In this conversation, Melissa interviews Hannah Linder, a cover design artist and author, about the importance of cover design for books. Hannah shares her background in writing and cover design and discusses the key elements of a cover design, including visual appeal, consistency with the genre, legible text, simplicity, and accurate depiction of the story or message. They also explore whether indie authors can make their own covers and the benefits of working with a cover designer. Hannah provides insights into finding stock photos for historical Christian romance and shares the services offered by Hannah Linder Designs.

Takeaways

· A good cover design is visually appealing, consistent with the genre, has legible text, is not too busy, and accurately depicts the story or message.

· While some authors may have the skills to make their own covers, it is generally recommended to work with a professional cover designer to ensure a professional and standout design.

· When looking for stock photos for historical Christian romance, sources like Shutterstock, Period Image, and Archangel can be helpful.

· Hannah Linder Designs offers a range of services, including pre-made and custom cover designs, ebook and print packages, promotional graphics, and formatting services.

· Collaborating with an interior formatter can provide the final touches to a manuscript, ensuring a professional and polished book.