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Paying for ebook covers...?

by Winstars
45 replies
Hey peeps,

For over a year now I have been paying some guy $20 every time I need a logo or ebook cover designed for me - he does do a pretty good job, although English is his second language - which doesn't help communication.

Anyways, these days I'm creating new products every week and it seems like I should just be doing it myself, I just need the right software - um.. right?

I'm wondering what program people are using to design ebook covers? I nearly bought Publisher today but I'm not convinced that it's the best option, or it can even do the job? Any ideas? I have no idea... :confused:
#covers #ebook #paying
  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    Mark Hess' ecover creator is a great product. It's what I use to design the ecovers that I sell and its very affordable and he's also a warrior.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicolaas Theron
    Most professional designers use Photoshop and cover action scripts built specifically for Photoshop.

    I'm a Photoshopper myself so I don't bother too much with anything else, but you can also google for terms like "ecover creator" or "ecover software" to find standalone applications that can also create covers.

    The only catch with all these is of course that you still need to have some design skills to create a good looking cover. As long as you keep it simple it's not too big a deal though.
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    • Profile picture of the author Winstars
      Thanks Coby I'll check that out - but looking more for professional software really.

      Originally Posted by Nicolaas Theron View Post

      Most professional designers use Photoshop and cover action scripts built specifically for Photoshop.
      OK, so I get Photoshop - what cover action scripts are you talking about? Are they free and easy to find?
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      • Profile picture of the author Coby
        I recently saw a site selling scripts for photoshop but it was a bit pricey.

        I think it was Cover Action Pro?
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        • Profile picture of the author Winstars
          ow - very pricey for a simple add on!! Maybe I will download Mark Hess' thing after all. You never mentioned it was free!! So you use it?

          I must work OK if you're using it for exactly what I want to use it for! Anything about it you don't like?
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          • Profile picture of the author Coby
            Originally Posted by Winstars View Post

            ow - very pricey for a simple add on!! Maybe I will download Mark Hess' thing after all. You never mentioned it was free!! So you use it?

            I must work OK if you're using it for exactly what I want to use it for! Anything about it you don't like?

            The ebook cover is not free, but it is very affordable. He offers it on his free graphic creator site.

            As far as using it, yes, I use it everyday and its great. It is limited in what it can do, but you can get very clean simple fast covers. I am very happy with the investment!

            Good Luck
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    • Profile picture of the author sniperdomi
      Originally Posted by Nicolaas Theron View Post

      Most professional designers use Photoshop and cover action scripts built specifically for Photoshop.

      I'm a Photoshopper myself so I don't bother too much with anything else, but you can also google for terms like "ecover creator" or "ecover software" to find standalone applications that can also create covers.

      The only catch with all these is of course that you still need to have some design skills to create a good looking cover. As long as you keep it simple it's not too big a deal though.
      I use photoshop as well,

      it not really difficult to do nice 3d cover with it
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Barrs
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author deertrail
      Another option is to use Gimp (free) to make your flat images and then myecovermaker.com to turn it into a 3D cover. Works like a charm for me.

      -Bryan

      Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

      I do my covers in Photoshop (just flat 2 D images) and then use eBook Cover Creator - eCover Design Online Free to create the 3D effect. It costs about 10 bucks a month - am very happy with that arrangement.

      Paul Barrs
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      • Profile picture of the author donhx
        Originally Posted by deertrail View Post

        Another option is to use Gimp (free) to make your flat images and then myecovermaker.com to turn it into a 3D cover. Works like a charm for me.

        -Bryan
        Lots of people like Gimp, but for the same money (free!) you can get PaintNet. I'm a Photoshop user, but if I didn't have it, I'd use PaintNet. Get it here: http://www.getpaint.net/download.html

        By the way, check the forum there--there is a tutorial on book covers.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

      I do my covers in Photoshop (just flat 2 D images) and then use eBook Cover Creator - eCover Design Online Free to create the 3D effect. It costs about 10 bucks a month - am very happy with that arrangement.

      Paul Barrs
      Yep, I'm with Paul.

      You can even download the 2D templates to make sure you will have the size right. Then upload them to My Ecover Maker and it will render them in 3D.

      It is also possible to do quick e-covers right on their site with some free images and text, but to be honest, those could be better.

      But at $10 month, it's a bargain for people who need to slap together a lot of covers quickly and have at least a little design ability.

      All the best,
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author BlondieWrites
    I only use Photoshop when doing design work, and various actions, when creating covers. I know there are programs out there that are much less expensive that one could use. I'm not sure what kind of quality would result from cheaper programs.

    I ran across a site just yesterday that was selling some sort of ecover design program, that didn't require the use of Photoshop, complete with examples. Unfortunately, the examples were very unprofessional looking... not terrible or horrible, just not very good quality.

    My opinion... If you can't find a program that can be used to create very professional looking ecovers, I would continue to pay the graphics person until you can obtain Photoshop and make them yourself. Photoshop isn't cheap, it's a very good program, but well worth the money.

    Oh, and $20 for an ecover is VERY inexpensive, and for sure if the designer is good.


    Cindy
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    • Profile picture of the author Winstars
      Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

      I do my covers in Photoshop (just flat 2 D images) and then use myecovermaker to create the 3D effect. It costs about 10 bucks a month - am very happy with that arrangement.

      Paul Barrs
      That's clever, my kind of style. I never liked myecovermaker but doing things this way is a good idea! Just out of curiosity, what cost $10 p/m? Is that the paid side of myecovermaker is it? Photoshop + $10 a month sounds pretty OK.

      Originally Posted by BlondieWrites View Post

      Oh, and $20 for an ecover is VERY inexpensive, and for sure if the designer is good.

      Cindy
      Really? Is $20 really a good price for ecovers? I always feel slightly ripped off paying that much for a picture?!? Especially when I need so many.

      This week I want 10 ecovers & banners created. He doesn't believe too much in discounting, which is strange because I have rewritten websites for him for free, and he is on the verge of losing my business altogether...
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve Wells
        Originally Posted by Winstars View Post

        That's clever, my kind of style. I never liked myecovermaker but doing things this way is a good idea! Just out of curiosity, what cost $10 p/m? Is that the paid side of myecovermaker is it? Photoshop + $10 a month sounds pretty OK.



        Really? Is $20 really a good price for ecovers? I always feel slightly ripped off paying that much for a picture?!? Especially when I need so many.

        This week I want 10 ecovers & banners created. He doesn't believe too much in discounting, which is strange because I have rewritten websites for him for free, and he is on the verge of losing my business altogether...
        $20 for an ecover is waay to low of a price, but again, you usually get what you pay for. Even my price for an eCover is too low, normally I charge $67.00 too $97 per eCover
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  • Profile picture of the author BlondieWrites
    My thoughts... you are rewriting websites for him for free, so I would think he should create an equal amount of graphics for you free. It's not really fair that you work for free and he charges you for his service.

    I would speak to him about trading out services, or simply start charging him for your services on his sites. Bartering services can be a good thing...

    But yes, $20 is very inexpensive for quality graphic design work.


    Cindy
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  • Profile picture of the author jtie
    photoshop + illustrator for type. thats the proffesional way
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    If you are paying $20 per ecover then here is a set of action scripts for Photoshop that should be within your price range. These are the exact ones I started with when I was in your position. I use more expensive ones now but they certainly did the trick - and for only $23 you can't go too wrong.

    Designamite Ecover Action Scripts

    One piece of advice I will give you and others in relation to designing ecovers. Whenever I ordered ecovers from designers, in fact whenever I order ANY designs from designers (whether it be ecovers, banners, headers, whatever) always ask them for the PSD photoshop file as well. Some will charge you a little extra for that file as well but once you get a small collection of those files you can just open them in Photoshop and edit them easily to create nice new designs for yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author JackTheLad
    Hey Winstars,
    $20 is definately a good deal if the quality is good! Most guys I've seen charge within
    the $97 range (granted that could involve some revisions etc.)

    If you're thinking of starting to do your designs yourself, I always find it's a good idea to "INVEST" in something that you'll still be using years from now, rather than something "CHEAP" that'll just do for now.

    It's easy enough to find cheap software that'll do the job, but If you want "Quality" results you're just going to have to pay for the priveledge

    Here's some of the packages I've used, and all are great (although you will need the latest versions of Photoshop to run more advanced suites like ProductShotPro)

    - ProductShotPro - eBook cover software
    - eCoverSuiteElite
    - Coveractionpro

    If you think about how much you spend on paying your designer - you'll find that actually purchasing a full software package will actually save you money in the future.

    Just my 2 cents

    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Nate Simms
    I buy from a specific vendor on Fiverr. He has created some of the best EBook covers I have seen.

    ...if you want his contact information, PM me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Irish Intuition
      You can find Warrior offers that are even less than $20 and they do a good job...

      Is paying $15-20 per ebook worse than messing around with it?

      I'll pay that any day so I can focus on the money aspect of the business.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jay Bee
      Originally Posted by NateSimms View Post

      I buy from a specific vendor on Fiverr. He has created some of the best EBook covers I have seen.

      ...if you want his contact information, PM me.
      Hello Nate,
      Can you let me know what Fiverr gig will get me great ebook covers?
      Many Thanks, Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author Edwin Torres
    I have a program here if you want I can make you an ebook cover for you. All you have to do is email the cover picture you want and Ill do it for free
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    If you're still seaching, I can hook you up with a basic photoshop script that does this...



    actually, here is the link from where I picked it up at. It's an optin.
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    Why bog yourself down doing something you can get for $20, your forte appears to be generating new products, why deter yourself for that to save $20.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Originally Posted by SimonHarrison View Post

      Why bog yourself down doing something you can get for $20, your forte appears to be generating new products, why deter yourself for that to save $20.
      Exactly what I was thinking!

      But it depends on what his core business is.

      Personally, I don't want to learn how to create my own covers.

      $20 per cover is ok. When I started out, it was at least $47.

      But they guy on Fiverr does great work for the money.

      It all comes down to how much you value your time at.
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  • Profile picture of the author apdfranklin
    I've had great experience with Ecover Software Pro. The product is very inexpensive ($27 when I bought), is easy to use, and has quite good support. The only downside is that the tutorials are not as in-depth as I'd like, but for $27 it's a minor complaint.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMoptimizer
    If you're good with graphic design, I'd recommend just doing it in photoshop. A lot of professional e-book cover makers use photoshop.
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  • Profile picture of the author jaiganeshv
    I had this in my list. eBook Cover Creator - eCover Design Online Free
    seems cheap but not tried. Worth a try.

    Thank you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elkinton
    Originally Posted by Winstars View Post

    Hey peeps,

    For over a year now I have been paying some guy $20 every time I need a logo or ebook cover designed for me - he does do a pretty good job, although English is his second language - which doesn't help communication.

    Anyways, these days I'm creating new products every week and it seems like I should just be doing it myself, I just need the right software - um.. right?

    I'm wondering what program people are using to design ebook covers? I nearly bought Publisher today but I'm not convinced that it's the best option, or it can even do the job? Any ideas? I have no idea... :confused:
    Adobe Photoshop performed wonders in developing a final eBook cover product. To many it will give that WOW! Reaction and possibly a greater impression to your prospect purchasers. Check out these video titles on the tube’ and borrow two or more Adobe Photoshop library books.

    Adobe Photoshop: How to Make a eBook Cover
    How To Make A Book Cover In Photoshop
    Photoshop - Make An Ebook Cover Or Box
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    • Profile picture of the author edlewis
      Simply buying the tools - in this case Photoshop and some Ecover action scripts - doesn't mean that you will be pumping out professional ecovers with ease.

      You have to know how to use the tools.

      I can buy some scissors and hair clippers at Wal-Mart...but that doesn't make me a barber. And if you let me cut your hair, I'm probably going to screw it up....possibly in a horrible manner.

      The same is very likely to happen if you buy Photoshop + ecover scripts and start trying to create covers. Especially if you aren't familiar with Photoshop at all.

      Be prepared to be frustrated.

      It's up to you though...if you think it's what you want to do, then go for it.

      But if you are doing it to save a little money, then you need to also think about how you value your TIME as well. Because while those $20 payments may add up as you pump out more products, what if it took you several hours instead?

      Is 4 or 5 hours of your time and possible frustration worth saving $20..?

      That's a choice only you can make.
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  • Profile picture of the author iuditg
    I do ecover designs and I use photoshop so if you are looking for a bulk purchase I can surely give you discounts on those. Hit me on PM

    15-20$ is not a bad price at all as long as you get quality for what you are paying
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    • Profile picture of the author sword6204
      Magic Ecover is a professional piece of software you can get for just $20. You can get it here: Magic Ecover or you could try some of these options:


      Free resources:

      Free Graphic Creator by Mark Hess

      eBook Cover Creator by Mark Hess
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        I always smile when I see threads like this.

        Here's the reason . . .

        Software programs don't make GREAT ecovers! Sure, some software enhances the look of the cover - I use Photoshop and Cover Action Pro (which I think is the best combination).

        But the reason an ecover is exceptional is this: great graphic designers produce high quality professional looking covers.

        It's not the software, it's the human that does the designing that makes the difference!

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
          Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

          I always smile when I see threads like this.

          Here's the reason . . .

          Software programs don't make GREAT ecovers! Sure, some software enhances the look of the cover - I use Photoshop and Cover Action Pro (which I think is the best combination).

          But the reason an ecover is exceptional is this: great graphic designers produce high quality professional looking covers.

          It's not the software, it's the human that does the designing that makes the difference!

          Steve
          Thank you and completely agreed. I can put Photoshop and an ecover action in anyone's hands and they'll produce junk. I can even give them a pre-made Photoshop ebook template and it'll still come out terrible.

          Without a sense of design, your ecovers will look hideous and you'll turn off a LOT of Kindle readers from even downloading your book.
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    You can find some pretty good outsourcers on Fiverr who will make you high quality covers with unlimited revisions for just $5.

    Depending on how many you need not sure if this helps...
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Adobe Photoshop and some ebook cover .PSD templates should do you good. Will cost you around $500 though lol...

    ...i take that back. You can buy a version of Adobe Photoshop from Walmart for only $90.
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  • Profile picture of the author webmarket
    There are various tools available for creating eBook covers (Flat Kindle covers and 3D eBook covers) but most are quite expensive and, while they can handle such things as formatting, what they cannot do is create unique, eye catching designs which will attract buyers - especially Kindle buyers!

    Paying $20 a cover these days is no longer necessary and there are several excellent cover providers on Fiverr with good portfolios and quick turnaround times.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robimx
    design your covers with Photoshop and few action scripts.. it's all you need!

    I've created a series of video tutorials, templates and over 35 Action Scripts available for use (all in high resolution!). You can create your own ebook covers in less than 10 minutes!

    check it out: eCover Action Scripts - high resolution photoshop action scripts | 10 Minute Photoshop
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Short of Photoshop and scripts I think that the best
    value you can get for the price is here:

    http://www.boxshot3d.com/

    And I've done some searching.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author zoritey87
    FREE SOLUTION: for the design use photoscape or photoshop and for the software use 3D-box maker » 3d-box & package on-line for free iit does an excelent job. Or if you don't have the artist vain go to fiverr, haha
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinW
    Do it yourself.

    Look here...200+ templates and easy online solution for ebooks, reports, software boxes, dvd, etc. No photoshop. Create them in seconds.

    3D Cover Maker - Ebook Software - Create Unlimited Covers - 3D Ebook - 3D Ebook Covers - DVD Covers - CD Covers
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  • Profile picture of the author pbrite
    Originally Posted by donhx

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by deertrail

    Another option is to use Gimp (free) to make your flat images and then myecovermaker.com to turn it into a 3D cover. Works like a charm for me.

    -Bryan

    Lots of people like Gimp, but for the same money (free!) you can get PaintNet. I'm a Photoshop user, but if I didn't have it, I'd use PaintNet. Get it here: Paint.NET - Download

    By the way, check the forum there--there is a tutorial on book covers.
    It's an awesome program. Used it to make my book covers.



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  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    Anyone notice this thread is 2 years old...

    I should note the product I mentioned 2 years ago is no longer available for sale.

    I currently use Photoshop in conjunction with some templates and action scripts I bought. Once you get a good set of action scripts and templates, it's a dream. I have no "real" design skills but can knock out some pretty decent covers in no time at all.

    I think I picked up the templates here as a WSO - not sure which action scripts I'm using but it was like $100 - I found them by searching on Google if I remember right.

    Cheers,
    Coby
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