July25

JULY 25, 2018

“Your Book — Your Passion” A Message From Children’s Author Pamela C. Rice

Last week we met children’s author and illustrator Pamela C. Rice. This week Rice took a moment to send a thought for authors new and old about visuals. Your book is more than just romantic pairings of letters on a blank page; it’s a picture. Your cover is the first impression of everything hiding inside your novel’s jacket. Below are her words on what to think about when creating a cover:

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Being a designer has been my life’s work, (my father and my brother, also) I have found, that more people are VISUAL than not. People are attracted to what appeals to them, no matter WHAT it is.

Although it has been said, “never judge the book by the cover”, the case remains…people are attracted via visual appeal.

A few questions authors should ask themselves: 1) What will make my book stand out before a person knows what the book is about—the title — yes; and 2) the visual—most of the time.

If your book is sitting on a shelf with dozens of other books, does it stand out? Can your title and the author’s name be read from 10 feet away? Are they displayed on the shelves at child-level? Who are you trying to target? Children? What ages? Parents? Are your graphics or illustrations bold and not competing with the heading? Do the colors relate to the market you are trying to reach?

There are some publishers, who in their offering will design your cover. Many will just give you template art and not true R+D, real design.

Too may authors try to do everything themselves. Consider calling on a student of design or illustration at a local college. They’d be ecstatic to produce a cover for a children’s book. Ask to see some of their work. Have them give you a few layout options. Both of you will have something to gain. The student — a piece for their portfolio and you, the author — a book cover that is much more professional.

If creating your book is your passion, take it all the way.

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To learn more visit Pamela C. Rice’s site KidsShelf

ACNBooks was really happy to see these words from Pamela C. Rice. Take a step back and look at your book; can you read the title and the authors name from 10 feet away. Are your graphics not competing with the heading? Is your book getting lost visually with the others on the same shelf? Is it the appropriate color scheme for the genre and audience you wish to reach?

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