Poetry book: title and cover design

Poppy

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I'm currently trying to self-publish my poetry book that I would like to have in both electronic and print versions. I've been browsing various websites looking at pre-made covers (not against custom made, just need ideas first). Problem is, I'm having a hard time finding anything I like since most seem to be focused on other genres. Poetry books are different than other books. A nice cover design is still important, but the "look and feel" of a poetry book cover is just different. Anybody know of an individual or company that could help me with this at a reasonable price? I can spend a little money, but not too much (remember poetry doesn't usually sell a whole lot so I'd rather not be in the hole with this).

Another thing: the title that feels right to me, that best describes my collection is "Poet in a Past Life" as it collects the poems I wrote from 2001 to 2011, although most were written 2001-2003 which seems like a lifetime ago to me. I don't write poetry like I used to so that's how the title came about. Does it sound okay? Would it look okay on a cover, you think?

Thoughts and suggestions?
 

merrihiatt

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Visit istockphoto, shutterstock or jupiterimages and browse the images they have to get ideas. You'll find pages and pages if images. Also check other poetry books on Amazon and Google "poet in the past" and see what comes up. You'll either find something you like or it will clarify what you don't want.
 

SBibb

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Look to similar poetry books for ideas of what might look good on your book, then what merrihiatt said about looking through stock could give you an idea of what you might want on it (or what you definitly don't).

I do book cover design, so feel free to message me if you're interested. :)
 

Nimram

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Anybody know of an individual or company that could help me with this at a reasonable price? I can spend a little money, but not too much (remember poetry doesn't usually sell a whole lot so I'd rather not be in the hole with this).
Thoughts and suggestions?

I would make sure the cover designer reads, understands and likes my work. I think is important if you want a great cover.

ETA Since you are the publisher, you have to decide if you want your book to blend in or stand out, but other than that, you should not give too much direction at first. Let the designer come with his own ideas. Just make sure you tell him what you def don't want.:)
 
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SBibb

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I would make sure the cover designer reads, understands and likes my work. I think is important if you want a great cover.

While it is nice if a designer reads the work and likes it, I don't think it is absolute necessary. It is helpful if they have a synopsis or a chapter to go by, however.

Of course, that also depends on the individual designer's preference.

If they really don't like romance, that doesn't mean they'll do a bad job with a romance cover, however, you should ask them if they are comfortable doing one (Hypothetically. In this case it would be poetry).
 

Nimram

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Anybody know of an individual or company that could help me with this at a reasonable price? I can spend a little money, but not too much (remember poetry doesn't usually sell a whole lot so I'd rather not be in the hole with this).

You know what? I will take a shot at this for free if I like your writing. You will get 3 concepts, print and electronic version if you decide to go with one of them. Let me know.

ETA About the title. For me it says "nostalgia". In a loud voice.
Maybe you could get an opinion from someone who works in publishing.
 
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Scarlett

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I think it sounds like a cover that would be suited best to a beautiful use of typography. No need for an image, just some gorgeous font faces.

*Sorry about the size, I'm trying to figure out how to make the covers smaller.

Here are some examples of book covers of poetry books that might give you inspiration:

the_crows_vow.large.jpg
a_coney_island_of_the_mind.large.jpg

under_sleep.large.jpg
in_praise_of_the_unfinished_selected_poems.large.jpg

nature.large.jpg


I love typographic book design, it's one of my favourite styles. Here are some of my own book covers I've designed for clients that rely on fonts to carry the cover:

 
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Poppy

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Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I've had to put this project on hold for the time being due to a health issue, but I'll eventually get to it. Maybe by that time, I will have a better idea about what I want to do.

Thanks again!