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FAQ

 

 
 
STOCK IMAGES
I can't log-in even after typing in my username and password correctly?
I'm have trouble downloading an image or I don't get a download link?
How much are the stock images?
What are my rights in using the stock images?
Is there any way I can't use the stock images?
Why are there images from the same outfit/pose with slight differences?
What is most important in selecting the best image?
If I combine images, what do I need to pay attention to?

PRE-MADE COVERS
Can I get a Pre-Made Cover altered a little?
I'm have trouble downloading a Pre-Made Cover or I don't get a download link?

COVERS
Does a cover really make a difference in book sales?
Why should I hire a professional cover artist to make my cover?
I want to save money. Should I just make my own cover?
What are the most important things that make a cover great?
Aren't covers made professionally really expensive?
Do I choose the image(s) I want for my cover(s)?

STOCK IMAGES



Q : What if I can't log into my account even if I'm typing in my username and password correctly?
A : The RNC website has been rebuilt with a new database due to being 10+ years old (yes, the first stock image website to provide Romance Novel Cover Images), as the older files were no longer supported (old files get studied enough by hackers to figure out how to get past them). So everyone who was signed up on the former RomanceNovelCovers.com has to re-sign up on this new one. However, you can use your old login info to create a new account here.




Q : What happens if I have trouble downloading an image or don't get the automated download link?
A : When you purchase 'Non-Exclusive Images' from RNC you now instantly get an email with your download link in it. The email address it is sent to is the one you signed up with. So if you used a fake email address thinking that RNC sells it to third parties (never), then you won't get your download link in that email. However, it will also be in your account profile for a short period of time, where then it gets purged out, while the link in your email you will have forever... Something to think about ;)




Q : How much are the Stock Images and Pre-Made Covers?
A : The Stock Images and Pre-Made Cover prices are all clearly stated on each image detail page, as well as under SITE INFO > PRICES in the navigation bar.




Q : What are my rights in using the stock images?
A : The stock image licenses, terms and conditions, and restrictions, are all linked on the SITE INFO > IMAGE LICENSE page.




Q : Is there any way I can't use the stock images?
A : That is all stated in the restrictions linked on the SITE INFO > PRICES page.




Q : Why are there many images from the same outfit/pose with slight differences?
A : Each image has a different feel to it, whether slightly or completely. A different facial expression, body language, even hand positions, can give a feel of passive, aggressive, shy, powerful, romantic, passionate or erotic. Each story and author has a different need and desire for what the cover has to interpret as for characters and feeling. The many images of one look also help prevent the same exact image from being on many covers, as even slight poses or expression differences, while in the same wardrobe, can end up looking completely different on covers, especially when created by a professional cover artist, anf cropped in tighter. This also helps with book series, and promotional materials.




Q : What is most important in selecting the best image?
A : The image must fit your genre and story, as well as the title. A conservative story shouldn't have a shirtless image, as an erotica story shouldn't have a conservative cover. What sells the cover is not the wardrobe, is not the cover art, is not the book title, it is the emotion felt from the expressions within the image. That is what draws the viewer. Whether romantic, sensual or erotica, the feeling you get from facial expressions and body language, sell those characters to their relationship they appear to have, which in turn sells the feeling you will get reading the story.




Q : If I combine images, what do I need to pay attention to?
A : Lighting, lighting and lighting. An indoor lit model needs to be with another indoor lit model, same for models shot outdoors. A model shot in direct sun cannot be placed with a model shot in shade, it just isn't believable that they were really together in one image. Professional cover artists can prevent your model(s) from looking super-imposed (placed on top of the background image), which is very important.

PRE-MADE COVERS



Q : Can I get a Pre-Made Cover altered a little?
A : Most likely, yes. Depends on the cover, the cover artist, and what the changes are, but don't hesitate to ask.

COVERS



Q : Does a cover really make a difference in book sales?
A : Does anyone pick-up an unattractive book cover? An unprofessional looking one? Book covers make a huge difference in book sales. Covers with cover art (not just an image with a standard/typical font/text added to it) are what grabs a viewers attention, whether online or in a book store, to get them to pick it up and read the blurb. What makes you pick up a book to read the back synopsis? The book COVER did. If all covers were solid white with black, plain text of book title and author name, would you be picking up every single book to read all their blurbs? No, so it's the cover that gets readers to pick up books to then read the back synopsis.




Q : Why should I hire a professional cover artist to make my cover?
A : For the same reason someone should hire an author to write them a book and not a cover artist. The romance novel industry is, and should be, a family. We all need each other to improve our production, sales and business. Cover artist advertise your book cover(s) they design, on all their web pages/sites they use.




Q : I want to save money. Should I just make my own cover?
A : Sure, if you want less sales than having a professional cover artist make it. Most authors who make their own covers, don't know the proper size, so when submitted to many online book stores, those websites squish those cover images to fit their standard display sizes. They also only have typical script fonts that come free with photo manipulation software, and they don't know the do's and don'ts to cover art.




Q : What are the most important things that make a cover great?
A : The proper image for your story and book title. Lighting in that image compared to how the image is to be used; indoor/outdoor lighting, direction of light and shadows, etc. Blending images to a separate background image so that it does not look superimposed, but a part of the background.




Q : Aren't covers made professionally really expensive?
A : If you find $45 expensive.




Q : Do I choose the image(s) I want for my cover(s)?
A : If you are self-publishing, yes. If you are unsure of which image is best for you, then your cover artist can help you with that once you inform them about your book's genre, story and hero/heroine. If you are going with a publishing company, then they will select your cover image and cover artist, since they are paying for it.