Edwards Designs
G J Ogden
'It may not seem so, considering I already have 45+ books in the bag, but I only began my publishing journey in late 2018'
G J Ogden is a sci-fi author who loves to write action-adventure space sci-fi stories with real heart, humor, and drama. He has published over 45 sci-fi books with a combined 13,500+ 5-star ratings, including several Amazon Best-Sellers, and is the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023.
Visit G J Ogdens site
Click here to check out Forsaken Commander, the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023!
Click here to check out Master General, Book 6 in The Aternien Wars Series! Out June 24
The Interview
What initially sparked your interest in writing, and how did you discover your passion for storytelling?
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to tell stories. Star Trek played a big part in this, as I mentioned elsewhere, but I fell in love with alien worlds and epic fantasy settings even before learning about the Starship Enterprise.
I was a kid during the early days of computer gaming (BBC Micro, ZX Spectrum and up) and RPG games really helped to drive my interest in storytelling, along with the wonderful “Fighting Fantasy” novels.
I was also a role-playing nerd and gamemaster (Paranoia and Role Master mainly), which is the perfect outlet for someone who loves to tell stories.
I tried to write my first novel in my early 20s, but I didn’t have the patience or discipline back then. I did eventually finish that book (and series) more than 15 years later. It’s called The Planetsider Trilogy, and it’s still popular today, having held No.1 slots in Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction on Amazon US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Age and experience have their benefits, I suppose!!
Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
I’m extremely organized when it comes to planning and writing. I create detailed notes about the characters and the world they inhabit, and I always have a series arc in mind before I start. That means I have 5-6 books worth of story in my head before I begin.
When it comes to writing, I create a detailed outline first, using a three-act structure. And I mean detailed! I go chapter by chapter and the outline itself usually ends up being 15-20,000 words. I keep trying to trim this down, but never succeed.
The benefit of having a detailed outline is that I can write a chapter a day, every day, when I’m in writing mode. I sometimes take a day off writing (if something else is pressing – marketing work etc.) but generally, I don’t. That means I have a 1st draft done in four weeks. And because of the outline process, it’s usually pretty clean, because I’ve made sure to include all the important elements from the three-act structure.
It can be quite intense, especially at the start of a five or six book series, knowing how much work is ahead, but the routine is important for me.
Why did you choose Tom Edwards Design to create your cover?
I was shopping for covers and cover designers one afternoon, as authors often do, and part of that process (for me) is checking the Copyright pages of books with covers I liked. Tom’s name kept appearing, which led to his website and an awesome list of pre-mades, which were sold out! That was a good sign (though not for me), but by that point, I’d decided I wanted a series of "Tom Edwards" covers, so I bit the bullet and got in touch. That was a great decision.
What set Tom apart from other book cover designers you've worked with?
In a word, it’s quality. I’ve worked with some great cover designers, but Tom’s art style and creativity elevated the books and I think definitely contributed to their success. I’ve even adjusted my written descriptions of some of the characters depicted on the covers to match Tom’s designs because they were so on the money.
How do you engage with your readership? Do you actively seek feedback, and if so, how does it influence your future writing?
I have a bunch of social channels but I’m terrible at posting content and updates. I’m just not a very ‘social media’ sort of person, in general. I have a newsletter, which I’ve curated over many years, and the membership of that is ~7,000 strong. That’s my main method of communicating with readers.
I do encourage feedback and I get a lot of comments, particularly on the adverts I run to promote my books. I engage with everything, even the snarky comments! However, I think it’s important to take these comments with a pinch of salt, and the same goes for reviews. I read the bad reviews and the good (thankfully, most are good!), in case there’s anything I can learn (common mistakes or peeves, for example), but ultimately, it’s my story and my decision. I write what I would want to read.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey or facing challenges in their creative pursuits?
It may not seem so, considering I already have 45+ books in the bag, but I only began my publishing journey in late 2018, so I’m still relatively new. I remember finishing my first novel and putting it out there to very little success. I read a bunch of “how to publish” books and marketed it in the best way I knew how back then, but the launch went off with a whimper rather than a bang (or even a fizzle).
I remember being really discouraged by that. All that work and effort and… nothing. I asked myself, what’s the point of carrying on? As a new writer watching their first book vanish into the quagmire that is Amazon, you’ll probably ask yourself the same thing.
My advice is to stick at it. Chalk it up to experience and keep writing and learning. Both are really important. Learn your craft, learn what sells and why (tropes, genres, covers), and learn how to market your books. A lot of authors don’t want to mess with that side of the business, and if that’s you, then go the traditional route instead and find a publisher. Indie publishing means being a writer and a marketer. It sucks, but to succeed you have to advertise, or be a social media genius. Since I’m not the latter, I have to do the former!
Over time, you’ll build a following. There’s an oft-quoted saying that “nothing sells your last book better than your next book” and I think that’s true. Keep writing good stories, make sure people know about them, and you’ll steadily climb the mountain.
Character Development: What unique challenges do you face when developing characters in a futuristic or otherworldly setting, and how do you ensure that they remain relatable to readers?
For me, good sci-fi is a good story first and foremost. I like to think you could take all of my books and put them in another setting and the stories and characters would still work.
Forsaken Commander, for example, would work in the age of sail, or modern times. It would only require adjustments to who the antagonists are and where they are. For example, they wouldn’t be post-human in the age of sail, but could be another minority group, and the setting could be remote islands instead of planets. The elements of story and character I think would remain the same, because they’re universal.
I create documents that include important elements like a character’s wants and needs, their conflicts (internal and external), how they change as a result of the story, what impact they have on people and the world, and so on. I flesh all this out in advance so I know who they are and how they would react in given situations.
I use a tool called Scrapple to create massive scrap books of character or worldbuilding notes, which then becomes my master reference. After a while, you get to know the characters and settings well enough that it becomes second nature, but just as I like to outline my books in detail, I find that the initial work of piecing the characters together is invaluable.
Inspirations and Influences: What specific works, authors, or real-world events have influenced your approach to writing science fiction, and how do you incorporate these influences into your own unique voice?
I would say that I’ve been most heavily influenced by Star Trek, in particular The Next Generation. I’ve watched pretty much everything from Farscape to Buck Rogers, but TNG sticks with me. I love the camaraderie of the crew, the moral quandaries they face, the impossible odds they always manage to conquer, and the dignity with which they conduct themselves. I think my stories and characters owe a lot to TNG, even if they’re generally darker, grittier and harder-hitting.
In literature, I read a lot of classic sci-fi, and while elements of these 50s, 60s, and 70s novels have aged badly (especially in how they treat women), the stories and characters have stood the test of time.
I love Alfred Bester, for example, and The Stars My Destination and The Demolished Man are books I can re-read over and over again. In terms of modern influences, I think John Scalzi is great. He has great style and humour.
As I write this, I’m currently reading the Silo series by Hugh Howey, after falling in love with the Apple TV show and… wow, wow, wow! What a set of books. Absolutely fantastic stuff. And Hugh Howey is an indie author too, which makes the series all the better in my eyes!
Storytelling Formats: Science fiction can be presented in various formats, from novels to short stories to episodic series. How does the chosen format influence your storytelling, and what advantages or challenges do you find in each?
I like structure and having a plan, so my writing is heavily influenced by the sort of episodic sci-fi shows I grew up watching, such as Star Trek, Babylon 5 and their ilk. I use a three-act structure and think of each book as a ‘season’ in a wider story arc. Each book / season tells its own story, but builds toward an over-arching conclusion.
This allows me to put the foundations in place for long-term storytelling, while ensuring that each book stands alone, and contains all the juicy story beats, tropes and hooks that readers expect and love. Moral Ambiguity: Science fiction often explores moral and ethical ambiguity.
How do you navigate the grey areas of morality in your stories, and do you believe it's important for science fiction to challenge conventional moral perspectives?
Navigating thorny moral and ethical considerations is a common element in all of my books, some more than others. The Omega Taskforce series and its follow up, Descendants of War, cover these aspects perhaps more than in my other series. It’s serious ‘needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few’ stuff.
I love the idea that achieving the best outcome sometimes requires making a truly terrible choice. And I love dark, conflicted characters, who struggle with their own humanity, but are at their core good people. Commander Dalton Reeves from Descendants of War is perhaps my darkest character in this regard. His moral compass points in the right direction, but his dark side and explosive temper can lead him to take extreme measures. You might not agree with what he does, but deep down, you’ll probably cheer him for doing it!
Do the ends justify the means? I let the reader decide!
Technology's Impact on Humanity: How do you explore the transformative effects of technology on humanity, both positive and negative, and what cautionary tales or optimistic visions do you present?
The Aternien Wars series was actually inspired by Elon Musk’s Neurolink chip, and questions of where human augmentation might eventually lead us. We’re just at the beginning of this ‘post-human’ age now, which is scary and exciting.
In this series, post-human experimentation leads to the creation of the god-like leader of the Aterniens, Marcus Aternus, who styles his empire on the myths of ancient Egypt.
I wanted to explore how an advanced, post-human branch of humanity might co-exist with the old-fashioned flesh-and-blood kind. It turns out not so well.
Prejudice and fear of change and technology are central themes throughout the series. In the books the Aterniens are considered perversions of nature and a threat to human purity. It’s because of this that they’re persecuted and exiled, eventually leading to two bloody wars.
The prejudice the Aterniens face is mirrored in the way the central character, Carter Rose, is regarded. As a post-human soldier created to combat the Aternien threat, he’s ironically treated with the same fear and intolerance as the enemy. He’s forsaken by the very people he fights to protect. Real history shows us that soldiers are often treated poorly by the governments who use them, and sometimes even by society, as was the case with those who fought in the Vietnam war, for example.
It’s not a very optimistic vision of the future, but as in all of my books, there are strong themes of hope and redemption, camaraderie and of the value of remaining principled even in the face of extreme adversity and intolerance.
For me, there’s nothing more cathartic than someone overcoming seemingly unconquerable odds to win the day!
What did you enjoy most about working with Tom to design your cover?
It’s a really easy process, which is important when you’re pressed for time, as authors often are. I can describe what I’m looking for, and Tom will nail the brief first time. After that, it’s just about details and revisions to get to a finished cover. It’s a hassle-free process.
Forsaken Commander & Master General - Available on Amazon
Click here to check out Forsaken Commander, the winner of the Kindle Storyteller Award 2023!
Click here to check out Master General, Book 6 in The Aternien Wars Series! Out June 24
Meet The Authors
Meet some of the amazing authors I've had the privilege of collaborating with. In this interview series, I delve into their writing processes, influences, inspirations, techniques of worldbuilding, and the advice they have for aspiring writers.
Pricing
Discover transparent and flexible pricing for my illustrations that aligns with your creative vision and budget. Whether you're seeking captivating character designs, immersive concept art, or striking logos, find a pricing structure that suits your unique needs.
Professional book covers that captivate your audience don’t have to be complicated. At Tom Edwards Design, I offer clear and transparent pricing for every author’s needs. Whether you’re launching an ebook, preparing a stunning full cover for print, or looking for ultra-wide designs to stand out, my packages ensure premium quality tailored to your vision. Explore the options below and let’s create something extraordinary for your story.
Ebook Cover Design – £800
High-quality, custom ebook cover design tailored for Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and more.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- High-resolution JPG/PNG files.
- Optimized for online platforms.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Full Cover Design (Print & Ebook) – £1,000
A complete front, back, and spine design for print and digital use.
Includes:
- Custom typography and design.
- Print-ready PDF (with bleed).
- Ebook cover version included.
- 2k and 4k Art without text for marketing, prints, and wallpapers
Ultra-Wide Design – £1,200
Perfect for panoramic covers, box sets, banners, or promotional materials.
Includes:
- Everything from Ebook and Full Cover options.
- Ultra-wide composition for enhanced impact.
- Flexible cropping options for various formats.
What’s Included with Every Package
- Initial consultation to understand your book and vision.
- Licensing for commercial use.
- Fast and responsive communication throughout the process.
- NO AI is used in my creation process. You'll receive a completely original and copyrightable cover!
Add-On Options
- Rush delivery (7-day turnaround): Add £200.
- Additional revisions after completion: Price will vary depending on each revision.
- Audiobook conversion: £50
- Hardback PDF: £25
- Extra Paperback formats (Ingram Spark, Lulu, etc) - £10 each
- 3D cover render: £35
- Social media banner (Facebook, X, Instagram): £15 per banner
- Art prints: Price on request
Special Offers for Trilogies and Series
Creating a cohesive look for a trilogy or a longer series is key to building your brand and drawing in loyal readers. If you’re working on a multi-book project, I’d be happy to work out a tailored offer that ensures consistency across all covers while giving you excellent value.
Whether it’s a trilogy or an epic saga, we can discuss a package that fits your needs and brings your series to life. Get in touch to explore your options and start planning your next captivating set of covers!
Author Offers
If you’re a new author or a published author working with me for the first time, be sure to check out my Book Cover Offers page for some great discounts!
Your book deserves a cover that captures its essence and draws readers in. With years of experience in creating eye-catching designs for authors worldwide, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Premade Covers
Instantly elevate your book's visual appeal with my collection of premade book cover illustrations. Each design is a masterpiece waiting to complement your story, offering a captivating first impression that entices readers to delve into the magic within the pages.
SERIES XIII - STARFALL
With 350 premade covers sold to date across 12 preious series, my science fiction premade covers are second to none.
If you have a tight marketing budget or need to release your next book quickly, you've come to the right place.
Explore 22 original covers that will transport you to new worlds, all at an unbeatable price.
Starfall covers have all been designed in Ultra-wide format. This format gives you added flexibility in layout, which is ideal for adapting your cover for various media and promotional materials. It just looks great too! With these extra wide dimensions, each cover stands out beautifully, and provides you with the creative freedom to showcase your book in the most captivating way possible.
Every cover is crafted with attention to detail and designed to be as unique as your story, ensuring that it will catch the eye of your readers and look fantastic in both digital and print formats. I'm confident these covers will bring out the essence of your work and give it the professional finish it deserves.
Check out the premade cover galleries below, which feature three categories: Core, Elite, and Prime!
- Core covers are the most basic, showcasing a detailed ship in space.
- Elite covers depict multiple ships in 1v1 battles or friendly engagements with stations and other ships.
- Prime covers are the most detailed, featuring epic, action-packed space battles, giant fleets, and high-detail illustrations.
*COVER PRICES*
(All prices shown in GBP):
- Core: £350
- Elite: £450
- Prime: £550
The price includes paperback formatting, ebook cover, 2K, 4K, and 6K artwork without text, and custom text for the front, back, and spine. If you prefer to use your own text and format the cover yourself, that's perfectly fine too.
*EXTRAS*
I offer an extras package that can be purchased for each premade cover. This includes:
- Hardback cover
- Social Media Banners x2
- Audiobook cover
- 3D cover render
All of these extras for a set price of £40! This can be added at any time after purchase too.
HOW TO ORDER
If you're interested in purchasing a cover, please email me at tomedwardsconcepts@gmail.com or tom@tomedwardsdesign.com. Include the name of the cover you'd like (e.g., Premade cover 1) and mention if you want custom text. Also, provide a second or third choice cover in case your first choice is unavailable.
All covers require a contractual agreement, and invoices are issued in British Pound Sterling.
Covers are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If your chosen cover is available, it will be reserved for 48 hours after your initial email request. During this period, you'll receive a contract and invoice, which must be signed and returned, and payment must be made. If this doesn't happen within the 48-hour window, the cover will be released back for sale.
Covers without custom text will be dispatched within 72 hours of receiving payment.
For covers with custom text, delivery time varies as we'll collaborate to design a suitable font and style. This process typically takes 3-7 working days.
Payment can be made via PayPal or direct bank transfer (including services like Wise). If you choose PayPal, a 5% fee will be added to cover their charges.
Please specify your preferred payment method in your initial email. I hope you find the perfect cover for your sci-fi novel!
Logo Design
Forge a memorable brand identity with my logo illustrations—crafted with precision and creativity to encapsulate your essence in a single symbol. Elevate your visual representation with designs that resonate, leaving a lasting imprint and fostering recognition in a crowded marketplace.
Book Cover Offers
Unlock the visual allure of your narrative with my exclusive book cover offers, blending artistry and storytelling seamlessly. From custom designs to captivating premade covers, my offers ensure your book stands out, leaving a lasting impression on readers from the very first glance
New Partnership - £600
Building strong partnerships with authors is something I deeply value. Throughout my extensive career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with countless authors—some of whom have entrusted me to design over 100 book covers for their works.
As an opportunity to introduce you to my thorough creative process, this offer allows you to collaborate with me on the development of an entirely bespoke book cover, with a predefined, transparent pricing structure.
This comprehensive package contains the e-book cover, audiobook cover, paperback formatting, along with high-resolution 4k artwork and 3D cover render.
Saving over £400! (On Paperback Package + Extras)
New Author - £400
As a new author, securing the publication for your first work can be difficult. One of the more difficult aspects is finding a great artist for your book cover who can offer both quality and value for money. With this offer, you'll receive an entirely bespoke, fully painted custom cover.
This unique proposition ensures that you receive an all-encompassing, premium cover creation experience, marked by uncompromising quality, all at a remarkably competitive price point.
This comprehensive package contains the e-book cover, paperback formatting, along with high-resolution 4k artwork.
Saving over £600! (On Paperback Package + Extras)
Author Referral - £150 Voucher
As a valued existing client, whenever you refer a new author to me, you'll receive £150 off your next cover, demonstrating my appreciation for your continued partnership and support. (The new author must purchase a new cover before the voucher is sent).
This offer also coincides with the ‘New Author’ or ‘New Partnership’ offers, meaning everyone saves!
Important Notice
All images copyright Tom Edwards, please see my Copyright Notice for more details.
No AI is used in my creation process 