So, you're writing a story on Wattpad. Awesome! But uh oh... now you need a cover.
Don't panic. It's not brain surgery. (Unless your story is about brain surgery. Then, maybe it is?).
Step One: The Image (or Lack Thereof)
First things first, find a picture. Or, and this is my controversial take, don't!
Hear me out. Sometimes, a simple, text-based cover is all you need. Clean. Elegant. Mysterious.
Plus, finding the "perfect" image can take forever. And let's be honest, you'd rather be writing.
But if you *do* want a picture, free stock photo sites are your friend. Unsplash and Pexels are lifesavers.
Just...please...avoid the overly-used, cliché ones. We've all seen the girl running through the field. Let's retire her, okay?
Step Two: Text Time
Okay, whether you have a picture or not, you'll need text. Your title, obviously. Maybe your name.
Font choice is key. A creepy font for horror. A flowy, romantic font for... well, romance. Shocking, I know.
But please, for the love of all that is holy, make sure it's readable. No one wants to squint to decipher your masterpiece.
Color is also important. Make sure the text contrasts with the background. White on black? Classic. Neon green on lime green? Maybe not.
Subheading Shenanigans
Subheadings! Do you need one? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on your story.
If it's a series, a short, catchy series title could work. Or a compelling tagline that hooks readers in.
But don't clutter it up. Too much text is overwhelming. Keep it concise.
Step Three: App-solutely Fabulous (or Not)
So, how are you actually making this cover? There are apps for that!
Canva is super popular and easy to use. Even I can manage it, and I'm technologically challenged.
PicsArt is another option, with more bells and whistles. But maybe a bit overwhelming for beginners.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, Photoshop. But be warned, it has a steep learning curve. Prepare to YouTube a lot of tutorials.
Alternatively (and this is another unpopular opinion), MS Paint. Embrace the chaos. Go full retro. Own it!
Step Four: Size Matters (Apparently)
Wattpad has specific size requirements for covers. I won't bore you with the details.
Just Google "Wattpad cover size" and make sure your image fits. Otherwise, it'll look all stretched and weird.
Step Five: Feedback is Your Friend
Once you've created your masterpiece, show it to someone. Preferably someone who isn't your mom (she'll love anything you do).
Ask for honest feedback. Is it eye-catching? Does it convey the genre? Is the font readable?
Don't take criticism personally. It's just a cover. You can always change it.
Remember, the goal is to attract readers. And a good cover can make all the difference.
Step Six: Don't Overthink It
Seriously. Don't spend weeks agonizing over your cover. It's not worth the stress.
Just create something that you like and that represents your story. And then... WRITE!
Because ultimately, a great story will always trump a perfect cover. Happy writing! (And cover-making!).
