It’s happened to everyone. You’re browsing through a bookstore, taking in the sea of spines and covers, when something catches your eye. The elegant font, the immaculate artwork, the artfully chosen colors. You are entranced before you read the first page. The cover of your book will make a huge difference in sales whether you like it or not, so it’s not something to skimp on. But how do you go about designing a cover that will appeal to as wide a readership as possible? What’s the magic ingredient that makes readers walk out of the bookstore with your book and not your competitor’s?
In our May 21 dinner meeting, Andrew Benzie will share his wisdom on how to create a strong cover design. A book’s cover is the first thing a potential reader
sees, and must make a strong impression. As the adage goes, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” You’ll discover why a killer cover design in one genre may be a dud in another. You’ll gain an appreciation for designs whose artistic merit rivals the literary heights of the words within. And you’ll hear about the unique challenges and opportunities of ebook covers.
Andrew Benzie has spent over thirty years in the design/print industry. Andrew grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from the University of California with a fine arts degree. He has worked as a freelance designer as well as for large corporations including Transamerica, Deloitte & Touche, WR Hambrecht+Co and Sybex Books. Andrew formed Andrew Benzie Creative Design in 1991 and launched his book publishing business Andrew Benzie Books in 2010. Andrew is a board member and online administrator for the Mount Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club.
When: (New) Tuesday, May 21st at 6pm; talk begins at 7:30pm
Where: (New) Holder’s Country Inn, 998 S. DeAnza Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129
Cost to attend : $15 for Members, $20 for Guests
(Cost of admission includes a $10 rebate on the purchase of a dinner)
