I've just read an article (aimed at affiliates) that recommends writing your own sales copy rather than using the provided "boiler-plate" text - I agree with this, but the author also recommends designing your own book cover too.
What do others think about this? Won't this be confusing for buyers, as there is a strong possibility of two different ebooks having the same name (I'm thinking of non-fiction), and different covers may lead people to buy two copies of the same book, thinking it's a different book on the same topic.
I recently created a cover for an ebook that I'm selling as an affiliate, simply because it was the only book on my site that didn't have a cover, so it looked odd. I'm still wondering if I should ask the authors permission for this - then I see this article suggesting changing all covers!
My view is the affiliate program owner should provide the covers, banners, etc., or at least a basic choice of graphics. There is nothing to stop them providing more than one choice.
That said, a good affiliate finds creative ways to promote affiliate programs, so I do understand the suggestion. I think confusion, accuracy of information, and potentially for larger companies, brand dilution, would potential concerns. Some merchants are very worred about this aspect.
I would suggest you get approval from the affiliate vendor if you create your own banners/graphics/covers, unless they have given you a blanket go ahead.
BTW, if considering this for our affiliate programs, consider this blanket permission - provided of course that you don't do anything misleading etc.
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