Quote:
Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8
I thought about the cover design improving, but in my opinion it hasn't been a lot. I think that 9 times out of 10 I can detect a self-pub from the cover alone. I think that almost all self-publishers _have_ to use "stock photos," and maybe even free Creative Commons photos, for budgetary purposes--the authors' and/or the publisher's. The publishing "big boys" can afford to have professionai, in-house graphic design people.
Your point is interesting, GA; I don't have a good feel about what approach is better. I don't know if you saw my post about landlocked Hungary having its own battleship. The item was more like an article than a book, and I didn't realize it. Well, I got into a conversation with the author and found out that he _gives away_ _all_ of his _articles_, hoping that people will like what they see, and _buy_ his _books_ as a result.
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You haven't been looking at the right books. No, they don't have to use stock photos. The better authors get artists to do original covers.
Some self-pubs with covers I like:
https://www.amazon.com/Force-Chaos-C.../dp/172915316X
https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Dragon-S.../dp/B0080UVQIW
https://www.amazon.com/DANCE-INTO-WY.../dp/9082322994
https://www.amazon.com/Dreamtime-Dra...dp/9082323885/
https://www.amazon.com/Ephraims-Curi.../dp/B00ARO6OQS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MDD0PC
That's just a few of many!