Creating the cover is the last creative step in publishing a book. That’s because almost everything about the anatomy of a book cover is controlled by the final edited version of the book: the trim size, the color of the paper, and the number of pages determine the dimensions of the cover. There’s never a good reason to design the cover before you finish the final draft, because doing so will probably mean you’ll have to do it all over again anyway.
Whether you’re a self publishing author or an independent publisher, you need information about what your target audience wants so you make sound, data-driven business decisions. Before you start on cover design, research 20 to 50 books in your genre, dissecting each cover into parts. Note the front cover, back cover, spine, layout, picture, fonts, and other elements of each cover.
You are reading: Front covers of books
take quick notes on each cover. which one made you want to read them? look for topics that share your most intriguing research covers. Once you’ve completed your writing and editing and done your research, you’re ready to get started on your cover design.
cover design and layout –
Book cover design is comprised of text and images. In order to get the layout right, you need to think about the single message you want your cover design to communicate. What is the one feeling or idea you want to convey? Whatever message you decide to feature, make sure every element from color and image to typeface and text supports it.
once you know your message, think about the best way to get it across. if you want to set a romantic tone, perhaps the main design element should be an image with a double meaning. if you’re after mystery, you might want your clever title to dominate and a vague, somber image to back it up (but not overshadow it). Or maybe you’re an author with a brand and you really want people to know that this is a book of yours. then make your signature the largest.
Not sure about the best address for your book? Check out our post on designing covers for any genre.
cover –
The front cover is the first of the physical parts of a book. It has one purpose: to sell the book by intriguing the right readers.
The essential elements of a cover include the title and the author’s name. optional elements include the caption (if any) and photos, background images, or graphics.
images
See Also: List of Clive Cussler Books In Order
Of all the different parts of a book cover, this is by far the most important. choose a photo, graphic, illustration, or make a simple color statement that appeals to your target audience. you need to communicate what the book is about while engaging your reader. use the visual element to create anticipation, a mood, or expectations. remember, this is not a place to skimp; The visual component of your cover is the first thing your potential reader will see and remember. make sure it looks professional.
typography
The fonts you select communicate more than the words they spell out, so choose based on the content and tone you’re aiming for. Don’t get so creative with fonts that your title and other information is tricky to read. Set the right mood with your font; choose a more flowing font to suggest romance, a whimsical font for humor, and a bold, strong font to create a sense of drama or adventure.
title
Think like a reader, not the author. aim for clarity, not intelligence. your headline is the first (and sometimes the only) thing people read. Does it visually communicate what the book is about? your goal is to use visuals and design to show potential readers what the book is about and create a feeling in them that gives them an idea of what it will be like to read the book.
This book cover for The Girl on the Train immediately conjures up a sense of mystery and lets you know you’re in for a thrilling page-turner. The blurriness of the typeface may just be the motion of the train—or it could be something more enigmatic about the girl and the story itself. Consider how you can use typography, color, and graphics to create this kind of communicative imagery for your book cover.
subtitle
Use a subheading only if necessary to clarify or amplify the topic of your book. Ideally, your subheading complements the headline and adds additional descriptive details. If it makes sense, and especially if you’re going to ezine, include any search keywords that aren’t in your title.
back cover –
your front cover did its job if the buyer got to the back cover; he interested them enough to give the book a second look. now it’s the back cover’s job to entice them so much that they feel compelled to buy the book.
The most important part of the back cover is a description of the book that provides enough detail to ensure that the buyer cannot say “no” to buying it.
The back cover of a paperback should also include a photo of your face, your biography, and your credentials if the work is academic or professional. (this often goes on the inside flap of the book cover for hardcover books). Readers love to learn more about the author, and details about who wrote the book can help the description seal the deal.
See Also: Publishing Public Domain Books on Kindle | SelfPublishingwithDale.com
The back cover should also leave room for the International Standard Book Number (or ISBN code) and the barcode that goes with it. Since 2007 all books have had 13 digit ISBN codes. Finally, the back cover should include any book reviews, and if it’s related to the book, your company logo.
description or panel text
This should briefly summarize the different parts of your book and provide the highlights, like a movie trailer giving viewers a sneak peek. You need to show readers why they need to read your book and let them know what to expect; It’s an advertisement for the book. it is not his personal statement about why he wrote the book.
book reviews and sponsorships
Book reviews and endorsements are selling points to many target readers and help give the book credibility. they are like celebrity endorsements for products in TV commercials.
Your author bio
This should be short, about three sentences. If your book is fiction, convey your personality by saying who you are and describing your most recent accomplishments. If your book is nonfiction, establish your credentials as you describe yourself and your recent work. use your author bio to sell yourself as part of the book and connect with readers.
backbone –
Finished books over 130 pages also require spine text showing the main title and author’s last name as part of the cover design. make it easy to read and make sure it can be seen from the side.
cover types –
All physical books are either casebound (hardcover) or paperbound (softcover). Casebound books are sometimes issued with paper covers, which are typically called dust jackets or case wraps. Paperbound books are usually covered in printed heavy weight paper. All of these book cover types do the same things:
- identify the books
- act as advertisements
- set a feeling or mood for potential readers
- communicate critical endorsements and other arguments sale to potential buyer readers
templates —
Each print-on-demand publisher provides a unique cover creation template based on the number of pages, paper color, and trim size required by their platform. a template will highlight the space for the barcode, for the margin around the edges (called the bleed), and leave you the “safe space”, the usable space for your design. these templates are for use in graphic design programs like indesign or photoshop.
here are links to some of the more popular options:
- createspace
- lightning source
- ingramspark
Conclusion –
A fantastic book cover is an investment and a sure way to get the right effect, even if you’re not a professional artist or designer. A beautiful, professional cover that really sells your book is a valuable promotional tool; a traditional editor would never skip this step, and neither should you.
See Also: The 7 Best Money And Investing Books Of 2018