Whoever said you can’t judge a book by its cover must not have ever met an avid reader before. While this saying might be true for meeting new people, you’ll quickly find that a well-thought out cover can make or break your book sales. A book cover today not only serves as protection for a paper-based publication but is also designed to capture the eye and interest of a potential reader. Knowing what makes a good book cover design helps you to generate more sales that put your published works at the top of the best-seller lists.
Which Components Should a Cover Include?
Every book cover design should have several essential components that help convey to the reader exactly what type of experience they’ll have once they open the pages. While you want the cover to be informative, you also want to use quality cover art and typography that appeals to the reader’s senses and emotions. When you’re self-publishing a book, you’ll want to make sure that these components are included:
•Title and possibly a subtitle
•Author’s name
•Front cover art or photograph
•A summary or blurb on the back cover
•Author bio and photo
•Endorsement (optional for new authors)
• ISBN, barcode, and publishing house logo
•Spine information (typically the author’s name and book title)
How Do You Select Cover Art?
The front cover is the most visible part of the book design, especially if you plan to focus on online sales. The imagery that you choose should make the genre of your book clear while including some elements of the story or information that is contained within the cover. For instance, you might use a photograph of a person or place for a non-fiction book. Alternatively, a romance novel would need an image that generates a sense of excitement or passion.
How Does Typography Impact the Design?
Writers tend to get excited about choosing a font when they are self publishing. However, you don’t want to go too crazy with fonts since this can confuse a reader. Instead, look for a font that is easy to read yet fits the genre. A flowing font for a romance theme works great, while a large, bold font can attract readers to a suspense novel.
When you choose to publish your own book, you control each aspect of the publishing process. Make sure that your cover is designed to reel a potential book buyer in and leave them wanting more. From creating an intriguing and informative blurb for the back cover to marketing your book with art that inspires curiosity, you’ll find that your sales soar when people know exactly what they are about to dive into when they open your carefully designed cover.
If you're needing help designing your book cover, make sure you schedule a complimentary discovery session so we can discuss your publishing needs. Click here.
Respectfully,
Ashley M. King
The Get It Done Queen ®️
Self-Publishing Strategist helping people of faith tell their story by writing a book and maximize their reach through speaking and events.
www.ashleymking.com