Canva for Authors

Canva has become one of the most useful and accessible design tools available to authors. You don’t need graphic design experience to create professional-looking promotional materials.

This beginner-friendly 90-minute class introduces authors to the basics of using Canva to create branded graphics and marketing materials for books, events, and online promotion. Participants will explore Canva’s templates, design tools, fonts, image libraries, and video features while learning practical ways to produce polished content quickly and affordably.

Topics include:

* Canva overview and essential tools

* Designing social media graphics and promo images

* Creating simple book covers

* Video teasers and short book trailers

* Flyers, bookmarks, postcards, and event materials

* Branding tips for maintaining a consistent author presence

* Merchandise and promotional product ideas for signings and conferences

Perfect for authors who want to strengthen their visual marketing and create professional promotional materials without hiring a designer.

Barbara Howard is a Northeast Ohio–based mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author of more than 70 books, with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. She writes emotionally layered stories about love, trust, and the echoes of the past. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits. Board President, Great Lakes Fiction Writers (2024-present).