BookCoverPro news

Custom Cover Design Services

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:00:00 +0000

No time to design? Do you need a customized cover, or just some direction on an existing cover? We offer full customized cover services from scratch or from one of our templates. With over 10 years' experience as a professional book cover designer, I create covers that sell. Let me help you get your book noticed with a design that parallels or exceeds big house design. This month we are running a special on our pricing.

For more information, visit http://www.bookcoverpro.com/customcovers.html

Free software for cropping & resizing images

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:19:00 +0000

I just found a couple great little programs that let you crop and/or resize your images. Quick, painless, and FREE. Try these out:

Resizing: http://www.resizr.com/
Cropping: http://www.download.com/IrfanView/3000-2192_4-10021962.html?tag=mncol;txt

No money made here, just happy to help out my friends.

Angie

Creating Covers for Lulu

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Several of you have written lately about how to better comply with Lulu's stringent size requirements for a full spread cover file. Lulu only deals with points, which is a unit of measurement preferred by some printers, and this is a very precise measurement. To use BookCoverPro with Lulu, we would need to know the conversion from points to inches or cm.

For simplicity's sake, and to avoid lots of decimals, we've chosen to convert to inches, which is:

1 inch = 72 postscript points.

For example, when you need to set up a cover that is 1263.996 points x 825 points, simply go to this nifty little converter at http://www.convertunits.com/from/inches/to/PostScript+points

Type in your specs, convert to inches, and you have your conversion! Keep in mind that BookCoverPro allows up to 6 decimal points, so you will have to round off to the nearest hundred-thousandth... But that shouldn't pose much of a problem.

Cheers,
Angie

Tutorial: Outlined Lettering

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Here's how to create outlined letters. This also works with shadow effects by offsetting the bottom layer.

Create a text box in outline, then copy the text box by selecting control-c (copy)/ control-v (paste). This function works in both PC and Mac platforms. The second text box I created in a solid color.
Place the solid color text layer below the outlined text layer and align them.

New Release 7/31

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:06:00 +0000

We've launched newly updated versions of BookCoverPro and PrintMarketingPro.
7/31/08

Both programs now feature:

• Rotate images — 90/180/arbitrary
• CMYK to RGB/RGB to CMYK platform switching
• Circle & oval creation
• Grid pattern imports in inches or centimeters
• Group and move elements in unison
• Element copying (duplication)

Bonus ** Now BookCoverPro features an automatic eBook cover creator:

Customize and generate an instant 2D eBook cover from your book cover .

.
..And you have a nice web-ready ebook cover! You can choose to show the front, spine, back, or any combination of the three... Generated for you in seconds. Create unlimited ebook covers, free.

New Galleries Are Here!

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:02:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago we added some new image galleries that we think you'll like. We call it the "Eclectic Collection":

Flourishes -- fancy embellishment swirlies
Patterns -- designs that bring visual texture to the background, or as an enhancement
Bars & Boxes -- select colors of 3D and patterned boxes for text placement, and 3D bars
Grunge -- a collection of urban style patterns and images

As always, our image and template galleries are absolutely free for Deluxe members, forever.

Check out the Eclectic Collection and tutorials at http://www.bookcoverpro.com/galleries.html

Cheers,
The BookCoverPro creative team

We have a brand new look

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:28:00 +0000

Yup, after months of tossing and turning with growing pains, we've decided here at BCP-HQ that it's time to do the grown up thing. Although it was great for a while (Thanks for the tips, Brad Callen!), no more mile-down scrolling...and, no more monster truck ad approaches. Not neccesary!

We're adding even more features and products which require us to formulate a navigable site streamlined to specific areas of interest. The image preview page now has better viewing, and the private member's pages are smaller and more organized. As for the look, we've gone gray. Hope you will enjoy! And watch for more good things to come – it's a surprise.

Cheers,

The BookCoverPro team
http://www.bookcoverpro.com

New -- Video Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Due to some popular demand, we've just released a multi-step video tutorial on how to create a brand new book cover using BookCoverPro software. Some parts are rather slow -- our apologies -- but it is designed to be comprehensive instruction for novices and experienced designers alike. We are now in the process of creating videos for designing book covers from a template, and should have that released very soon.

Here's the link to view: http://www.bookcoverpro.com/videos.htm

Enjoy!
Doni
BookCoverPro

Trademark (TM) symbols

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:35:00 +0000

For those Windows users who don't want to mess with the Alt-0153 to create TM symbols, here's a good alternative using our tags in the text box -- click on image for a larger view. Just type in your text, then apply the [typesize X]TM[/typesize] tag using a much smaller size than the text body.

Peace to all this new year!

Doni
BookCoverPro

Where to get fonts -- FREE

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:41:00 +0000

If you need some free fonts fast, without worrying about licensing issues, I highly recommend 1001FreeFonts.com. They have well over 1001 fonts — over 6500 — and they are organized by style and alphabet. Mac or PC compatible. Most will work with BookCoverPro. They have easy instructions for installation, so you can download and be using the font(s) in just a couple minutes. Download individually, or purchase the entire library for $14.95. A great deal!

Cheers,
Doni
BookCoverPro

Creating a cover for CafePress

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:27:00 +0000

Here's an excellent question I recently received about submitting in CafePress:

Q:

I am producing a book on cafepress.com. I need to upload the cover in three separate files for these images, font spine and back Can this be done with bookcoverpro?

A:

BookCoverPro is set up to create a cover spread by default, however it works great for designing separate files as well. This can be accomplished by creating three separate documents in BookCoverPro; for example, if you have a 5x8 paperback, create your front cover as a 5 x 8 with an appropriate trim area, and for the spine, type in 0 (zero). Once completed, you would save your file, then generate it in PNG, JPEG, TIF, (or PDF). I would suggest PNG for CafePress as it will be the best quality. Then you would do the same for the back cover. For the spine, you would create a document with the actual width and length, and type in 0 again in the spine selection; that should work very well.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Doni
BookCoverPro

Typing accents & keycodes (pc)

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:58:00 +0000

Here's a great resource for learning how to type in certain marks, like bullets, degrees, accents, etc.:

International Accent Marks and Diacriticals:
ALT Key Codes & Charts

http://www.starr.net/is/type/altnum.htm

Cheers,
Doni
BookCoverPro

Playing Tag with the new feature

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:48:00 +0000

For those of you patiently wondering how to apply the new style tags to your text (Nov. 7 release), I'm posting instructions here direct from my tech guy. I should be able to get this on the user manual soon... These are very cool as they allow for many styles of text within one text box. Thanks to a couple users who suggested this feature.

Here is how to apply tags for certain styles:

[b]text in bold[/b]
[i]text in italic[/i]
[indent 20]text indented 20 points (or any range)
[typesize 20]some text of size 20 (or any size)[/typesize]

You can also apply two tags to one text, for example: [b][i]text in bold and italic[/i][/b] Or, overlap two tags: [b] text in bold [i]and italic[/b]but this text is just italic. [/i]

Tag -- You're it!
Doni

Copying/Pasting Text

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:05:00 +0000

I've had a couple people ask recently how to copy and paste text:

It is possible to right-click copy, or control-c (Mac: command-c) the highlighted text in your text program and paste it by doing a control-v (command-v) into the text elements box.

Cheers,
Doni

We've added an update

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:52:00 +0000

Yesterday we updated BCP to include optional crop marks. This comes in very handy with printers like Lightning Source, for example. When generating to a desired format, simply simply check the box to the left to include the marks that will appear outside your printed area on all 4 corners and spine.

Cheers!

Doni
BookCoverPro

I am empowered by you all!

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:10:00 +0000

I want to thank the many people who have written to me and sent their finished book covers. You have no idea how much your kind words have empowered and inspired me! Your writing and design talents are truly awesome, and I am humbled. I appreciate your trust and for allowing me to be a part of your success. ;-) Doni

“We human beings are in search of meaning—in search of ourselves. Very little of what we already are will bring us deeper meaning and happiness. We are born for meaning, not pleasure—unless it is pleasure steeped in meaning. We are born to overcome ourselves. We are searchers.”
Jacob Needleman

Making a Copyright (c) symbol

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:07:00 +0000

Someone asked me the other day how to insert a copyright symbol into their cover. I found a website that explains how to create the symbol from your keyboard, or the image at left can be copied. The info below was taken from http://www.copyrightauthority.com/copyright-symbol/

How to make a Copyright C Symbol on a PC Keyboard (©):

This should work for all PC keyboards when you need to type a copyright symbol. It should work on WYSIWYG html programs when you insert copyright symbols and of course any word processor where you need to make a copyright symbol with your keyboard from standard fonts installed.

Hold down Ctrl and Alt at the same time and press C Ctrl+Alt+C

Hold down Alt and type 0169 on the number pad (right hand side of your keyboard) Alt+0169

How to make a Copyright C Symbol on a Mac (©):

This should work for all Mac keyboards when you need to type a copyright symbol.

Hold down Option at the same time and press 'g'to get the copyright symbol. Option+g

Happy covering!
Doni

We're Baaaaaack...

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:27:00 +0000

...And let me tell you, it was a fantastic time. We were able to avoid Mr. Felix on all our island hopping excursions. Good weather, good food, good drinks, great friends... Nice tan! But now we're all energized and ready to roll on the new BookCoverPro editions, coming just around the corner. So if you haven't ordered already, I strongly advise you to do so in the next few days... My mean ol' business partners are dragging me kickin' and screamin'... They're making me up the price to include lots more features and additions. So I want to give you all a secret heads up — Let me repeat: All the orders received before the launch of BCP Deluxe, I will automatically grandfather in... You'll get much more bang for your buck. Take advantage of the savings today! :)

As they say in Jamaica, Ya mon. No problem!

Doni

Temporarily away -- but not gone

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:33:00 +0000

Just a heads up:

From Aug. 31 to Sept. 10 we will be gone for a much needed R&R vacation down in Post-Hurricane Alley... :-) Our support and CD shipments will be delayed, however, all orders for immediate download will process as usual.

See ya soon!

Doni
www.bookcoverpro.com

Deluxe vs. Standard

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:00:00 +0000

Several people have asked me about the new editions coming out in September. So, I will take this moment to explain just why we're dividing BCP into two entities, and offer a "sneak peek" into each one:

• Lately we've received a huge demand from those who love the program but want more features and easier functionality, especially volume publishers.

• We've also received requests to lower the price.

To make everyone (well, almost everyone -- save a few chronic miserables we've encountered) happy, we've decided to split BookCoverPro to accomodate a diverse market, taking a few things from one, and adding a few to another. Here's the rundown on each version:

Deluxe Edition:
Full version of BookCoverPro
Full version of PrintMarketingPro
All BCP and PMP templates in our library, plus new ones added
All images in our library
No watermark
600 DPI option
One free CD shipment
Free upgrades
New features (TBA)
Licensed up to 5 computers

Standard Edition:
Full version of BookCoverPro
Trial version of PrintMarketingPro
5 BookCoverPro templates
About 50 images
Small watermark beneath barcode: "Cover created with BookCoverPro.com"
Free upgrades
New features (TBA)
License limited to one computer
Lowered price
Option to purchase more templates/images
Option to upgrade to Deluxe

As stated on our website, anyone who orders before our launch date in September (and all current members) will be automatically upgraded to the Deluxe version. It is very prudent to order now to gain the best deal, for the price will be increasing.

BookCoverPro

Crack Serial Keygen Torrent Free Full Version BookCoverPro...

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:58:00 +0000

When you go to Google (or other SE's) and type in bookcoverpro, you might see a link with a title like this. Well, folks, these little torrent termites are at it again; as my Google Alerts include at least one daily. Most people know what these sites are... But for those who aren't familiar, let's just say this: BEWARE. These sites are full of adware, spyware, and viruses. And, they don't have the wonderful full versions you think they do (not ours, either). If that doesn't deter you, I've heard that they also steal your credit card info.

For more information, visit http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/tips/spyware.htm. Here's what they say about downloading software:

• Never visit sites that offer commercial software for you to download and use illegally. Warez sites and other sites that offer commercial software for free are full of adware and spyware. Also the version of the software that you download is usually embedded with a virus.

Hmmmm....Is it worth it?

To fabulous, SAFE design,

Doni
BookCoverPro

Can You Find The Man?

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:30:00 +0000

Okay, so it took me about 10 seconds... How about you?

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!!

A few questions answered

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:24:00 +0000

Here are some recent questions we've received, worth noting:

Where can I see examples of the other objects made in your book cover software — like brochures, bookmarks, banners, mailers, CD covers — on your site?

With BookCoverPro we include a free download of PrintMarketingPro, a promotional materials program. PMP allows fun and easy creation of brochures, business cards, bookmarks, flyers, mailers, cd covers and more. We also provide templates to get you started. Go to http://www.printmarketingpro.com for some more examples of some pieces.

Can BCP generate 3D ebook images?

The program itself generates a 2D image; however, for a small fee we can generate a nice 3D ebook cover image in several sizes; see our site for examples.

To amazing book covers and more,

Doni
http://www.bookcoverpro.com

A Great Big Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 02:49:00 +0000

There's a wonderful review just published on Associated Content that talks about BookCoverPro, written by one of our members. A warm, heartfelt thanks to Pamela Osbey for her kind words! :-) To read more, click on this link.

To amazing book covers,

Doni
http://www.bookcoverpro.com

BCP update now available...

noreply@blogger.com (moderator) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:46:00 +0000

There are still a few members who are having trouble with the auto-updater when they launch BookCoverPro. If you are experiencing problems as well, simply uninstall your current program and login to the Members Page to download the file manually.

To amazing book covers,

Doni
http://www.bookcoverpro.com