"Hire a Cover Designer."

Get professional help.

Cover designers work with color and type everyday. They know where to place the title and barcode. They not only lay out covers, they work with printers to make sure their design and colors are faithfully reproduced. Designers provide a needed service; they provide more than art.

Do not give too much direction to your graphic artist and stifle the creativity you are paying for. Do not say "I want yellow with a drawing of . . ." Provide general direction. Provide a model book you like and tell the artist you want your cover to be classy or rustic or one that says mystery. Let the artist give you his or her best interpretation with a little of your input.

Spend money on the package.

"The most common mistake made by publishers small and large is cutting corners on the cost of covers." -Robert Erdmann, publishing consultant and past-president of the Publishers Marketing Association.

(c) 2000 by Dan Poynter. For more tips and information on book writing, publishing and promoting, see the Para Publishing Web site.

MARKETING TIP OF THE DAY

THEME: COPYWRITING

Before a media contact will say "yes" the best publicists are asked "could you send me more information on that?" Don't forget. Media people are journalists. They are writers. The materials you send them had better be well-written. Here are a few . . .

Rules for Powerful Copywriting

Headlines - they're not just for media releases anymore! Don't be afraid to use headlines in your other pieces, even your cover letter! Nothing grabs attention like a strong, "pull-them-in" headline.

(c) 2000 by Tami DePalma. For more tips and information about "Marketing with a Twist," visit the MarketAbility Web site. Don't your books deserve MAXIMUM EXPOSURE?