When Book Covers Make You Cry: A Self-Publisher’s Cover Journey

Host Nadia Gilkes gives a candid behind-the-scenes account of the emotional, messy, and ultimately rewarding process of designing book covers for self-published authors. She shares personal failures, lessons learned, and the choices that helped her land on a cover she loves.

Filled with practical tips—use stock photos smartly, play with Canva, set a clear concept before hiring designers, check thumbnail readability, and be cautious with AI—this episode encourages creators to experiment and own the design process.