59. Unlocking the art of book cover design: Expert insights w/ Katia Balab

Have you contemplated designing your own book cover, or wondered what to expect if you hire a professional? 

Joining today’s conversation is Katia Balab, who has joined the MiblArt family, a book cover design company that's based in the Ukraine. They have been helping self-publishing authors and publishers create book covers that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also an effective marketing tool.

Thanks to Katia’s expertise, you’ll learn about the science behind effective cover design practices, how to foster a good working relationship with your designer, and a plethora of online resources to help you tackle as much as you want.

Topics discussed in this episode: 
  • Why book cover design matters
  • Pros & cons of designing your own cover
  • Establishing expectations with your cover designer
  • Creating your creative brief
  • Communicating effectively with your designer
  • Understanding bleed size and trim
  • Science behind a good cover
  • Typography, don’t underestimate it
  • The good and bad of AI images
  • Getting feedback
  • Online tools and resources
  • Special offer for PWW listeners
Resources discussed during the show: 
  • Discount code for MiblArt first-time users: Enter PWW10 at https://miblart.com/?ref=nmy2owv
  • Learning resources: Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube tutorials like Bring Your Own Laptop
  • Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Book Brush, and Affinity Publisher, Canva
  • Stock images: Adobe Stock, Deposit Photos, Pexels, Unsplash, Pixabay
  • Fonts: 1001 Free Fonts, Font Squirrel, DaFont, Google Fonts, Font Gig
About Katia:

Katia is an enthusiastic woman who's into art, outdoor activities, and personal growth. She's currently living in a sunny city of Istanbul in Turkey, which is her fourth country of residence. Katia always has a cup of coffee and fresh flowers on her desk.

About a year ago, she joined the MiblArt family. In addition to helping self-publishing authors and publishers, the MiblArt team can also help with logos, marketing graphics, and interior formatting services. MiblArt offers zero deposit required, unlimited revisions, and guaranteed refunds.

Connect with Katia: 
About Parents Who Write’s editing services

Ready to stop circling around your manuscript? As an experienced professional editor, I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction. Learn more by visiting ParentsWhoWrite.com/editing, and book a free 30-minute call with me to discuss what’s right for you.


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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.