Book Cover Design

Announce its genreClearly, many book buyers search for books by category, niche, or genre, so this instant identification with where your book belongs is a critical task.

Telegraph its toneAlthough more subtle, it’s also important to imply the tone of a work, especially fiction. Is it a brash, over-the-top page turner, or a subtle character study?

Generate excitementEffective book covers have a “hook”—something that intrigues, grabs you by the throat, makes a promise—something that will attract and hold a reader’s attention and make them want to know more.

ContrastBook covers without contrast can be monotone in color, weak in the fonts chosen and how they are used, or have very busy backgrounds that distract attention from the main communication. Using contrast wisely with colors, fonts, and combined elements will clarify your message.

FocusSuccessful book covers have a specific point of view and are dedicated to communicating a very clear message. This takes focus and knowing what’s of interest to your readers. It can also mean using design skills to control the readers “eyepath” as they look at the cover, so you are focusing them on the information you want to communicate.

PositioningYour need to indicate the genre and tone of your book, while also letting readers know what they can expect from the book, come together to help place your book in context with other books. Establishing this position makes your book understandable to more of your readers and lets them know what your book is all about.

Peter Mendelsund

Chipp Kidd

Don’t show it and say it

Don’t show too much of the main character in the book.

As always–keep it simple.

http://bookcoverarchive.com/Peter Mendelsund

https://www.wired.com/2014/09/makes-brilliant-book-cover-master-explains/

http://www.printmag.com/imprint/the-wisdom-book-covers-of-peter-mendelsund/

Chip Kidd

http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1853737,00.html

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/02/beautiful-covers-interview-chip-kidd/