ebook cover software recommendations?

[maclinda]

I'd rather have the software, because I plan to several books and I do have some artistic taste.

Anyone delighted with the software they have?

[AndrewJ]

I use and recommend CoverActionPro It's a collection of Photoshop action scripts so you will need Photoshop to use it. The results are amazing.

Andrew

[Dani]

That's an affiliate link by the way. *points to Andrews link*

Should note that out of courtesy when you give out Aff links.

As an aside it does look like a good product. I might get it myself. Thanks Andrew.

[Caveman Joe]

It does look pretty nifty, but it's also the better part of a hundred bucks.
Why not just use an open-source 3D modelling tool like Blender? Create your texture in PhotoShop, and apply it to a simple elongated cube if you're making a box for something, or a pre-built book (there must be HUNDREDS out there, try sites like Renderosity). I honestly thought that's how those fake box images were made. :P

[AndrewJ]

There are less expensive ones available but the results don't compare so I only use this one for my projects and I only recommend this one when asked.

Andrew

[Dani]

$100 = <5 hours work to earn. That isn't that much really.

At a guess it would take me at least around 5 hours to find, download, install and work out a piece of 3d modelling software to the point that I was comfortable enough to pump these out on demand, and I learn anything IT related very fast. If you weren't a geek 3d software is hard to wrap your head around.

I spent a couple of days playing with Gmax a few years ago so I know roughly what the initial learning curve will be for me. Plus it's a skill I would take the time to learn and only ever use on book covers. Bit of a waste..

But I already know Photoshop well enough to start right immediately with this. So there is no learning curve, just plugin, skim through the free vid for some tips, then I am off.

I think it's more than worth the $100 if you make books. I don't have many yet, but I have lots planned, and I have customers who have some planned.

(gah I am already defending the product and I don't even own it, let alone affiliate it...)

Damn you Andrew. Looks like you will get at least one sale in the near future.

Might wait a couple of weeks though, I have a big trip planned for the near future I need to save for first.

[AndrewJ]

I know what you mean Dani. I'm a professional 3dsmax user of 9 years and even I don't use it to create ecovers. Using action scripts makes it much easier and quicker to create your images.


Andrew

[Dani]

It is the biggest lesson I got from the book 'the millionaire mind' which was that most millionaires are not do it your selfers. You need to consider the real cost and long term cost of doing something on the cheap to save money up front.

I used to be a very big do it my selfer until I realised it was a much, much, much more efficient use of my time to do a couple of hours overtime at my job to pay for a program/professional/service than it was to 'save money' by doing it myself with free or cheaper options but taking quite a few hours instead of a couple.

e.g. I was mulling over whether to buy a particular component for one of my Joomla sites recently or to make it. I figured the $40 to buy it would save me well over 10-15 hours of coding at least. So it was an easy descision to buy it then. 10-15 hours is a lot of time wasted to save $40.

[AndrewJ]

Good advice, I need to read that book!

Andrew

[Dani]

Get that audio book. Easier to listen than read.

gah just realised I only have PS6 but I need 7.

Looks like that goes on the purchase list first.

[maclinda]

Blender looks really interesting!

[AndrewJ]

Blender will take along time to learn. Trust me!

Andrew