#010 Judging a Book By It’s Cover

In this conversation, Ashton M. Smith shares her journey into the world of book design, emphasizing the importance of cover art in attracting readers, especially in the self-publishing landscape. She discusses her educational background, her passion for helping indie authors, and the detailed process she follows to create compelling book covers. Ashton also addresses the challenges of working with authors who may struggle to articulate their feedback and the balance between honoring their vision while applying her design expertise. The conversation concludes with insights on expanding services to include branding and marketing assets, as well as considerations for different formats like audiobooks. In this conversation, Nicole and Ashton M. Smith delve into the intricacies of book cover design, particularly within the romance genre. They discuss the importance of audio considerations in writing, the evolution of cover art trends, and the psychological impact of cover designs on readers. Ashton shares insights on how familiarity in design can attract readers, the challenges posed by movie tie-ins, and offers valuable advice for authors navigating the cover design process. 

Ashton M. Smith is a freelance graphic designer specializing in book covers for self-published authors. With a background in bookselling and advertising design, she understands what it takes to make books stand out on shelves and in digital spaces. Driven by a love for storytelling and a belief that indie authors deserve covers that are as compelling as their traditionally published counterparts, Ashton combines creativity, strategy, and a keen eye for detail to craft designs that attract readers and build author brands.

Ashton’s Website: https://www.ashtonmsmith.com/

Ashton’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonmsmithdesigns/