We all like to think appearances don’t matter, that we are nice people and not the kind that judge or treat people by the way they look or what they wear. If only that were true. I personally have never forgotten, a few years ago, watching Susan Boyle shuffling onto the stage for an episode of the UK X Factor, only to be ridiculed for her appearance and age and the cruel assumption that, because she looked so out of place, she couldn’t sing.
(If you have no idea what I am talking about then click on the link. http://youtu.be/JSDoPY9B0wQ )
Yes, everything turned out alright in the end. Susan Boyle eventually got her chance to sing, proceeded to wow the live audience, and went on to sell millions of copies of her albums. She also gave many of us that often feel insecure and inadequate at times, a big rush of adrenalin as she proved all those cynical bastards wrong. The little person won that day and therefore, in a way, so did we.
Unfortunately, episodes like the above are rare and unusual. We know damn well, whether we like it or not, that people do judge people by their appearances and this is why eBook covers matter as well. The truth of the matter is, like it or not, when it comes to selling your eBook, looks are important. If the cover looks amateur, then people will automatically assume the book is amateur too. Your book cover is a reflection of you and your writing ability and thus an indication to all the impatient people out there browsing eBook retailer websites, whether or not it is worth the precious little spare time they have, to investigate your book further.
With this in mind, consider the following advantages of a good eBook cover:
1) Having a good cover means more customer interest which means more likelihood of sales.
2) Having a good eBook cover will give you more opportunities to get your book on other websites. No professional website wants rubbish looking covers using up their valuable page space and giving them a bad reputation.
3) Getting someone to do a good cover for your eBook will give you more time to concentrate on actually selling your eBook and therefore, one less detail to worry about.
4) Paying for a good cover will make you take your eBook marketing and promotion more seriously. When you pay money for things you commit yourself to aiming bigger and therefore you get bigger results, because you work harder in order to sell your eBook and recoup your investment.
5) Once you have a good cover, you have in your possession a recyclable and infinite marketing resource. You can forever modify it, change the title, make part of it a trademark or brand, and keep the basic layout: all of which helps to bring back repeat customers and more sales for you.
Ultimately, whomever you choose as the professional cover designer should understand your goals for the book, how to design for effective marketing, and your vision for the cover. Always make sure you see examples of their work, references, price shop but also quality shop, and be certain you can communicate with them to bring your vision to light in a professional and marketing friendly design.
Now please excuse me, I need to go and smarten myself up, brush my teeth, and put some clean clothes on. My girlfriend is popping over and I need to make a good impression!
Roger Gerald Scott is a best-selling author etc., co-founder of AHA, and also can whip up some fantastic eBook covers for as little as $140. See more at http://www.theprobookeditor.com
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This is great information. I knew who Susan Boyle was but clicked the link any way because I love her voice and it is a good Cinderella story.
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Good avice. We all judge everything by its cover, whether it be a book or person!
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