This is Mr Brinks editor & graphic artist, I can answer how I do work with his books:
To create the front and back covers:
Say for instance I'm creating a book that uses the Royal size: (6.13 x9.21)
I download the appropriate front and back PNG templates.
I open them in photoshop, and lock the layer so it dosen't move. I then create artwork below it. (or in some cases above when I need to deal with the bar code). This way I know that whatever I create front and back will be within the spec of my cover and I know how much will or won't be cut off. Its important to lock down that template layer so it does NOT move!
I group the layers together (I call one group front cover, the other group back cover) I save the front and back covers separately. I do leave the template layer on at this point because I'll need them for the final cover.
Creating the 1-piece cover
When I'm ready to create the 1-piece cover, I make sure I use the spine calculator to get the size of my one piece cover.
http://www.lulu.com/en/includes/calc_spine_inc.php
I create a new document in the appropriate dimensions. (I don't use postscript points, I use inches, its easy enough and they're provided if thats what you're comfortable using). I set a guide to the start position of my spine from the left side.
I place my front and back covers in the file (If you go to File -> Place and browse to where you're front and back covers are and select one, it will create a smart object layer for you) Do this for both the front and back sides of your book.
I position the back and front cover layers as they should be on the far left and far right sides. This is always the hardest part, and the reason why I use the front and back templates...you have to be pretty precise with this method)
Once they're in the places they need to be, I double click on each smart group and turn off the template layer and save the file. That will allow you to see immediate updates in your main 1-piece cover file.
The space left over in the middle is the space for my spine. In photoshop I create a new group for my spine images and text.
Remember that guide you had to set? this is where your spine will START, the spine ENDS at the end of the Front cover.
I always place my files (from the left side of the screen) back cover, spine, front cover.
I tend to use between 300-600dpi to create my initial files, depending on the type of artwork I'm using. Minimum for print is 300 however.
-Good luck, I hope it works out fo you.
Kimberley Denson
