By Janice Robeson

I love to open a book fresh from the printer and get a whiff of the ink! (Don’t think me too strange—I did end up working for a publisher!) If you’re an author, chances are you are also an avid reader. We who love books don’t just read them—we like to touch them and smell them, too.

We’ve all heard, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, in the publishing business—you can.

Many authors make the mistake of trying to put their whole message on the front cover through symbolism—it just doesn’t work. If a cover is “busy” that is—it has too many different elements competing with each other—you will lose your potential buyer/reader.

When you begin the publishing process, describe what you are trying to achieve and then listen to the experts.

I recently saw a book in our local bookstore that drew my interest—not because of the subject matter but rather due to the cover design, ragged edge blue paper inside and even blue ink. The target market was for 12-15 year olds and I checked it out because I’m a pushover for color. From cover design to color to the type of paper inside the book, attractive packaging is vital to your book’s success.

Here at WinePress we have a team of professionals eager to help make your book into a beautiful reality. You can find out more at www.winepressgroup.com.

You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you hear remarks like this:

Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.

~Henry Ward Beecher

Yes, we have plenty of digital material to read, but nothing beats a good book and a nice shady tree over you on a hot day – (except maybe a cup of hot cocoa with a good book in front of the fireplace!)

Janice Robeson is the receptionist at WinePress Group and also handles copyright registration and outgoing mail/shipping. She enjoys becoming acquainted with each WinePress author and hearing their particular story.