Picking E-Book Covers 

There can be quite a difference among the photo companies who sell photos. I recently learned that at least one popular company, only allows their photos to be used for blogs. It does not allow their photos to be used for e-books–unless you pay them a big fee in addition to what you have already paid them. I was shocked to learn, it could as much a $100. per photo if I wanted to use the photo for an e-book and a print book. This same company advertises their photo’s are free. Be sure to read the fine print, and the various contracts within each photo company. The fee of $100.00 is understandable if I sold 500,000 books, but to pay it ahead of time, on a book that may or may not sell, seems unreasonable. Again, read the fine print!

Another company I checked with, allows you to use any photo you purchase from them, up to 500,000 copies. Books you give away, are not counted in the 500,000 number. However, once you reach 500,000, their photos are twice the price of the company mentioned above. I also learned from them, by rights (you don’t have to) you should give photography credit in your acknowledgements. There is a proper way to do this, so check with the company from whom you purchase your photos. Or, write to me.

E-book covers are so much fun!  I love them and suspect you do also, or will shortly.

First off, be sure to pay for any photos you use.  Don’t assume they are free and you can take them from the internet. These photo’s belong to a photographer who deserves to be paid–the same as you do–for the stories you write. So, if you plan to design your own covers using photos you find on the internet, do the right thing, and make sure you pay for the right to use them.

The photo companies ads will often say: “Free” but that doesn’t mean you get them for free. It only means you do not have to enter a long-term royalty agreement.

Caution: There is a code embedded into the corner each photo that will lead companies to your doorstep. You can’t see it. Sometimes you can click on it. Other photos will have various marks you and everyone else can see. (Think of it as you would hanging your laundry on a clothes line with the name “Holiday Inn” stamped all over your towels.) Some photographers (trying to protect the product of their hard work) have been known to corrupt author’s computer files.

So if any of you out there are unknowingly taking photos and not paying for them–reform. : )

Note: With some photos, until you put the photo in your computers trash basket, your system will continue to do strange things. If it blows up, then it’s evident you have confiscated far too many photos. (Just kidding.)

PHOTOGRAPHS ON LINE ARE AFFORDABLE: AVERAGE $6. EACH

The photos on-line from reputable companies are affordable. Small ones (for a blog) in the 851 x 564 pixel range. For covers, Amazon now recommends:

• TIFF (.tif/.tiff) or JPEG (.jpeg/.jpg) format
• At least 1000 pixels on the longest side, with an ideal height/width ratio of 1.6. 
2500 pixels on the longest side is preferred

Some photos are very expensive, but most of them this size will average $6.00. to $12.00 each.

LINKS FOR YOU!

COMPANIES WHO SELL E-BOOK COVER SOFTWARE 

http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=Adobd+Photoshop+and+ebook+covers&qpvt=Adobd+Photos

Something To Consider:

If you take your own photographs with a newer camera, chances are your photos are embedded with personal information that bring you unwanted attention. As I understand it, (from a professional internet person who works for a nationally known author of #1 computer books) “Snaps” is a program that will remove identifying information from your photographs.

http://www.lemkesoft.com/content/187/key-features.html

A GOOD COMPANY WHO CAN GET AN E-BOOK COVER TO YOUR COMPUTER WITHIN 24 HOURS. THIS IS FOR REAL!

Pre-made/Custom Book Covers

http://bookgraphics.wordpress.com/pre-made-ebook-covers-2/

Note: This company was brought to my attention by a satisfied customer. (I consider him a reliable source.) Covers created by this designer will cost you about $25.00. Turn around time is excellent. You can usually have your cover within a few days.

Copyright 2012 Gigi Galt