You must first realize that a book’s cover is the equivalent of a product’s packaging. What is on that cover, or packaging, is advertising. You must figure out what needs to be on that cover in order for a buyer to choose your book over the many others that cover the same topic. What needs to be on your book’s cover that will draw in, or attract, a buyer? You must separate yourself from your personal feelings about your book, and think like the buyer would think. What would attract you to a book like yours? Your book cover’s ability to attract buyers will have a direct effect on how well your books sells. So, don’t be afraid to design several covers. And don’t be afraid to hire professional help.
1. The Title Should Be Readable From Six Feet Away
This is a good general rule for most book covers. This is especially important if you ever plan on having your book on the shelf of a bookstore. This will also help with design tip number 3.
2. The Font Should Be Readable And Appropriate
If your cover’s font is too fancy or complicated, it will be too difficult for buyers to read your cover. This will also be important when it comes time to reduce the image of your book cover that will be viewed on the internet. Don’t be afraid to use one font for the main title, and another for the subtitle.
3. The Cover Should Be Recognizable As A Thumbnail Picture
This is extremely important in today’s internet world. Most buyers today will only see your book’s cover as a tiny image before they buy it.
4. The Cover Images Should Reflect The Theme Of The Book
There should be some connection to the overall subject matter and theme of your book.
5. Include Testimonials On The Back Cover
Put several testimonials from big recognizable names on the back of your cover.
6. Include Really Impressive Testimonial On The Front Cover
Put your most impressive testimonial from the most recognizable person that you can get.
7. Include The ISBN, The Price, And The Bookland Bar Code on Back Cover
Amazon, and every bookstore in the world, will only accept your book if it has the appropriate Bookland bar code.
8. Include Bookstore Shelving Category On Back Cover
You put this on your back cover so that the bookstore clerks don’t put your book in the wrong section of the bookstore. It also helps the buyer quickly categorize the book in their own mind.
9. Put Information About The Author On Back Cover
Include any relevant and impressive information about the author, and possibly a picture. This is to help convince the buyer that the author is qualified to write this book.
10. Avoid White Background
Book covers with white backgrounds will simply disappear on the internet, so you should generally avoid white.
This article was written by Joseph C. Kunz, Jr. and originally posted on KunzOnPublishing.com