Successful Self-Publishing: Editing and book cover design
Before you publish your book, you need professional editing and an eye-catching, genre-specific cover design. Investing in these areas can help you make your book the best it can be.
Different kinds of editing
We’re often too close to our own work to see its flaws. We read what we think we wrote rather than what’s actually on the page. Every book, no matter how experienced the author, benefits from another pair of eyes.
Even after publishing over forty-five books, I still work with an editor for every one.
There are different types of editing, and you might need different services at different stages of your manuscript development.
Developmental editing considers the big picture: structure, plot, character development, pacing, and overall concept. For non-fiction, it examines the flow of ideas, whether your arguments make sense, and if anything is missing.
Line editing focuses on your writing at the sentence and paragraph level, addressing issues like awkward phrasing, repetition, passive voice, dialogue effectiveness, and clarity.
Copy editing addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency issues. A copy editor will ensure your book follows style guidelines consistently and that your prose is technically correct. They may also do basic fact-checking.
Proofreading is the final polish before publication, catching any last typos or formatting issues that slipped through earlier rounds of editing.
Of course, not every book needs every type of editing.
If you’re working with a tight budget, prioritize the areas where you need the most help. Many editors offer a sample edit (usually several thousand words) so you can see if their style matches what you need, and they can assess your skill level.
Choosing an editor
When looking for an editor, consider their experience in your specific genre, their editing style and approach, their availability and timeline, their pricing structure, and whether you connect with them personally. A brilliant literary fiction editor might not be the best choice for your romance novel or travel memoir.
Look for someone who understands your vision and can help you achieve it, while still being honest about what needs improvement. The editor’s job is to improve the book, not to tell you it’s fantastic and needs no work!
You can find my list of editors at:
www.TheCreativePenn.com/editors
Editing software and budget-friendly editing options
I use the editing tool ProWritingAid for every book to improve the manuscript before sending to my human editor. It now offers developmental editing and beta reader reports that can assess your complete manuscript, as well as line edit and copy edit recommendations.
It can help you clean up your manuscript significantly before paying for professional editing, and can really help with keeping your book project within budget.
You can find it at:
www.TheCreativePenn.com/prowritingaid
My tutorial at:
www.TheCreativePenn.com/pwatutorial
Writing groups and critique partners can provide valuable feedback for free. Look for groups specific to your genre, as they’ll understand reader expectations.
Beta readers who represent your target audience can tell you if your book resonates with them. They might not catch technical issues, but they can tell you if your story works or if your non-fiction book delivers on its promise.
By the end of the editing process, you should have a polished manuscript you’re proud to publish.
Book cover design
Yes, readers do judge your book by its cover! It’s an important marketing asset and you’ll use it all over social media and your website as well as on your book.
Your book cover communicates genre, tone, professionalism, and quality in seconds. It’s visual shorthand that tells readers “This book is for you,” so it needs to fit in with your genre while standing out enough to catch attention.
Research the bestselling books in your genre and note common elements of design and imagery. For example, George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones books have dragons, crowns, and swords, so anything with similar imagery is likely to be fantasy.
Non-fiction books often have a big focus on text and font, or one clear image, which makes them stand out at thumbnail size on the bookstore sites. Romance books usually feature couples, and the clothes they wear — or the state of undress! — communicates the level of spice.
There are conventions in every genre, so get to know yours.
If you’re working with a designer, take screenshots of book covers that resonate and send them to your designer along with your book description. This helps them understand what you’re looking for, as they are not going to read your book.
Using comparative titles in the design process is about modeling, not plagiarism. Your designer should never copy a cover, but design something appropriate for your genre.
Different formats require different specifications. Ebook covers need only a front cover, optimized for thumbnail viewing. Print book covers need front, spine, and back cover designs. Audiobook covers are square and need to be especially clear at small sizes.
Working with a professional designer
When looking for a designer, check their portfolio for examples in your genre, ask about their process and timeline, and be clear about your expectations and budget.
You can find recommended designers at:
www.TheCreativePenn.com/bookcoverdesign
Budget and DIY options
If budget is a constraint, there are several options.
Premade covers are genre-specific designs that designers create in advance and then sell. They’re much cheaper than custom designs, but still look professional. The designer customizes the title and author name for you after purchase.
Canva offers ebook cover templates that can be quite effective if you choose the right one for your genre. Their premium plan includes access to stock photos, generative AI images, and elements that can enhance your design.
AI image generation tools can help create unique cover imagery that you can then overlay with text, or even generate complete with text. Always check the terms and conditions for commercial usage, as these change frequently. I cover this in more detail in chapter 4.2.
Update and change your covers over time
One benefit of being an indie author is that you can always replace the cover if it’s not working. If sales are sluggish or you want to rebrand your series, changing covers can breathe new life into your books.
Traditional publishers do this all the time, especially with older books, and I’ve changed my own covers and even titles over the years.
* * *
Professional editing and cover design can help you set your book up for success, and it’s one area where investing some of your time and budget can make a huge difference to the quality of the final product.
Resources:
• My list of editors — www.TheCreativePenn.com/editors
• ProWritingAid — www.TheCreativePenn.com/prowritingaid
• My ProWritingAid tutorial — www.TheCreativePenn.com/pwatutorial
• Book cover designers — www.TheCreativePenn.com/bookcoverdesign
• Canva for all kinds of design — www.canva.com
