I might hate myself for this one. DIY ebook cover tutorial

23 replies
Here goes. Does anyone need or want a way to make your own eBook or eReport covers... using totally free software? At least once a week I've been getting questions about how to design these so I put together a tutorial to show you how to do it using PaintDotNet.

The tutorial is in flash format and steps you through a couple of the exact design processes. It's meant to show you the basic concepts of making covers, books and boxes in 3D. I'm not a graphic artist so you'll need to forgive the simple designs.

I set up a page for Warrior Form Members Only, so you can download it if you want it. Don't worry. I'm not selling anything here. Sort of my way of saying thanks for all the help I've received through this forum.
The page is blank except for the link to the zip file. You can get it HERE if you want it.
#cover #diy #ebook #hate #tutorial
  • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author DeadGuy
      Hi Tina:

      Hmmm. The tutorials should run in your web browser by clicking on either Lesson1.html or Lesson2.html. The format is swf (shockwave flash). You might need to update this flash plugin for your browser. Not sure what else might cause the problem.
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      You are making this work at home stuff way harder than it is. Ready for some sanity? Clear your head and start over.

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  • Profile picture of the author Traffic101
    LOL...sorry if you do hate yourself, but I am thankful for your free info!

    Thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author DeadGuy
      You're welcome! The last time I gave away free stuff (on another forum) I was amazed by the negative posts that followed. I still don't understand it.
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      You are making this work at home stuff way harder than it is. Ready for some sanity? Clear your head and start over.

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  • Profile picture of the author camforbes
    thanks dead dude. i like.
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    • Profile picture of the author lrjd
      Very generous of you, Thanks alot.
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  • Profile picture of the author Les Blackwell
    Thanks for the info
    Dont worry about negative posts on other forums, I get them, but never on this one
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    • Profile picture of the author bwall
      Thanks a lot for the report and vids.
      This is a good way for someone who doesn't want to invest in expensive graphics software to create their own ebook graphics.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikebeta2
    Thanks for this. Good tutorial -
    Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author glchandler
      Keep up the good work...especially in this special Warrior "price range"!!. Just a few minutes working with your tutorial helped me understand part of paint.net that I have been fighting for a few months now.

      This tutorial will help me by leaps and bounds and double appreciation goes your way!
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      There is never a BAD time to help those living with lousy kidneys!
      http://funds.gofundme.com/1oh40


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  • Profile picture of the author A.Zamani
    thank...good info.....

    A.Zamani
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  • Profile picture of the author Oscar D
    Thank you very much.

    That info is going to be very useful.
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    -> FindNewDomains - Domain Finding Service WSO - BONUS: Free Domain Name Included!
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    • Profile picture of the author vsl.online
      Not a bad contribution from a DeadGuy here.

      But seriously, that's one good ebook. I can use it myself. Hey how bout an ebook on how to make a great audiobookj? Heard of it ?
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  • Profile picture of the author hotlinkz
    Who says DeadGuys aren't cool?

    I was just saying to myself yesterday..."self, you gotta figure out how to create cool ebook covers - seeing as the last two graphics guys were a disappointment and all."

    Then I come here and get to snatch the very thing I needed from the hands of a DeadGuy!

    Thank You Very Much!

    Calvin
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheila
    Wow! Thanks . . . and great timing too. I've been working on putting together my ebook, and now I'll be able to make covers too :-) Thanks for your generous contribution!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Sanchez
    I guess great minds think alike. I was just getting ready to do the same thing. I see so many people wanting that info and it's really simple. At least that saves me some time and effort. If anyone wants some photoshop scripts on how to make ebooks let me know.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brawnydt
      Hey cool, just wanted to add my thanks in this post too. I was just wondering how to go about doing this for a client of mine. I've never bothered selling my own ebooks, so I've never had to worry about it. Thanks a lot for saving me the time and work!

      My tip to you: Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid... (Steve Martins greatest movie)
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      • Profile picture of the author LynnM
        Just wanted to add my thanks, DeadGuy. Like many, I've ebooks without graphics sitting on my hard drive and was contemplating having to pay for covers. Most generous of you!
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  • Profile picture of the author CalvinB
    You must have been reading my mind because this is the one important graphic that I can't do myself and it's to explain to someone else exactly what I want or tough when I want to make a change.

    Thanks,
    Calvin
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    • Profile picture of the author GeorgettaSterling
      I never even heard of paintdotnet before. Last week I was struggling with a simple little background graphic for a Youtube channel, using (horror of horrors) MS Paint. I didn't feel like going through a gigantic gimp download and install (plus learning how to use it...). I kept thinking "Why didn't MS ever upgrade this dumb paint program?? Why aren't there any reasonable replacements for the casual/newbie graphics user?"

      I almost didn't click on this thread - I am VERY happy I did! Got some new tools, a very nice tutorial on using them - for a dead guy, you sure know how to treat folks right!

      BTW - there are haters everywhere. Wanna see REAL haters? Post a vid of yourself playing a guitar or singing on YT. Truly horrifying comments will follow. You have to keep it in perspective though - - the same haters post "you suck" on vids by some of the best musicians on the PLANET. The haters on WF, or some other marketing forum, are amateurs. Still pathetic, but lame compared to the creatively vicious creeps/pervs on YT...so grow that skin thicker and don't worry about the jerks. Chances are they don't enjoy their friendless lives spent in their parents' basement, playing WOW.

      Thanks again!

      Best Regards, Georgetta
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