How to Design a Book Cover?

They say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, they are wrong. A book cover is actually the first thing someone notices about a book, and you can’t deny that. Come on, you’ve judged books by their covers too!

So, whether you’re finished writing your book or just beginning, you’re now looking for a book cover design. There’s no second opinion here: Your cover is the first impression that will provide significant marketing power for potential readers. A well-designed cover can attract attention and convey your book’s message, encouraging readers to pick it up.

Whether you prefer traditional or digital learning, knowing how to create a successful and captivating cover is essential. Follow this step-by-step guide from concept to completion, and discover recommended book cover ideas, tools, and tips. 

So, Why Is a Good Cover Critical For a Book?

“Never judge a book by its cover” is a sweet statement, but when it has to do with the world of publication, it will either make or break you because apparently, “Everyone judges a book by its cover” (Micdrop)

According to Medium:

“Book cover design is not completely subjective. There are good and bad book covers, and a good designer can clearly tell you the difference between them.”

Here’s why a good book cover is very important:

1. It stands out among hundreds of titles on shelves or other online platforms.
2. It gives the readers a general idea about the book’s genre, tone, and content.
3. It baits prospective readers to turn over pages or click to learn more.

Whether you are self-publishing and using KDP publishing or you have a traditional publisher, your book needs a quality cover.

How to Design a Book Cover?

Now that you know a book cover is important to market your book, it’s time for you to know the “HOW” part. Well, have a look below to learn more about designing a book cover, you’ll get good book cover ideas here:

1. Know Your Genre and Audience

Understand the target audience and genre before brainstorming ideas for book covers. Every genre has well-established design conventions; deviation from these can sometimes confuse readers. Soft colors and suggestive imagery are actually a norm in romance novels, whereas thrillers mostly use darker tones with bolder typesetting.

PS: Research best-selling books in your genre to get a feel for design trends and expectations.

2. Choose The Right Size and Format

Depending on your preparation type, the size differs between a print and an eBook. Digital accounts, like KDP publishing, have specific requirements for size, so you want to ensure that your eBook cover displays correctly on computers, among other mediums.

PS: Preparing front and spine designs is generally a good idea for creating a print book. Work with the orientation of your design elements and text throughout the cover spread.

3. Develop a Power Visual Statement

Visual elements are to be used in the idea of the book cover, which should voice the core of your book’s message. Use these for starting:

a) Images and Illustrations

These would be stock photos, illustrations, or custom artwork that capture a feeling for your book.

b) Color Scheme

Colors evoke emotions. A thriller would use black and red to indicate danger, while a children’s book would probably use vibrant, playful colors.

c) Typography

The type or font selected is a massive part of the overall visual design of the cover. Generally, avoid super fancy typefaces unless you’re using a typeface related to your theme. Typically, bold, clear fonts are the best, especially for your book’s title and author’s name.

4. Use a Professional Cover Maker

If you happen to be a graphic designer or cannot afford to hire one, fantastic online resources will help you create your cover. Professional cover makers provide templates and customization options and will help you come up with beautiful covers without having to be a designer.

A few of the most used cover makers are:

A) Canva

A wide range of book cover templates are available, which you can customize with your images and text.

B)Adobe Spark

It provides complete flexibility while designing with simple drag-and-drop features. You can actually create creative book cover ideas here…

C) Book Brush

This is an authors-only product and, in this case, is a genre-specific template for creating professional covers.

Using a cover maker will help you save time and ensure that your book covers are of the best quality in the industry.

5. Emphasis on Composition and Balance

While a good book cover must have an attention-grabbing focal point, usually the title, it should not have too many elements scattered. A book cover should not contain too much mess since too many things confuse readers and reject the beautiful look.

Tip: If you are unsure where to begin, keep things pretty darn simple. In most scenarios, simple designs will often translate better because people can understand and recall them more easily.

6. Create a Mockup and Solicit Feedback

Before finalizing your book cover design, make a mockup of the cover to see how it will look on different platforms, such as mobile devices and print formats. Show your cover to friends, readers, or fellow authors for feedback. If your design does not resonate with them, you must consider their suggestions and make the appropriate changes.

7. Testing Different Book Cover Ideas

If you self-publish, trying different designs becomes much more accessible and will help you determine which design is best suited to reach your target audience. Click-through rates, purchases, or social media engagement will also help determine which cover performs better.

According to PickFu

“It’s the book cover. The cover that’s the most eye-catching will get the most interest. Keep reading on to learn how testing will help your book cover stand out from the pack.”

8. Ensure Compliance with Publisher Guidelines

If you’re publishing through a traditional publisher or platform like KDP Publishing, ensure your book cover meets their stringent requirements. KDP, for example, is very strict about resolution, format, and file size. Check these out meticulously to avoid being delayed when publishing.

Concluding The Recipe of an Epic Book Cover

Designing a book cover can be thrilling and critical in the publishing journey. It is always valuable to know that, whether you design with professional help, use a cover maker, or do it all in-house, covers form a book’s first impression. So, take the time to brainstorm some book cover ideas, considering everything from your genre’s tone to what your target readers expect.

With a great concept, the right tools, and creative input, your book cover will attract readers’ attention and welcome them into your world. If you’re self-publishing through KDP publishing, you are in control, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make your cover as unique as your story!