[Jeff Tompkins]

At some point in the near future I'll be releasing my blockbuster novel. Right now the working title is "OPRAH WINFREY PRESENTS: HARRY POTTER MARRIES LADY GAGA" but I'm told there might be some minor legal issues to resolve first.

Spoiler

Not really.

In the meantime, I have some questions.

- Is there a certain size I should make the cover image that will make it easier when going through the process? Can I just use the same image size I use for uploading the ebook version?

- What's the most common trim size for fiction? I don't want a mass-market size and I don't want something that takes two people to hold up, either. You know, something reasonable. Maybe almost like a trade paperback.

- How can I sell fourteen billion copies by Thanksgiving?

I appreciate your input!
Thanks.

 

[Terrence OBrien]

CS provides Word templates and cover templates for each of their trim sizes. It makes life much easier. The cover templates include front, spine, and back.

 

[Jeff Tompkins]

Thanks.

 

[Rusty Bigfoot]

I personally like a 6 by 9 trim size. It reduces the end page count, which determines your book price (too many pages = high cover price) yet keeps it at a substantial enough size readers don't feel ripped off. And I've read libraries and such like that size, too. Not that I see many libraries buying mine, but you never know. That size also stands out a bit more in bookstores if you ever do that route.