S0 check this out:
I found my designer at Fiverr. Ankit gave me my cover for hardback, paperback, and audiobook. They even added an extra bookmark and all the source files (including the fonts used), which was terrific. I have such a nice logo at the beginning of the website because of those wonderful source files. Having them makes digital designing at Canva so. Much. Easier. I got my design almost a week earlier than estimated. Ankit is so talented; I'm returning to them for my next book.
Okay, so the price tag. How much did Ankit from bring_design on Fiverr charge me? Only $90! Skip going out for a month, and you have a professional and affordable book cover. A complete, illustrated cover with all the marketing materials cost me less than $100. Most illustrators ask for $300 plus. You. Are. Welcome!!!!
Okay, so the cover is out. The book has been formatted. Now I need more beta readers. Since the last time anyone laid eyes on my novel, I've added quite a bit, and it's not easy keeping my hands off it. I keep thinking, "Ooh! I can add this!" or "Maybe I should explain this a little more." I've added almost 20 pages, and I've read the manuscript so many times that it's becoming tiresome. It's like watching a movie 300 times in a row: regardless of how good it is, you'll be done with the story after a few rounds. So I need fresh eyes, and I'm thinking about going through BetaReader.io. Although my friends have done a great job giving me notes and ideas, I need some people who are actually in the reading/writing field. I'll let you know how it works out. They let you have one manuscript up for reading for free, and you all know how I love looking for and sharing a deal.
Anyway, quick reminder, The Kickstarter will kick off on November 1st! I bought some magnets to promote the website at a party I'm going to, but after seeing them, I've decided to add them to the Kickstarter as an add-on!
Printing these were NOT a deal, haha. I only bought 10, and I'm happy now because they ended up being much bigger than expected, and I'm terrified of having a bunch of merchandise left over in case the Kickstarter doesn't work. If it fails, I have ten giant magnets to give away!
Anyway, that's all for now! I'll chat with you all soon!