On a crisp fall day in 2011, an older, successful author and publisher - desperate for a book cover design, once burnt but still hopeful - picked up her phone and called a young, unproven graphic designer, who had demonstrated an amazing talent. Two hours later, they had reached the decision that would dramatically affect both of their careers, indeed their lives, forever. Author and illustrator would now forge a relationship that has produced over one hundred successful book launches, top sales rankings, and award-winning book covers. How did they do it? What were the design tools upon which they relied? With no holds barred, internationally beloved author and boutique publisher Annie Acorn and her company's exclusive graphic designer Angel Nichols, also an internationally known author and member of From Womens' Pens, share their story and their secrets within these pages in an easy-to-read format, complete with a touch of humor. The good, the bad, the dos, the don'ts, the choices, the technical tools needed, the emotional ups and downs, the art of graphic design communication, the requirements for a great cover, and even the resources you will need to create one of your own - all their unique insights and collective knowledge have been included for your benefit. Are you an indie author struggling to find that elusive bond with a professional cover artist? An illustrator trying to break onto the professional scene? A publisher juggling both at the same time? Or even a group of authors working on a special project? Then this is the one, fact-filled book that you will want to carry as you embark on your own journey towards either the creation of or contracting for a fabulous book cover that will ensure the success of your book publishing endeavor. Come for the invaluable information. Stay for the fun. With these tools in your hands, may your efforts be as well-rewarded as theirs have been!
About the Author: Annie Acorn - Annie Acorn is the pseudonym of a prolific, internationally beloved author, whose readership recognizes her mainly for her women's fiction, cozy mysteries and richly woven stories with a warm southern flair, such as Chocolate Can Kill and her Luna Lake Cabins romantic women's fiction series. She writes her romantic women's fiction/family saga Captain's Point Stories series as Charlotte Kent. She is a founding member of From Women's Pens - A Cooperative of Women Writers. Annie is the mother of two sons. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area, where she has done extensive technical writing as a contractor. She owned a tri-state medical outsourcing business for a number of years and was the Director of a behavioral healthcare firm. She once flipped a comic book and collectible retail company comprised of five stores, and she has managed cemeteries and funeral homes. She is the owner of Annie Acorn Publishing, LLC. Ms. Acorn published in The Inspirational Writer, and she edited a publication for the State of Mississippi. Ms. Acorn enjoys reading, writing mysteries and romantic women's fiction, listening to classical music, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends - often at a restaurant serving delicious food. Annie authors annieacorn.com. Tweet her at @Annie_Acorn. Angel Nichols - Angel Nichols is an accomplished illustrator, author and graphic artist who juggles a busy working schedule with family, friends and her passion for the arts. She has been a hobbyist writer for much of her life, before being asked to author for Annie Acorn's 2012 Christmas Treasury in which her short story, Christmas in the Mojave, appears. Her Christmas Love Exchange is included in Annie Acorn's 2013 Christmas Treasury, and her Jolly Old Spook graces the pages of Annie Acorn's 2014 Christmas Treasury. Ms. Nichols' The Ghost of Christmas Present and Other Stories has thrilled an international audience, and Annie Acorn Publishing LLC was honored to be able to include her A Rose by Any Other Name in the Annie Acorn's 2015 Valentine's Day Treasury. She is a member of From Women's Pens. Ms. Nichols is the exclusive cover artist for Annie Acorn Publishing LLC. Her award-winning covers have been seen on the Barnes and Noble's bestseller list, as well as in Amazon top categories. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication and Digital Design from AIU. Tweet her at @Angel_Nichols.