One of the things I’m having fun doing while procrastinating taking breaks from writing is creating quote cards to promote my upcoming books.
I’m sure you’ve all seen what quote cards are on either Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. They are those cool photos with fancy fonts and pithy sayings from famous people. These can be a fun way to create an easy, sharable piece of your book online.
Why Visual?
- People are 44% more likely to engage with visual content.
- Facebook says posts with photos get 120% more engagement.
- They’re short and not a huge time investment to read.
The quote cards can be dramatic or simple. What matters is that they are eye-catching–and great content helps, too! Pick 1-2 witty or sexy sentences and a legible font. Remember, brevity is best.
I opened Photoshop and just started playing around to make a few quote cards for my April release, The Courtesan Duchess.
But good news! You don’t need Photoshop to do this…
Sites to Make Quote Cards
Here are some free sites I’ve found to make quote cards. Each are easy to navigate with a WYSIWYG editor:
- BeHappy
- QuotesCover
- Quozio
- Pinwords
- ReciteThis (my favorite)
Some of these sites are geared for Pinterest, making it really easy to pin your quote. Most allow you to download or save them locally, in case you want to share elsewhere.
You can even make your own Some e-Cards, which are those hilarious cards with funny drawings you see circulating on the net.
I really love the quote cards Elizabeth Hoyt is circulating right now for her upcoming release, Darling Beast. No doubt these were done by a graphic designer, however, not one of the create-your-own sites listed above. Regardless, aren’t they pretty?
See what she’s done? Website. Book title. Book cover. Release date. Short quote. Engaging, simple background image. Easy to read font. It’s VERY well done.
Have you made quote cards? If so, feel free to share them and/or tips!
Diana Quincy
JB Schroeder
Jaye Marie Rome
Joanna Shupe
Maria K. Alexander
Michele Mannon
RoseAnn DeFranco
Tina Gabrielle
The Violet Femmes 
Jaye Marie Rome
/ September 9, 2014This is so cool, Joanna! I had no idea you could make these yourself. Unfortunately, this give me just one more way to procrastinate, lol!
I wish I were as tech savvy as you. Luckily, we Femmes have you to tell us about all this awesome stuff!
Jaye
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014These sites are way fun. I wasted a good half a day creating stuff. Glad you liked it!
JB Schroeder
/ September 9, 2014Fantastic post, Joanna! I agree–visuals & a memorable line or two are great for promotion. Even I didn’t realize there were sites out there to make it THAT easy….Bad for business if you are in my line of work, but a real boon to authors who don’t have photoshop and still prefer to DIY, like you said! ; )
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014There’s no comparison, JB, to these DIY sites and a real graphic designer putting one together. Just look at Elizabeth Hoyt’s cards. Those cannot be done with a WYSIWYG editor. No worries — you’re not out of a job!
Maria K. Alexander
/ September 10, 2014I love this, Joanna! I had learned about ReciteThis at RWA Nationals this year. I created one for my upcoming release, Forever In My Heart, to capture the sign that’s outside Vicky’s cafe. You can check it out on my Pinterest board at http://www.pinterest.com/mariakalexander/forever-in-my-heart/
I like programs like this that are easy to use and quick! Thanks for the other sites. I’ll check them out.
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014Nicely done, Maria. I was surprised by how easy they were and the variety in themes.
Marlo Berliner
/ September 10, 2014Love this! Thanks!
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014Glad you like it!
NancyS.Goodman
/ September 10, 2014i love them, and would love to share, but they aren’t for Regency..as you know š
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014They don’t need to be Regency! We’re genre-neutral here on the Femmes. Let’s see those m/m cards!
Molly R. Moody
/ September 10, 2014Although I’m not an author I appreciate this information. Thanks.
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014Sure! Glad you like it. Really, anyone can make them with any quote or saying you like.
Diana Quincyd
/ September 10, 2014I have not made quote cards but you’ll be seeing them from me very soon since I have a book coming out next month! Thanks for this great post! I’m off to visit the free sites that show you how to make them.
Joanna Shupe
/ September 10, 2014Glad it was timely help for you, DQ!
angelinajameson
/ September 11, 2014Great post. I didn’t know how easy the cards were to make. I love Courtney Milan’s cards.
Joanna Shupe
/ September 11, 2014Yes! Courtney does great cards, as does Sylvia Day….
Jackson
/ September 12, 2014I totally just used this! It was TONS of fun! Thanks, Joanna!
Tina Gabrielle
/ September 12, 2014What a great idea Joanna! I will look into this for my November release. Thank you!
Kristina Rienzi
/ September 14, 2014I’m so glad you posted about these! I can’t wait to get started. I love fun stuff! Thank you for another amazing tech tip š
Joanna Shupe
/ September 16, 2014Glad you liked it. Good luck!
RoseAnn DeFranco
/ September 15, 2014Love this creative idea. Thank you for always thinking outside the box and sharing with us!
Joanna Shupe
/ September 16, 2014No problem. Happy to pass along any tips I discover. Good luck!