Self - publishing is going to be likely the only option for first time authors, so all I can suggest is don't
skimp on cover design.
Not exact matches
If you've
skimped on your
cover by
designing it yourself (unless you are a graphic artist of some skill) you are much more likely to get skipped.
I could pull samples from the 25 top small presses and publishers, showing off their ugly
cover designs, to demonstrate what a poor choice these options are to authors (since the
cover will be the biggest factor in your book's success, and small presses or services that charge a publishing fee
skimp on quality
design to make more money for themselves).
You should not
skimp on the books
cover design.
Many readers are initially attracted to books based
on the
cover design — and make their purchasing decisions within seconds — so don't
skimp when it comes to hiring a designer or purchasing a predesigned
cover.
Many people tend to
skimp on book
cover design, which is a mistake, if you ask me.