Why people DO judge a book by its cover!
The saying goes: “don’t judge a book by its cover” but when it comes to publishing a book, it’s actually the complete opposite!
The cover doesn’t just protect the pages, it is a direct marketing message to your target reader. Whether it be in a bookshop or online, research has found that readers are attracted by the cover first, then the blurb on the back.
Take a look at any bookshelf and you will recognise certain genres from the type of cover they have. This is done for good reason. It immediately gives the reader an idea about what they can expect from the book, particularly if that style of cover has been used on a bestseller.
1. Communicates the Book’s Genre and Tone
A well-designed cover conveys the book’s genre and tone effectively. For example, a mystery novel might feature dark, moody imagery with bold, mysterious typography, while a romance novel could showcase softer colors and elegant fonts. These visual cues help potential readers immediately understand what kind of story they can expect and helps them make their choice according to their reading preferences.
2. Reflects the Book’s Content and Theme
The cover should accurately reflect the content and themes of the book, and should give readers a glimpse of what lies inside. For instance, a historical fiction book set in the Victorian era might feature period-appropriate imagery and typography, providing hints about the setting and atmosphere. A mismatch between the cover and content can lead to disappointed readers and negative reviews, highlighting the importance of consistency.
3. Having a Brand
You may have noticed that your favourite authors have a similar cover for their books – think of Richard Osman and his Thursday Murder Club series. You know immediately if you see one that it is part of the series and what to expect.
You may find that cover of books by authors who write in the same style and genre look quite familiar – with good reason! It implies that the content is going to be very similar and compels the reader to find out more by reading the blurb.
For authors, particularly those with a series or multiple books, a consistent cover design style can help build brand recognition. Readers who enjoyed previous works by an author are more likely to recognise and gravitate towards books with familiar design elements. This consistency can build a loyal readership and make it easier for fans to spot new releases by their favourite authors.
4. Beware of being your own designer!
If you are self publishing, it might be tempting to use your own design or to create one using a platform like Canva, but I always advise clients to get a designer if possible to create a suitable cover for their book. There is a skill to selecting the right image and font, and even though you may have a really nice image that you want to use, does it really give the right impression?
The book needs to look professional and using a piece of your own artwork may not do your book any favours as it could like amateur. Likewise, the image has to give a flavour of what the story is about. It’s no good using a random image that is quite obscure and confuses the reader. If you need to explain the cover, it probably isn’t right.
My client Steve Couch was published through Book Guild and they designed the covers of his novels for him and he was absolutely delighted! Look at the consistency in the design – he has a brand! And the images – a guitar for Dead Man Singing which is about a fading rock star and goalposts and a whistle for his latest novel, Foul and Fair, about the world of junior football, are absolutely spot on.
A well-designed book cover is a vital ingredient in the success of a book. It’s an investment that can significantly impact a book’s marketability and appeal. By creating a cover that accurately reflects the book’s content, communicates its genre, and attracts the right audience, authors and publishers can enhance the book’s chances of success in a highly competitive literary market.
Give me a call on 07702 808137 or email me at liz@brilliantfish.co.uk if you need any support or would like to chat through marketing your book.