Although we say not to judge a book by its cover, we still do.
Book covers are like mini billboard ads. They need to be catchy and memorable. They also need to represent their genres and their stories effectively. With a strong title and a strong design, you can achieve an effective book cover that will make readers want to buy your book and read your story.
If you’re a self-published author getting ready to design or get your book cover designed, here are only a few examples of book covers you can use for inspiration. Pay attention to the elements of each book cover below. As you’ll see, not all successful book covers need to be busy and colorful. Some can be simple but still powerful.
Scroll down and let me know which one makes you stop and look closer.
This one would be tough for me, since I’m no artist. The indie author I mentioned to you before designs her own art/cover. I love the design for her last book. Keep in mind if you look at the link, she’s a fantasy author so the cover is magical. She is also an artist.
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Avenged-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B0086OO07G/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347497362&sr=1-2&keywords=the+enchanted+bookstore
Her design definitely fits her genre. Thanks for sharing, Lori. 🙂
This one would be tough for me, since I’m no artist. The indie author I mentioned to you before designs her own art/cover. I love the design for her last book. Keep in mind if you look at the link, she’s a fantasy author so the cover is magical. She is also an artist.
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Avenged-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B0086OO07G/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347497362&sr=1-2&keywords=the+enchanted+bookstore
Her design definitely fits her genre. Thanks for sharing, Lori. 🙂
oops, sorry Corey, I had no idea that link would come up like that. I don’t mind if you remove it. Sometimes I still have no idea what I’m doing on WordPress. 😛
It’s okay. I’ll leave it. I didn’t have an example of a fantasy book cover anyway. 🙂
oops, sorry Corey, I had no idea that link would come up like that. I don’t mind if you remove it. Sometimes I still have no idea what I’m doing on WordPress. 😛
It’s okay. I’ll leave it. I didn’t have an example of a fantasy book cover anyway. 🙂
My reply could change given the day, but tonight I’m liking the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Mostly picked because I would like to hop into that cover a la Mary Poppins paintings and be looking out over that view!
Thanks, Sarah! That cover definitely has a beautiful and inviting image.
My reply could change given the day, but tonight I’m liking the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Mostly picked because I would like to hop into that cover a la Mary Poppins paintings and be looking out over that view!
Thanks, Sarah! That cover definitely has a beautiful and inviting image.
I’m attracted to the Look Me in the Eye and the Dark Places covers. Not sure why, but I would definitely pick these up and take a closer look.
Good choices. I still remember a few years ago when I picked up Look Me in the Eye from a bookstore because the cover intrigued me. A few minutes later, I ended up buying it. I think the cover says a lot.
I’m attracted to the Look Me in the Eye and the Dark Places covers. Not sure why, but I would definitely pick these up and take a closer look.
Good choices. I still remember a few years ago when I picked up Look Me in the Eye from a bookstore because the cover intrigued me. A few minutes later, I ended up buying it. I think the cover says a lot.