How To Create An Ebook Ecover In 5 Minutes
Hey Everyone,
Last week I received 3 requests from Rick Byrd, Samith Pich and Simon Croft.
The request was to reveal how I create or make ebook ecovers.
The reason these requests arose was because in my last blog post, which you can see here, I mentioned that I create my own ecovers.
Should have kept my big mouth shut, ultimately I created more work for myself.
And god knows I don’t need anymore work, I have enough already.
Sometimes I feel like I am working two full time jobs, one offline and one online.
So anyway enough of my moaning…
Basically I create my own ebook ecovers, rather than pay an ebook ecover designer $17 a pop.
Now I know I should probably not be doing my own ecovers.
But I actually like creating ecovers.
And I don’t think 5 minutes of my time is a massive waste to be honest.
Plus If I ever need mini site graphics, or banners I pay to get them designed.
Now as you know I am always happy to help out a fellow blogger or Internet Marketer when I can, so I have just finished creating a free video showing:
- The software I use.
- The scripts I use and where you can get them.
- How much the scripts cost.
- And the exact steps I take to create an ecover in under 5 minutes.
Now, before you all start screaming the video is 16 minutes long not 5 minutes.
Let me explain…
It took more time to make the cd ecover because I was going slow in order that even Photoshop beginners could follow along.
I think the process of ebook ecover design is pretty simple and I hope you see that too from my video for you.
Easy as 1,2,3…
And I promise I am not a photoshop expert.
So there is no reason anyone else can’t do it if I can.
Like I said before, you could of course outsource your ebook ecover design and most probably should.
But when cash is not readily available, it’s good to be able to whip up a few nice ecover designs yourself.
Anyway, you can watch the video below, I hope you find it useful.
Note: A Larger Version Of The Video May Be Watched here.
Important Links…
In the video I mentioned that I would provide the following links:
Adobe Photoshop – Get A 30 day free trial here
Ebook Ecover ATN Scripts – Get Them Here
If you have any questions or comments simply leave them below.
Speak soon, Sally 
Filed under: Ebook Marketing
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Twitter: edsonbuchanan
says:
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the great post. Its funny that people still pay for ebook covers when there are so many easy ways to create them yourself.
Keep up the good work.
Edson Buchanan
.-= Edson´s last blog ..Blogging Profit Formula Giveaway =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Edson,
Yeah I agree, it would take me more than 5 minutes to write an email to send to a designer!
Hope your still making a ton of money from eBay,
Sally
Hi Sally – great Video. Another tip is to get across to Fiverr.com, where there are plenty of people who will do this for you for just $5!…..Great Value.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Colin,
Yes I have heard a lot of great things about Fiverr will really need to pop over and take a look.
Thanks for your comment, catch you soon,
Sally
Hey! Sally.
Thanks for the video.
It’s very quiet and I’m having a hard time hearing it.
My laptop volume is on full whack.
Help!!
Gert.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Gert,
Laptops seem to have crappy sound sometimes, but I will see if I can do anything about it for ya.
Thanks for popping by again,
Sally
Twitter: barry_wells
says:
Hi Sally, Fantastic video. Thanks for the lesson.
My brother works with photoshop full time and i’ve been asking him for a lesson for months but he’s aways busy. You’ve just got me started Sally, thank you.
I’m going to have a little play about and then pop over and get the scripts etc.
I’m also going to tell my friends about this
I take my hat off to you Sally,
Respect and Regards, Barry
.-= Barry@The Newbies Guide´s last blog ..Bloggers- Need A Little Lift =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hiya Barry,
Thanks for your lovely comment
Photoshop is great, I love playing around with it, I find it relaxes me.
The scripts are fab actually and the templates you get are crystal clear.
Hope you have fun messing about with photoshop like I do, but don’t waste too much time.
Sally
He Sally,
Great video.
I’ve been wanting to try my hand at creating e-covers and such but I’ve got so much to do and I think trying to learn Photoshop will take too much of my time.
When I get to where I can, I might come back here to get the details,
Thanks,
Mike
.-= Mike Helton@Relationship Marketing´s last blog ..Maps For Online Marketing Success =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Mike
Well I hope the video shows you how to do an ecover quickly, if it is going to take too much of your time it kinda defeats the purpose so simply outsource your ecover needs.
I like to do it for fun and it kinda relaxes me too, but like I said for really top notch professional looking graphics I will outsource, I know my limits.
Catch you soon, Sally
Hi Sally,
Fantastic cover. The interview will be ready to go tonight and I will post it as soon as it’s finished. Now the graphic is done I can finish the transcript.
Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
David
.-= David Taylor´s last blog ..How I Built an Instant Membership Site =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hi David,
Yeah it’s fantastic cos your name is splashed all over it yes? ha ha.
Just looking over the pages you sent me, they are looking really nice, well done you for being so productive!
That year plan of yours is looking more achievable now yes?
Speak soon, Sally
Twitter: http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/grmoore
says:
Nice video mylady. Gimp ad paintnet are 2 programs that work just as well as photoshop and they are free. Keep up the Greatwork!
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Gary,
Yes I have heard of Gimp as a free alternative, just never used it myself.
Always good to know about the free options too, just not sure if they can run atn files so the demo is showing photoshop.
Thanks for your suggestions and comment.
Catch ya later, Sally
Hello Sally
Thanks for the Video and great information. and where to download.
Understanding the way internet marketers get there resources, its like a jigsaw it starts to come together piece by peice
many thanks
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hi Dean
Glad you found it useful, I always like to share any good resources on my blog, like you said it can be difficult trying to find the best ones.
Take care, and speak to you soon,
Sally
Twitter: rick_byrd
says:
Sally:
You’re the best!
I know you didn’t have to create this video but I personally want to thank you. It was an awesome video and you really took me by the hand and showed me how to create my own ecover.
Thanks so much for all you do!
- Rick
.-= Rick Byrd´s last blog ..August Giveaway Events =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Rick
Ha ha
Well you don’t get if you don’t ask, and you asked!
Obviously we shouldn’t be spending hours on designing graphics, but I think it’s ok to spend 5 minutes doing it.
Hope you can throw a few ecovers together yourself now, if need be, until the cash comes rolling in and you can pay a big expensive designer that is.
Catch you soon, Sally
Twitter: Dawn_Kay
says:
Hi Sally
You made it look so simple and I really should go and try it out but it would probably take me a week just to learn how to use adobe properley (lol).
Don’t worry about the sound just blame the person that makes laptops cause you can’t hear nothing on them.
First time I tried to watch your video on my laptop couldn’t hear a thing so I switched to my computer and heard you loud and clear.
Keep them coming won’t you
take care
Dawn
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Dawn (My almost birth date twin)
Trust me, it is simple, I used to be TERRIFIED of Photopshop, but it’s actually quite simple and rather addictive too, you have been warned!
I can see why so many people love Photoshop, it rocks!
Catch ya later, Sally
Twitter: tnsblog
says:
Hey Sally,
Awesome Video. Really Great Post Sally.
Very useful Post. You’re doing great Job;).
Thanks for sharing !!
~Dev
.-= Dev – Technshare.com´s last blog ..5 Ways to Get More Subscribers to Your Mailing List =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Dev,
Love the fact you have a gravatar pic now, so nice to see what you look like, rather than the cartoon one you had.
Thanks for the compliment and comment, very kind of you.
Sally
Twitter: manchesterpsych
says:
Nice post Sally – I can see you can teach me alot so I’m subscribing to your blog
Now, what can i write an ebook about????
.-= Ian Tomlinson´s last blog ..How Imago Couples Therapy Can Transform Your Relationship =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hi Ian,
Thanks for subscribing, nice to know my blog helps people a little.
I am going to take a stab in the dark and say you should create an ebook about “Psychotherapy” as that’s what your site is about ha ha.
But then again, you may have a secret passion inside you that’s just bursting to get out!
Write down your passions, and go from there, they do say every single person has at least ONE EBOOK in them, just need to find it.
Sally
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
Brilliant Sally!
Not only have you taken a skill that you have and shared it wonderfully in this post, you have also leveraged that into a fantastic idea and product.
This is why you inspire me Sally. I created my ebook coover and had a few people ask how I did it, but did I then leverage that skill? NO You go girl.
That’s awesome.
)
Oh, and your covers look better than mine btw. (except my new ebook cover of course
NB: Sent you an email on that note too btw, at your ebooks email address.
Thanks for a great post and inspiring read.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Creating A Successful Blog Requires Creative Keyword Usage =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Alex,
Aww thanks you always say the nicest things
Your new ecover looks FAB and I bet the content will blow people away, I can’t wait for your new, and I believe first(?) ebook to be released.
I didn’t even think about writing this post until Rick, Samith and Simon suggested it, so it’s thanks to them really.
I will look out for your email, and get back to you asap.
Catch you soon Alex, take care Sally
Now the first thing I need is Photoshop Sally….then I have to become creative with a touch of talent lol. I think this may be a gift you have but I don’t think I will.
.-= Pauline´s last blog ..What I learned about building a business =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hi Pauline
Yes, well don’t buy it, it’s quite expensive, try out the trial first to be sure.
I think it’s kinda easy, and trust me I do not have an artistic bone in my body!
It’s good to have a play around with though, I enjoy a challenge,
Sally
It is possible to get a GREAT cover paying a reasonable price…. the saying goes to this very day… You get what you pay for…. no savings on safe investments!
.-= Creative Visualization´s last blog ..Attract More People with Create Visualization Part I =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hiya,
Yes I know you can get super graphics for a reasonable price and I do suggest you pay a professional, but when you really don’t have a dime or penny to spare, I think it’s ok to throw one together yourself
I keep being told about Fiverr for cheap graphics that look superb so people can always try that out too.
Thank you for your comment, Sally
Twitter: jorge_bento
says:
Great Video Sally, just love it.
The only pain is the sound being too low. You told about some problems with sound on laptops?
I have GIMPS but I don’t know if there are equivalent scripts like those you use for the e-covers, must go and investigate.
Keep the excellent work.
Cheers
Jorge
.-= Jorge´s last blog ..Starting Own Business Online – Create a Plan =-.
Looks great! Now I just have to write the book to go with the cover! haha.
.-= Laura@Gobankingrates´s last blog ..Sweet and Sour Power- What Lemonade Stands Teach Kids About Life and Money =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Laura,
Ha ha yeah the ecover is easy, writing the ebook is a little tougher and certainly takes more than 5 mins!
Good look with your ebook, I am sure you can do it.
Let me know when it’s finished would love to take a look.
Sally
Hi Sally
it seems that way the ammount of valuable content you give us is awsome.
This is great stuff, I admire they way you are prepared to help, especially as you are so busy doing 2 jobs. I think you are the only person in the world that has a 28 hour day
All the best
Vince
.-= Vince Audritt´s last blog ..Know your song well =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Vince,
Yeah it’s kinda tough at times, that’s why time management is vital.
A 28 hour day ha ha, I wish!
Thanks for your kind comment, it’s much appreciated.
Sally
Twitter: JamesHoward1
says:
Hi Sally,
Great video, I have to say I am a bit rubbish at photoshop but I could do the basics like that by following your instructions.
Thanks for the video,
James
.-= James Howard´s last blog ..It’s Not About The Money =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey James,
Thanks for popping over my blog
Yeah I am not fab at photoshop either but these little atn files or scripts make it so easy even I could do it.
Always good for a quick ecover if you need one.
Speak soon, Sally
Twitter: maxalter
says:
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the fabulous instructions. I was shuddering at having to learn Photoshop but you make it very easy to get started. I’ll finally be able to get a decent cover for my ebook
. Now I have to head over to the link you gave in the video.
Keep up the great work.
Best wishes
Max
.-= Max´s last blog ..Google Global – How You Can See What Others See =-.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Max,
I think people are really scared using photoshop, which is a shame because it’s actually not that hard.
Hope you get your own ecover sorted, can’t wait to see what creation you come up with.
It’s a lot of fun!
Catch you soon, Sally
It looks very interesting. Unfortuantly I can’t hear the audio.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Monty,
Sorry you can’t hear it, did you try putting the volume up to max on your pc and on the video sound slide bar?
If that doesn’t work don’t worry I will redo the video and ramp up the sound!
Sally
Hi Sally.
Thanks for the e-book cover video.
I’ll play it in VLC player so I can turn it up a bit past 100%.
See ya.
Alex
Inspire your Imagination.
Imagine your Inspiration.
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Alex,
Cool, hope you enjoy it, just a quick tutorial for those of us who don’t have a ton of cash to pay the big guru designers.
Sally
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the tips on ebook covers. I always wondered how that was done. You look like an expert in this stuff.
Looks pretty reasonable too. Thanks for helping out.
Steve
.-= Steve Troutman´s last blog ..BoilerMaker 15K Roadrace July 11- 2010 =-.
Twitter: mrtejkohli
says:
Thanks for this fantastic video. for me it’s not only a saving of $17 straightaway, but also a way to show my creative instincts!
.-= Tej Kohli´s last blog ..Creating a Jurrassic Theme in your Kids Room =-.
Twitter: http://www.josgraphicdesigns.com
says:
Thanks for the great video! Makes creating ebook covers a snap!
Twitter: James_Rad
says:
Hi Sally
Nice video, very well explained. I know how difficult it can be to use photoshop and explain exactly what you are doing, there are just so many options and different ways of doing things.
Just a quick tip for your readers….
When using Free Transform or any Text editing you can apply your changes by clicking on the tick that appears in the toolbar at the top, this just saves you clicking the move icon instead.
Also whilst in Free Transform if you want to keep the aspect ratio of the image whilst adjusting its size then just hold shift key down before and during resize..
Very good action scripts some of the better ones that I have seen.
James
.-= James Radley´s last blog ..Video Post – Part 1 21 Mistakes I made in my Internet Marketing Business =-.
As long as you have everything that you need to create an ebook cover, everything can be easy. Also, having a bit of knowledge about design can be helpful too.
.-= Cole Stan´s last blog ..Present Culinary Delights With Food Gift Baskets =-.
Wow Sally
That was impressive – didn’t realise that you were a Photoshop Guru.
I use Adobe Fireworks but with scripts like this I could be persuaded to have another try of Photoshop.
The three scripts would be great for future eBooks etc and at that price….
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..Two way traffic =-.
Twitter: igorgriffiths
says:
Hi Sally
Thanks for the video and more importantly the great links.
I spent ages tweaking my own graphic, then realised that the templates you get from the site are fantastic and very easy to customise thanks to your video.
I do use a graphics guy for most of my work but I wanted to try it for myself, you made it real easy
Thanks
igor
.-= igor Griffiths´s last blog ..Rip up the Plan and Start Again =-.
Twitter: BacklinksMarket
says:
Sally
hello, I am first time here. nice to meet you.
I also work on photoshop quite a lot, both for myself, and for others. It is so much fun. I do it just for the pleasure of creating. I also have enough work to keep me busy for days. The outsourcers are the pathway to heaven,don’t you agree?
Your e-covers are quite persuasive. That is a blast. What programs do you use, apart from Photoshop?
Thanks for the link to the free ecover-scripts.
Twitter: andybeveridge
says:
Sally, you lost me the moment you mentioned Photoshop. What a learning curve that is. I can just about manage a few simple graphics with Gimp.
Actually I need to change the header on my blog. Think I might run a competition to see who can come up with the most suitable idea.
Just realised how lazy I sound.
Andy B
Andy@PowerBlog recently posted.. 4 Power Tips To Make Your Articles And Posts More Successful
Hi Sally
A post on Barry Well’s blog sent me to your blog.
I have used a free ebook creator in the past but the covers that your software creates look way more profesional. Thanks for the video.
By the way, I am busy with FTM and your training video’s are fantastic. Thank you.
Cheers for now
Dave
Excellent Post, Sally. The Video is Excellent with Great Links. I always wanted to create e-book covers. Your tutorials are good.
Dodge Neon SRT4 recently posted.. Dodge Caliber SRT-4 Summary
thanks for this, am feed up of constantly paying some else to create the covers for me and now I know it is so easy I will be doing it myself from now on
Amiee recently posted.. Yoga Retreat in Beijing
Hi Sally,
Impressed with the video. Shouldn’t have mentioned that you were good at graphics. I should be trying myself, but they do take time especially if not used to the software. Good on you hen, quality. I might even give it a try. I’ll go for the $3.95, am sure that amount is on my card…lol.
Regards
Donald
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Donald
HEN ha ha, only my mum calls me that.
Yeah if you have photoshop it’s a doddle to churn out ecovers superfast.
Then when youre making the big bucks you can pay someone.
Catch ya later, Sally
Hi Sally. Thanks for sharing this nice tips with us. Would love to give it a shot later.
Andrew Walker recently posted.. Reputation.com Coupon Code
I was thinking about buying credits on istockphoto.com. With the standard membership, are you allowed to use an image you purchases on the cover of your eBook, and also include them randomly throughout the eBook?
Also, do you have to credit the images or can you just use them after you buy them? I don’t want to get into any legal trouble.
I intend to sell the eBook.
Hi Sally,
I am new here. We definitely need more people to help bootstrapers like us. I have always find creating ebooks daunting – worrying about format, ecovers, publishing, autoresponders and so on. You just solve one big challenge.
I am great with personal development content but getting them to mu audience is a big minus for me. Sorry to ask but do you have more help for ebook creation such as what I have mentioned above?
Once again thanks a lot. You sure are an angel to the world.
Cheers
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Twitter: JeremyRuggles
says:
Wow, I love it. I have attempted to create ebook covers on my own and gave up. I really enjoyed this post. I am going to create my first ebook cover right now. =)
Jeremy
Jeremy Ruggles recently posted.. Free Targeted Traffic with Article Marketing