Creating mock book covers

"I can help you!"

I NO LONGER WORK AS A BOOK MARKETING COACH; I'M THE PUBLISHER AT IMAJIN BOOKS.

I've worked for over 25 years in advertising, promotions and sales, and spent nearly 2 years as a motivational speaker for a major international company. Currently a bestselling novelist and 'shameless' promoter, I've shared my experiences and techniques as a Book Marketing Coach for nearly a decade.

Whether you're published or unpublished, I can help. My last publisher called me a "marketing guru" and "whiz", although I prefer to think of what I do as teaching, or coaching.

"Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!"

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Creating mock book covers

Book covers can make or break a book, and I've been lucky to have 4 published novels with 4 covers that were well received by readers. Often when I'm working on a novel, I'll design a "mock book cover". It helps to inspire me to really visualize the finished product, even if it isn't the most professional cover. Of course, the published cover isn't even close to the mock one I design.

For the "Next Best Celler" novel contest, sponsored by Textnovel and Dorchester Publishing, I'm working on a romance novel. Lancelot's Lady is the name of the romantic suspnese I've entered, and it very quickly took off, making the #1 spot out of all contest entries for the month of June 2009. Last time I checked, Lancelot's Lady was also #5 in Most Popular Stories.

To keep me motivated, I designed a mock book cover early on (cover #1), using a few elements from the story. This early design was simple enough to add some color and excitement to my entry, while also respecting that Dorchester Publishing will have the final say in a book cover.

Weeks later, I designed a new, more romantic cover (cover #2), yet hopefully the darkness still lends to some suspense. I'd be interested in hearing what you think, but of course please keep in mind that these aren't real covers. They're really just for fun. I have no doubt that Dorchester Publishing (should I win the contest) would do a far better job at designing a suitable cover.

...........(cover #1)...........................(cover #2)...........

So readers, now you have some extra insight into the mind of a reader--at least this one. And authors, you now have a great idea for keeping yourself inspired--create a mock book cover. :-)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Please vote thumbs up for Lancelot's Lady (you must sign up at Textnovel.com first, then go to and click on thumbs up icon at top of page.)

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Endorsements

"I have been watching you for the last couple of years and you have become quite a force to be reckoned with your excellent advice and guidance. I love both of your sites. I send people to them all the time. Your author site is one of the best designs I've seen in a while and you teach very well."
--Karen Syed, Echelon Press

"Cheryl Tardif knows the publishing industry inside out. She’s that great mix of professionalism and encouragement writers need. She takes the time to teach, explain, and lay out a solid plan any writer can follow. Marketing can seem overwhelming for most “creative” types, and Cheryl demystifies it—and even makes it a fun challenge. You’ll be surprised what all you accomplish within days—or weeks of working with Cheryl."
--Carol D. O'Dell, Author of Mothering Mother

"Cheryl is not only a first-rate wordsmith, she also knows the ins-and-outs of marketing better than anyone I know. She seems to be everywhere on the Net and has shared some invaluable resources to promote my own books. She's bright, personable and extremely resourceful."
--Betty Dravis, Author/Career Journalist

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif taught me how to increase my internet presence. From the beginning of our friendship, she has advised me on how to market myself, and her experience and expertise have been invaluable in launching my career as an author. I highly recommend Cheryl to novice and veteran authors alike: she knows what she's doing."
--Beth Fehlbaum, Author of Courage in Patience

"Cheryl is an expert when it comes to virtual book tours. She not only understands and sends what her virtual book tour hosts need for a great tour stop, she shares her experiences with other authors..."
--Angela Wilson, Book Blog Editor, Reviewer, PopSyndicate.com

"Cheryl has given me numerous valuable advice on how to market fiction to readers worldwide using the internet. I found her tips and advice very helpful and useful, and her knowledge of marketing strategies for this particular market up-to-date."
--Ivana Hruba, Author of A Decent Ransom

"I was the General Manger at Indigo Books and Music for 5 years...Cheryl was a pleasure to work with professionally...She takes her job as an entrepreneur, writer, and sales rep very seriously and she stands out in many ways from most of the authors I had the opportunity to work with. She looks the part, and is consistently prepared for signings...I found working with Cheryl Tardif a great inspiration."
--Alexia Melnychuk, Former General Manager, Indigo Books and Music #290, and now Singer, Songwriter and Music Artist

"Cheryl Tardif is one of the best book marketing promoters that I know. She helped me in my marketing efforts with three of my novels: Paradise Acres, (released 2005 and a best seller for 5 weeks) Lost Paradise (2007) and the last of the trilogy, Return to Paradise (2008). All three books were Governor General Literary Award nominees. Chery set-up the Authors' Row where authors were invited to market their books to thousands of women attending...I highly recommend her as a top notch marketing consultant."
--Molly Anne Warring, Author

"She's an expert in her field and delivers her material with spontaniety and passion. It's a pleasure working with her."
--Lillian Cauldwell, CEO/President, Passionate Internet Voices Talk Radio

"Cheryl Tardif knows the intricacies of online marketing as well as anyone, how to blog, how to promote and get significant press releases, how to orchestrate book tours. Her expertise can help the budding or already established author focus their efforts in what can otherwise be a confusing and overwhelming array of choices."
--Peter Clenott, author of Hunting the King

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif is professional as an author and in working with other authors...I have also found Cheryl professional and timely when I contacted her as a PR Coordinator...Cheryl is hard working, self-motivated, dependable, friendly, creative."
--Christina Francine Whitcher, Independent Writer of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Book Reviews, and Interviews

"As a debut author, I was new to the book promotion scene in every way. Cheryl shared her creative insights on how, and more importantly, why, to organize a successful virtual blog tour. She is a model of what savvy authors should do to promote themselves."
--Karen Harrington, Author of Janeology

"Cheryl's a doll! I give her total credit for my website and blog design. I knew nothing about such things until she stepped in to help. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their cyberspace presence."
--Eileen Schuh, Author

Meet 'Shameless Promoter'

I picked up the nickname 'Shameless Promoter' a few years ago. I don't recall who called me that first, but I do know that the name stuck and spread. Even bookstore managers have called me that, and most of my author friends.

I started using the expression freely because I am a 'Shameless Promoter'. As a novelist competing with hundreds of thousands of other novelists, I must find creative ways to promote myself and my books that are not the ordinary, run-of-the-mill methods. Frankly, an author in today's world has to be bold, persistent and definitely shameless.

I'm not talking about beating potential readers over the head with your book, or stalking them through a bookstore. I'm talking about being a creative marketer by taking advantage of certain situations and finding other ways--better ways--to market your books.

I don't profess to be the world's #1 book promoter, but I can tell you this: I have learned some creative ways to market books and I am quite happy to share this knowledge.

Books don't sell themselves! It's up to every author to take an active role in marketing.

I'm the bestselling author of 4 novels: Whale Song (2003), Divine Intervention, The River, and Whale Song (2007), which is now in negotiations with a respected US film producer/director for a feature film and a possible 3rd print edition.

I speak regularly at writers' conferences on the topics of book signings, online marketing, promotional ideas and using social networks to promote books--the 'write' way. My articles on book promotion have appeared in various magazines and online writers' resources. I've been interviewed and profiled on TV and radio stations, and in newspapers and magazines.

To read more about me, check out my official site:
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

~Shameless Promoter
aka Cheryl Tardif, bestselling author

Shameless Promoter - Book Marketing Coach

"I can help you!"

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Creating mock book covers

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