"Project PS"--November 5th, 2008

I have added the new picture...the one with the clouds breaking through over the cabin... Please tell me what you think...this may (or may not be) the one... Keep the comments coming!!!




***************************************************************************

Okay, so my mini-vacation lasted a bit longer than usual....sorry!!!

I can promise this much, I have been busy since returning from my fishing trip with my family, but I haven't been operating at full-speed ahead..yet. I am happy to announce the new ISBN's have been ordered for my new editions to Proud Souls. What this means is I will FINALLY release the electronic (eBook) version of Proud Souls, which will probably retail for just under $9~10 bucks and within weeks following (maybe just after or just before Thanksgiving) I will release the hardcover edition.

I am still fumbling between cover ideas for the hardcover edition. I could offer the same image cover as the trade paperback but I wanted some variety, like the major book publishers offer with their books. Below are some potential cover images for the hardcover edition. I'd love to know what you think!!!

This photo above is an actual picture of Justin's cabin sitting on Lake Kemp in Seymour, Texas. It almost gives you an identical view of what Justin is looking at each night while he drinks himself to sleep. You can see the small hill across the lake and see (at least) one small Mesquite tree by the water's edge.

Although Justin drove a 1952 Chevrolet pickup truck, this truck is very similar. Not being the truck expert, I believe this is a 1954 model. I took this photo behind an old garage that reminded me a lot of what The Hawk's Nest would have looked like prior to becoming the small town watering hole. Something about the rustic look of this old truck seemed to epitomize the attitude of Justin Bower.


Here is another angle of the same pickup truck. You can see the Texas license plate which identifies the setting of my novel.

This is a shot of the old tire shop I found in Seymour back in March of this year. Behind this tire shop is the old rusted Chevy pickup truck. Again, this garage reminded me a lot of what The Hawk's Nest may have looked like prior to becoming the town's bar.


Let me know what you think of the images...and if you feel I am way off...I can get back to the drawing board...


I will be sure to notify everyone of the eBook release and also of the upcoming hardcover edition.

Be sure to catch my upcoming interviews....I will have two written interviews posted on various blogs online and one LIVE interview on a national broadcast radio station!! Stay tuned for more details!

"Marketing 101"--Turn your book cover into a 3-Dimensional image

Add a 3-dimension look to your book's cover art...

Another way to add more flare to your book's online appearance is to create a 3-dimensional "box" cover. There are various vendors who offer products to produce such a look and they retail anywhere from $24.99 to $99.99 (and up depending upon your desire to create 3-dimensional videos that accompany your books image).  You can also hire a graphic artist to produce your book's 3-dimension look for a nominal fee. Do a Google Search for graphic artists...that's a good starting point... 


*Disclaimer*

It's a great way to promote your book's cover image, but can be cost (in-effective) when considering you may only have one book cover and the cost of such applications do not justify the return for making one image for your single title. Something to think about...

The idea is to create a virtual image of your book that gives your novel a living impression online. Anyone can create a book cover in standard dimensional rates--as they are all over the Internet. But the idea of presentation--and the fact [that] you care enough about your product to go the extra mile--speaks a lot about how much you believe in your finished product.

I have compiled a quick list of vendors and applications below; some I have found along the way.  Again, they are not cheap. I have learned a lot about Adobe Creative Suite these past few years so I was able to compile the images on this blog using what I have learned at home. I think it's a great way to promote your book's cover (front and back) in a manner that sets your work apart from others...

Each of the box shot (application) vendors will require a front, back and spine image to complete. If you created your own book cover, you should have those files on hand and ready to use. You will want to use the highest resolution (quality) you can.  


Read the note below about my new graphic design SERVICE I am offering other independent authors. If you want to see your book cover turned into a 3-Dimensional image, please, continue reading...

*TruBoxShot Cover Editor 
*Insofta Cover Commander
*3D Box Shot Maker
*533 Soft Box Shot Maker

***********************************************************************

If you are interested in hiring my services...I can create replica images as the ones I posted for Proud Souls (above)--one front and one back cover image--for as little as $20USD (total). 

Feel free to contact me here: bobby@bobbyozunaonline.com. Be sure to put "3D Box Cover" in the subject line; I will get back to you as quickly as possible to discuss payment arrangements via PayPal if you wish to hire my services.

************************************************************************

Best of luck to you!!!


~Bobby Ozuna
"Drawing Stories...With Words"