Don’t judge a book by its cover, they say.
But we do, don’t we?
Browsing in a bookstore, whether online or in a physical store, our eyes are drawn to covers that stand out.
First impressions count!
Your Book Cover is Not Only About Aesthetics
Your book cover is the face of your book’s personality.
It needs to attract the right audience.
The genre must match the reader and pique their interest.
Imagine a cover that screams fantasy romance, but the story is actually about 19th-century serial killers.
Your book cover should attract the reader you want. It should be what the book is about.
When choosing your cover design – think of it as an ad for your book and the back blurb as a movie trailer. Put some thought into it if you want your book to stand out in a highly competitive market.
I had some difficulty explaining this to a client recently. I wanted him to see how his cover could be used as a marketing tool to attract the right audience for his genre. However, the client was adamant about using the cover design he liked. His reasoning was based purely on aesthetics, but book covers have a larger role to play than that.
New authors must keep in mind that writing and selling a book is not just about writing. There is so much more to it. A well-edited book is one aspect. A strategically designed book cover is another.
Below are 3 examples of the covers of some classics.
The Catcher in the Rye – an iconic cover that prominently uses the horse image focusing attention on the symbolism of horses throughout the book.
Fahrenheit 451 – the original cover of this book perfectly encapsulates the prevailing elements of the story—fire and paper.
To Kill A Mockingbird – this classic book's cover was redesigned for its 50th edition to modernize it.
Authors, don’t disappoint your book
You’ve worked hard to get your book to the ready-to-publish stage. The content is great and eager to be gobbled up by your readers.
But you have to attract those readers to your book.
Instead of rushing to publish, spend some time choosing the right cover. Hire a book designer if your Canva skills are not up to scratch. Brainstorm with your book coach or ask your editor for feedback.
6 simple tips to make your cover stand out
1. Make your title prominent.
2. Choose a font that’s easy to read.
3. Keep it simple – don’t overcrowd the cover.
4. Consider your genre’s style and your readers’ likes.
5. Feature a theme from your book if you include an image.
6. Don’t forget to pay attention to the back cover and blurb.
Remember, your book cover should communicate the content of your book and inspire readers to pick it up and buy it.
The cover of a book is the beginning of a conversation between the author and the reader.
~ David Pearson
If you have planned a series, make sure your branding is consistent across the entire series. Think Harry Potter. Patterson’s Alex Cross or a nonfiction series like The Lonely Planet’s travel guidebooks. What do they have in common? They are all instantly recognizable.
The back cover
When designing the cover of your book, don’t forget about the back cover. This is an essential component of the book because readers can find more information about the content of the book here.
The “book blurb,” which provides a short summary of the contents of the book, is found on the back cover.
Some authors include a tagline at the top. A tagline is a one-line brief description of your book. Kind of like a teaser.
In addition to the blurb, the back cover of your book can include either book reviews, more information about the author, or any awards or achievements you have received.
The front cover of your book might attract the reader, but in many instances, the back cover seals the deal. It plays a pivotal role in convincing readers that this book is for them.
Final thoughts
Book covers are one of the best marketing tools at an author’s disposal. Ensure your book cover conveys vital information about your book’s genre, content, and tone. Don’t rush this step in your book writing and publishing process. Take your time and carefully consider what you want your cover to say to a potential buyer.
In the digital age, book covers are more important than ever. They are the thumbnails that catch the eye of the reader, the icons that represent the brand of the author, and the symbols that convey the message of the book.
~ Anonymous
What are your thoughts on book covers? Do they matter to you when choosing which book to buy?
Happy Designing
Shamila
I specialize in helping professionals write their first book. This includes coaching you from the first word through the writing process to publication and even beyond.
Book a 60-minute clarity call where we'll chat about your book idea, your publishing goals, and how to get you started on your book-writing journey. The call includes a book outline strategy and chapter templates.
I’d say Critical Thinkers is a great example of what not to do. It took me a few minutes to even figure out the title that I’m sure if I picked this up at a bookstore I’d put it back down just as fast because of the cover alone.