Writers Need to Perfect the Art in their posts if they want to sell books. Authors tend to think in black and white. We are words-on-paper people who weave our worlds for readers in print. However, when sharing book posts on the Internet, we need to do better in regard to the art we use, me included.
Think of how much time
and effort you spend choosing cover art for your books, an often-laborious task
that has us second-guessing our choices, even the moment after we hit the send
button giving the final go ahead.
In the Huffington Post
story, “Yes, We Really Do Judge Books by Their Cover,” Smashwords founder Mark
Coker said, “A book’s cover is the first thing a potential reader sees, and it
can make a lasting impression. Our brains are wired to process images faster
than words. When we see an image, it makes us feel something. A great cover
(can) helps the reader instantly recognize that this book is for them.”
The same idea holds true
for blog posts. The picture you share is what catches the reader’s eye, not
your clever verbiage. So, if you post a fuzzy photo or one that looks
amateurish, the chances of readers getting to the meat of your post lessen
dramatically.
Authors should want to be
perceived as professionals, even if they’re writing that novel in the wee hours
after the kids are put to bed and before that ear-splitting alarm signals it’s
time to head off to their day job. Shoddy artwork instantly symbolizes the
blogger is an amateur.
“But I’m not a
photographer,” I can hear you mumble.
No worries, because we
live in the world of Google images. However, it’s extremely important that when
you scan those images, looking for just the right fit for your post, you do a
safe search. It’s simple. Just enter in the type of picture you’re looking for,
then click on images. On the tool bar, you’ll see Settings. Click and scroll
down to Advanced Search. At the bottom of the page you’ll see Usage Rights.
Because you’re an author selling books, you’ll need to choose Free to Use or
Share, Even Commercially. Then go back to your images. While the choices are
significantly pared down, the images remaining are free to use, without the
risk of running afoul of the art’s owner, an adventure that might include
lawyers and lawsuits and a big hit to your wallet.
When
searching for images online, it’s imperative that you only use pictures that
are marked Free to Use or Share.
You must then size your
art. Often, authors post art that’s too small, leading to those blurred
pictures. And remember, different social media platforms require different
sizes of art. What looks great on Twitter might be blurred Facebook. For an
in-depth look at sizing for various social media platforms, check out https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-image-sizes/.
Before taking your own
pictures to post, locate images you’d like to emulate online. Then read David
Peterson’s “ Six Classic Design Elements for Outstanding Photographs”: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/2679/six-classic-design-elements-for-outstanding-photographs/.
Note that it’s the little
things that can ruin a picture. Take food photos, which are notoriously tough
to shoot. Is the tablecloth the food rests on wrinkled? Is there an errant dab
of catsup on the plate? Are there shadows covering those scrumptious cookies?
“The Serious Eats Guide to Food Photography” might help: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/beginners-guide-to-food-photography.html.
For those of you who are, like me, a bit older, try not to be scared off by the technology. Over the course of your lives, you learned new things. You got better at them with practice. The same applies here.
If you peruse the
websites of well-known, successful authors, you’ll see the art is first rate.
You’ve labored vigorously to perfect your writing. It makes sense than, if you
want people to find your books, you’ll do the same with those images you’re
using to market your work.
Please allow me to give you a brief intro to my latest historical fiction novel for your reading pleasure...
Your Forgotten Sons
Inspired by a true story
Anne Montgomery
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?
When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.
Learn more about Anne Montgomery on her website and Wikipedia. Stay connected on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
