[LilianaHart]

I'm finally getting around to putting my books in print since CreateSpace is doing the summer special. But...I made it all the way to the cover part of the process and got stuck. I make all my own covers, so using the template to make the spine and back cover in photoshop is overwhelming me a little. I'm functional enough at photoshop to do what I need to for my covers, but I learned by trial and error so I still don't know all the ins and outs. Does anyone have any tips how to get back cover copy on there or to do a spine? Am I taking too much on by trying to do it myself?

 

[Todd Russell]

There is a CreateSpace spine calcaulator and generic PSD generated file by their cover creator that you can use with guides. Then all you have to do is fit your design within the guides and follow all their Photoshop specs (like flattening your layers).

CreateSpace Cover Creator
https://www.createspace.com/Help/Book/Artwork.do

 

[LilianaHart]

Thanks for the help! I'm kind of stressing about it.

 

[scl]

John Culleton has written an ebook on using the free Scribus software for making book covers. It's a pdf that you can print out or view online. Culleton is a strong proponent of the use of free software which he says is "too expensive" for many people.

"Create Book Covers with Scribus"
http://booklocker.com/books/4055.html

 

[LilianaHart]

Ah, I'll check it out. Thanks for heading me in the right direction. I've sent my cover off twice and they've sent it back saying it doesn't fit their guidelines. I "thought" I'd followed the template exactly both times, but I'm still having issues.