Everyone says that it’s bad to judge a book by its cover. Yet, everyone does so. And that is one of the essential reasons book covers matter so much to the reader. After all, they are the first point of contact between the author and the reader.
While your book’s manuscript primarily keeps your reader hooked, the cover acts as a lure. A good book cover can make a potential reader walk from aisles away to see what your book is about. And that is why successful authors worldwide pay attention to this aspect.
That is why paying attention to the book cover is as important as any other part of your book. Creating something unique and inspiring will take a lot of time, effort, and dedication. You will surely know once you are there.
If you are done with your manuscript and are concerned about the book cover, here are a few essential tips that can help you make the right call.
1. Understand the Elements
A good book cover is not all about choosing the right color scheme and placing eye-catching art. There are many more components that are important to complete a book cover. Here are some of the important parts that play a critical role in completing your book cover.
1.1. Image
Choosing the right picture, art, or graphic illustration for your book can be one of the most important parts of your book. It is the primary thing that will attract your audience. Therefore, you want to make sure that it gets the job done right by reflecting on what’s inside.
Whatever you use as an image of your book must focus on creating a mood and anticipation for the reader. They must get just the right hints to contemplate and understand why it’s the right book and needs to go home with them.
1.2. Typography
There are more than half a million fonts in the world. Each font carries a mood and tone that can help you in developing the perception of a reader. Therefore, it’s very important to choose a font that reflects what’s inside your book.
When you work with professional freelance book cover designers in the UK, they can also help you in tweaking the fonts and making them unique to create an innovative impression. But it’s important to keep it simple enough to be read easily.
1.3. Title
Many authors choose to write the title of their work after they complete their manuscript. However, it is important to start brainstorming early. This practice ensures that you have many brilliant ideas to choose from as the task of writing comes to an end.
Make sure that you make your titles a reflection of what lies inside. The goal is to let the potential reader find what they are looking for and give them a feeling of what the book will be about.
1.4. Panel Copy
The panel copy is usually the top part of the back of your book cover. It gives the potential readers a brief summary of your book. But remember not to reveal too much in this section. Instead, focus on creating intrigue for the reader.
Think of the panel copy of your book as the trailer of a movie. Your panel copy should share enough with the reader so they can ask themselves why your book needs to go home with them.
1.5. Reviews and Endorsements
While a good panel copy is enough for most readers to make their final decision, some readers are interested in knowing the selling points of your book. That is why every book must have a section to share reviews and endorsements.
This section can help establish your credibility in the eyes of the reader. Do not be scared of sharing your small achievements. Every step counts in this section of your book.
1.6. Author’s Bio
Many people are interested in knowing more than what the book is about. They also want to understand the person who wrote this work. Therefore, every book must have a short and sweet author’s bio to connect with the reader.
This section must be as short as three sentences. Make sure to add a link to your author’s website and social media handles in this section to connect with the readers.
2. Ask for Input
Every author needs an objective pair of an eye during every step of writing and publishing their book. Things are no different when choosing the right cover. While you may be overwhelmed by so many options, it’s always a good idea to ask your trusted fellow for input.
These fellows can be a part of your literary circle, friends, or family. Just make sure that they have read your book and understand its characters, theme, and tone. This practice can help you determine whether your book cover is sending the right message or not.
You can also survey some people who have no idea what your book is about. Show them the cover and ask them what they think the book will be about. It can help you see if your cover is going in the right direction or if everything needs to go back to step one.
3. Use Contrast
A right contrast can help you in catching the attention of a reader from feet away. Even if it’s not the genre they came to explore at the bookstore, the contrast may make them consider a bit of change in their reading routine.
The best part is that it’s not hard to create a contrast, especially when working with professional illustrators. A right contrast can help you make a statement to impress the reader.
The most common contrast is black and white, but of course, you can use dark and light colors from the color wheel to express the tone of your book. An eye-catching contrast can also help you highlight the focal point of your book and let the reader know what their reading journey will feel like.
