If you are an author or software developer, you have many options for designing your own ebook cover or software packaging. One of the most unusual software tools to come across my desk for this purpose is Cover Software Pro from Jason Bradley. 

In Jason's own words, "Cover Software Pro actually bridges the gap between beginners who are forced to use 'push button easy' solutions that are limited in function ability, and professionals who use tools such as Adobe Photoshop."

Unlike competitive products, Cover Software Pro is not a standalone software tool. Rather it is a series of preprogrammed "actions" for Photoshop 7 or higher. 

Once installed, you merely select the type of graphic you want to create from the list of provided actions (book cover, CD package, software boxes, etc.), and then use Photoshop to customize the provided template.

When you are done with the customization (changing colors, fonts, text), you finish playing the action to generate the end product. These final images are quite crisp and realistic and compare with the results of competitive products.

The pre-design models and pre-programmed actions take the majority of the work out of the design process for you, but you will still need to know your way around Photoshop to achieve the desired results. 

To help the beginner, Jason has created a series of online videos you can download (though some are quite large -- a broadband connection is recommended). A CD is also available. 

To round out the offering, Jason is also offering access to a collection of ebooks and tools and a resale rights library. These bonuses, while nice to have, offer little that is new and detract a bit from the overall Cover Software Pro offering. His tool produces quality results, especially for the experienced designer seeking more control over the finished product.