It really depends on how you publish.

If you’re goal is to get an agent and publish the book for mass consumption, then don’t worry about making a perfect map. Just sketch out your map for your own reference, because your publisher will hire a professional to make the final map for you anyway. Focus on what you do best – telling the story.

If you plan to self-publish and you don’t have budget to pay a cartographer, then you’ll have to learn on your own. If you use CC3, then check out the forums on the Profantasy site for tips on map making. Also, regardless of what mapping software you use, check out cartographer’s guild – they have a very friendly forum where you can learn how to make maps (even using free software or by hand or whatever). There is also a place there to request people to make a map for you – some people might even do it for free.

Keep one thing in mind – if you publish in print, your map will most likely need to be in black/white. But if it’s just going to be an ebook, then go all out with the colors!

Are you still making maps? I haven’t seen any of your work around recently, I was just wondering if you were planning to continue mapping.

All my maps here are free for personal use (creative commons by-nc-sa). I just ask that you link back to my website if you post the map on your website.

Enjoy your game.