Fiverr and Images
Many new authors use Fiverr as a cheap place to go and get work done on their books, be it a book cover, images inside a book, editing or formatting. All I can say is please check and research anyone you use, especially from Fiverr and similar sites.
Yes, there are some great people on there, the same as there are in places like Reedsy. Please read their reviews, ask other authors who they use with success. Ask questions of the contractor who wish to use. Find out what questions you need to ask.
My issue with Fiverr, is there are a lot of …well…not so good designers there. After all, you get what you pay for.
Why am I talking about this? Well in the last two months, I have assisted two different authors with their books. First of all the images were the wrong DPI – pixels per inch. If you’re making a paperback book, any images and book covers MUST be at least 300 dpi. It is only with eBooks that the dpi can be lower – 92 to 96 dpi is good.
Another issue is how images are layered! Or were they done with copy and paste? A good artist, illustrator or graphic designer should LAYER images and building them up…NOT copy and paste. When things go wrong it takes a long time to sort out the mess. It’s the same with sizing a manuscript for the paperback. What is the size of your paperback? Do you need a bleed or is it a no bleed book? These are two other issues I’ve had to sort out.
To me Fiverr is starting to become as bad as Vanity Press, though at least you can get a refund with Fiverr.
I know at least one good graphic designer on Fiverr – If they’re still working because, like many new authors, I was one too…once. Seren Waters is a great graphic designer. Maybe it’s time for me to touch base with him again.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU RESEARCH YOUR CONTRACTORS BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM OR GO ASK THOSE SIMILAR TO US WHO RUN AUTHOR SERVICES AND OR AUTHOR ASSIST BUSINESSES. WE WON’T LET YOU DOWN AND YOU WILL GET GOOD ADVICE AND SERVICE.
15 Responses
I have used Fiverr for beta reading my books and been very pleased with the results… but as you say, choose wisely!
Research is important if you have a tight budget. Putting things right afterwards can be painful…with many hours of work involved which could’ve been avoided if they’d known. I’ve never thought to look for a beta reader on Fiverr. It might be good to make a list of those who have high ratings. 🙂
I don’t use fiverr, but would never have thought of using it to look for beta readers. But as you say, Claire, be careful. Always.
I may look at doing a list of trustworthy Fiverr designers. I know there are some good ones out there.
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Good advice from Claire ?
Thank you, Chris 🙂
Thank YOU Claire – Reminders to do research, at ALL stages of the book, are important 😀
I’m surprised how many don’t.
[…] Fiverr and Images […]
I have used Fiverr for concept art and bookmarks. I have discovered two designers that I love working with (one does concept, one bookmarks). But, I don’t go for the cheapest artist, I choose the ones who have a ton of positive reviews and feedback. My experience has been great — but I also make sure that there are at least 3 free revisions with any order I place. As you say, research, don’t try to get the cheapest deal out there, and build a relationship with the artist/whoever you are hiring.
I totally agree with you…make a relationship and the 3 revisions. I think my next step is to find those who are good and make a list on my website. Perhaps you’d like to participate and do a small write up about the two you work with 🙂
I’d be willing to do that.
Awesome. You can find me at plaistedpublishinghouse@gmail.com when you have something to share. I’ll blog it and I may make another page for trusted contractors 🙂 Thank you so much 🙂
Just sent!
Received with thanks…I’m going to do a follow up next week 🙂