Although you have heard many times that you should not judge a book by its cover, this is very important when it comes to selling your book. If you want to make a cover using Wattpad.com, it is not difficult as long as you follow some general tips. With a few simple steps, you can have a professional cover that flatters your story.
Note: you must have Microsoft Word on your computer to follow these instructions.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Follow the General Rules
Step 1. Be professional
Your cover is the first thing people will see when they see your book. It should not be unpleasant, disturbing, very funny, or absurd. Even if your book is hilarious, the cover should look professional. Remember that there is a difference between professional and boring, your cover must be interesting and attractive, but it also has to look well done and impeccable.
- For example, if you want your cover to show a naked man running across a soccer field and looking perfectly fine, you have to find a professional way to show it. Perhaps the image can be seen from behind and from a distance so that an empty stadium and the entire field can be seen. This cover is interesting, professional and attractive.
- Avoid low-quality images and sloppy fonts.
- Make sure people can see the title. You should not allow it to get lost in the background of the cover.
Step 2. Keep it simple
Most of the cover doesn't need to be interesting. Do not choose an image that is very ornate or complicated. Remember, most people will only glance at books. The cover of your book should stand out without being too complex. You also don't need to use Photoshop or any other editing software to make a good cover. Doing so may end up with a poorly arranged photo.
Step 3. Complement the story with the cover
All elements - the text, the color scheme, and the image - should act as an extension of the story. They don't necessarily have to show a scene or character from the story, but they should match the overall impression you want the reader to have when reading the book.
Method 2 of 4: Choose the image
Step 1. Find an image that you can use
Using Google images probably won't help. You can end up with an image that is copyrighted for commercial purposes. Try to use the photos from Flickr, as they have Creative Commons licenses and you can use them for free. You can also scan a photo you have and use it.
Step 2. Avoid a cluttered image
If there are too many elements in the photo then you will be less likely to catch someone's attention. It shouldn't have a lot of action. Also, you need space for the title and the author's name.
Step 3. Pick a photo that is visually appealing
Pick a photo that people want to see. Even if your story is horror, guts and blood are not attractive when it comes to the cover. Choose something that is spooky but also beautiful, like a dark lake or forest at night.
Step 4. Trust your instincts and be willing to wait
You will know that the image is perfect when you see it. Don't settle for a cover that you're not quite sure of. There are so many beautiful images out there that you shouldn't settle until you find one that really hits home. You should feel proud and excited to have found this image, not insecure.
Method 3 of 4: Choose a font
Step 1. Choose a font that is easy to read
You should make the image and the title stand out. If people have no idea what the text says, they will be less likely to be interested in the book. We naturally omit a text that is unintelligible.
Step 2. Use one font for the title and another for the author's name
Some people recommend that you use one font to accentuate the words in the title that you want to highlight and another font for the rest of the words, including the author's name. This is a strategy you can also use, but make sure that neither font is too distinguishable from the other.
Step 3. Avoid using more than two fonts
More than two fonts make the cover look messy and cluttered. Limit yourself to two sources that complement each other.
Step 4. Make sure the image and font match
Don't choose bubble letters if your image is a serene landscape. Choose a font that complements the image.
Method 4 of 4: Create the cover
Step 1. Open Microsoft Word and insert the image
Just click the "Insert" tab and then "Image." Choose the image from the window that appears and adjust it to the correct size of the Microsoft Word document without stretching it or making it look pixelated.
Step 2. Insert your cover text
Still on the "Insert" tab of the Microsoft Word document, click on "WordArt." Pick the layout you like, then edit the text for your story title on Wattpad. Change the font, color and effects as you like, then adjust the size of the caption and place it over the photo (make sure it fits on the photo and no words are coming off one side). Do the same with your name or your Wattpad username.
Step 3. Take a screenshot
Press ctrl + print screen (control and print screen) at the same time and then right click on the Microsoft Word document. Select "Paste." The screenshot will appear. You can also do this in Paint.
Step 4. Crop the image to the correct size
Once the screenshot is there, click on it and then click on "Image Tools" and the "Format" tab. Select "Crop" from the right side of the menu. Crop the image for the book cover by moving the black markers along the edges, then click the "Crop" button again. Your book cover is ready.
Step 5. Save your book cover
Left click on the photo you just cropped and then click "Save Image As." Keep it in a folder that you can easily locate.
Step 6. Upload it to Wattpad
You have to have an account, but as soon as you have one, you will see a button on the home screen to load the cover. It is as simple as that. Now you have a beautiful book cover to accompany your story.
Advice
- When uploading the file, make sure you can see the image and text clearly (as it is smaller on Wattpad than it is on your screen).
- Make sure the image is the correct size. Otherwise, it will be automatically cropped to the correct size.
- Make sure you don't put black or dark colors on a black background. Use lighter colors for your text.
- Choose a font for the cover text that suits your story. Don't use a happy font for a sad story. An italic font would be more effective.
- Make sure to put your name on the cover so no one can steal it and use it for their book.
- Do not use any image from the internet that you do not have permission to use.