LISA FIRTH’S TIPS FOR INDIES

• Don’t scrimp on your editing as the finest cover won’t save you from bad reviews• Don’t scrimp on the cover design as it’s the most important sales tool. A cover that looks unprofessional, as if it’s been amateurly designed, can definitely deter people.• Try to ensure your book is produced as closely as possible to the standards of a professional publishing house. Readers won’t differentiate between indie and the big four – they’ll just notice the title, the cover, shout line and blurb.• Don’t underestimate how important it is how your book will appear at thumbnail size. The choice of typography and colour selection are vital when it comes to attracting readers.• If you are on a budget then pre-made covers are a really good option. Try the Book Cover Designer or some of the marketplace groups on FB. The standard is mixed (and often focused on the US market) but some of it is really good;