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More Than Just an Image: Ashton Smith on Mastering the Book Cover Process
In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with book cover designer Ashton Smith to demystify the visual side of the publishing world.
Ashton shares her journey from being a "Bookstagram" enthusiast and indie bookstore employee to specializing in creative advertising and graphic design for authors. She provides a masterclass on the logistics of working with a designer, including why you don't need a finished manuscript to start your cover, the critical difference between a designer and an illustrator, and how to avoid red flags like "AI-generated" content and predatory pricing.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Ashton Smith.
00:34 – The "Dream Job" Moment: How a conversation with her mom sparked a career.
01:29 – From "OG Bookstagram" to Professional Design.
03:18 – Genres: What she designs (and what she doesn't).
05:05 – The Process: Why she doesn't read the full manuscript.
06:56 – Timeline: How long does a cover really take?.
10:34 – Questions every author should ask their designer.
11:44 – The Difference between a Designer and an Illustrator.
13:17 – Red Flags: How to spot publishing pitfalls and scams.
15:33 – Final Encouragement: Creative control in self-publishing.
Connect with Ashton:
Website
www.ashtonmsmithdesigns.com
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
TikTok
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/
Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSyMZYIsZao
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By Sharissa BradleyIn this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with book cover designer Ashton Smith to demystify the visual side of the publishing world.
Ashton shares her journey from being a "Bookstagram" enthusiast and indie bookstore employee to specializing in creative advertising and graphic design for authors. She provides a masterclass on the logistics of working with a designer, including why you don't need a finished manuscript to start your cover, the critical difference between a designer and an illustrator, and how to avoid red flags like "AI-generated" content and predatory pricing.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Ashton Smith.
00:34 – The "Dream Job" Moment: How a conversation with her mom sparked a career.
01:29 – From "OG Bookstagram" to Professional Design.
03:18 – Genres: What she designs (and what she doesn't).
05:05 – The Process: Why she doesn't read the full manuscript.
06:56 – Timeline: How long does a cover really take?.
10:34 – Questions every author should ask their designer.
11:44 – The Difference between a Designer and an Illustrator.
13:17 – Red Flags: How to spot publishing pitfalls and scams.
15:33 – Final Encouragement: Creative control in self-publishing.
Connect with Ashton:
Website
www.ashtonmsmithdesigns.com
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
TikTok
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
@ashtonmsmithdesigns
Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/
Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSyMZYIsZao