The idea for this post came about after the amazing launch of my mystery thriller book, Silent PayBack. So many people admired the cover, and Colleen Chesebro wondered if I could write a post describing how I did it.
I have tried to make it as user friendly as I could and really hope it inspires you to make great covers too.
Picmonkey.com is an amazing site and has a free option, so you can play around and get used to all the lovely effects they have. It is possible to make covers and posters with the free option, but for a very reasonable £7 a month, you get a lot more choice of techniques.
It took me an age to decide what the cover for SPB should look like, and even longer to make it. I’m not that clever with technology, and if a process is too complicated, I tend to run for the hills! I have tried several other sites in my search for one I could learn to use, but always return to Picmonkey.com
First, open Picmonkey.com. Once you log in, you are presented with the work area.
Choose a blank template: Up on the left, by the Picmonkey symbol, I clicked on CREATE NEW and chose a blank template 1000 x 1600 (kindle size)
Also on the left, just beneath CREATE NEW, I selected Add an image. Added my background image and stretched it to fit the blank template.
I clicked on Add an image again and added the first man’s face to the background image. I chose erase from the box on the right and removed everything from the right side of his face.
Then I added the heroes face using the same method and removed the material from the side of his face too. You will have noticed by now that I am working in layers, all of which can be selected in the box on the right if I need to go back and change anything.
When I was happy with each layer, I started to add the text. Title, subtitle and author name, all added individually as layers. Finally, I downloaded the finished cover image to my pc.
All the image layers can be faded individually if necessary. The ability to create these layers on Picmonkey.com enables you to make some great effects.
There is so much more on offer too, so many great ideas and effects, and the best part is, its so easy to use with all the many step by step tutorials.
I should also mention that all the images I use come from Pixabay.com.
There is an alternative (easier) method of removing unwanted background, something that comes in very handy for all manner of ideas.
CREATE NEW < size < choose translucent background < Add an image < erase unwanted bits< save
This saves to your hub to used later.
Creating book covers and promotional posters has never been this much fun!
©jayemarie
