In this First Steps Tutorial, I show you how you can utilize Royalty Free stock photos and illustrations to create a book cover. The video covers the basics of using an online stock photography source (BigStock.com), how to save a photo to a lightbox, download a preview example, and set up the book cover page in Photoshop.
This tutorial requires a basic understanding on how to search and use the Internet and the basic functions of Photoshop.
Difficulty Rating: 2.5 / 5
First Steps Tutorial: How to Create a Book Cover
The video is 5 minutes and covers ONLY the basics of finding, selecting, placing and saving the file for your book cover. Of course, I could only give so much information in 5 minutes; that’s why I am providing a workbook (e-book) that shows the basic steps in more detail, plus a few additional options to create the book cover example above.
Purchase Complete How To Tutorial Workbook
Video
After the Video starts you can enhance the quality (default is 360p). Click this (located to the right of the play bar) and choose the resolution you wish.
Resources
- What is a Clipping Mask: PSD Tutorial
- BigStock.com
- CanStockPhoto.com
- iStockPhoto.com
- Linotype (fonts)
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for the articles and links on your web pages.
I’m currently republishing my UK hardbacks via the LULU paperback facility and therefore having to make up my own covers.
Your suggestions make sense and are very helpful.
Thanks,
Marg
I am happy the information helps. Let me know if you need any other tips on book cover design. It’s hard to put it all in a post. I am currently preparing a Book Cover Kit on putting together a book cover – with a help book, videos and samples. Thanks again, Suzanne
I want to be an ebook cover designer. No previous experience.
A good, professional ebook designer, or Graphic Designer, takes time, education and creativity. I suggest you you first take classes in graphic design. Then work for a company with an experienced art director or designer to learn, and grow. As with writing, you will improve the more you work at it.