When designing or having a book cover made
for you, being aware of and comprehending the components of a book cover
will help you make the greatest marketing choices. Despite what the
cliché goes, people will evaluate your book based on its cover rather
than its substance. It might determine whether readers choose to buy it
or simply pass it by as they browse the web.
Additionally, keep in mind that you want to design your book cover to draw in the correct kind of readers. The anatomy of a book cover will be explained in detail in this article, and you’ll learn how to build your own from the ground up so that it’s ready to sell.
Components of a Book Cover
The last creative step before publishing a
book is designing the cover. Because the trim size, paper color, and
page count are all determined by the final, edited version of the book,
practically every aspect of a book cover’s anatomy is within its
control.
There is never a good
reason to create the cover before the final draft is complete because
you’ll probably have to do it again anyhow.
Whether you’re an
independent publisher or a self-published author, you need to know what
your target market wants in order to make wise, data-driven business
decisions.
Research 20 to
50 books in your genre before you begin designing the covers, breaking
down each cover into its component pieces. Take note of each cover’s
layout, image, fonts, spine, front and back covers as well as other
details.
On each cover, jot down a quick note. Which one inspired you to read them? Look for recurring themes in the areas of your most fascinating studies. You are prepared to begin creating your cover once you have finished writing, revising, and conducting your research.
Frontpage
The first physical component of a book is its front cover. It serves a single objective: to attract the correct readers and help the book sell.
The title and author’s name are two crucial components of a front cover. The subtitle (if there is one) and photos, background images, or graphics are optional components.
Cover Images
Whether you employ a custom illustration, a
stock photo that has been modified, or bespoke photography, imagery is
the foundation of your cover and will influence all subsequent choices,
including where the text will be placed. The impact and quality of your
cover image are essential because it will be used as a thumbnail in
online shops.
For instance, the cover for Angela
Morrison's Sing Me to Sleep is based on a Shutterstock image of two
hands that a designer modified, tweaked, and overlaid with additional
elements to achieve the intended effect.
If a cover image is successful, it will:
⦁ Tell us what genre the author writes in.
⦁ Give people suggestions about the book’s substance and persuade them to read it.
Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words. All the thousands of words in the novel in this situation need to be told (or sold).
Typography
Choose fonts based on the content and tone
you’re going for because they convey information more effectively than
the words they spell out. Don’t use typefaces so creatively that your
title and other information are difficult to understand.
Set the correct tone with your typeface; pick a flowing font to imply romance, a whimsical font for fun, and a powerful, bold font to evoke a sense of drama or adventure.
Title
Don’t think like the author; think like a
reader. Aim for simplicity over cunning. People read your title as their
first (and perhaps only) point of contact. Does it visually convey what
the book is about?
Your objective is to show potential readers what the book is about and evoke a sensation in them that offers them an idea of what reading the book will be like via the use of visual components and design.
Subtitle
Only use a subtitle if it is necessary to elaborate or clarify the subject of your work. Your subtitle should ideally support the title and provide more descriptive information. If it makes sense, include any searchable keywords that aren’t in your title, especially if you’re going to be e-publishing.
Back cover
Your front cover succeeded in its goal if
the customer read all the way to the back cover; it piqued their
curiosity enough to encourage them to pick up the book again. Now it is
the back cover’s responsibility to captivate them to the point where
they feel driven to purchase the book.
The book’s description on
the back cover, which provides sufficient detail to make the reader
unable to refuse the purchase, is its most crucial component.
If
the book is scholarly or professional, the back cover of the paperback
should also include your headshot, biography, and credentials.
Additionally,
the International Standard Book Number (or ISBN number) and the
associated barcode should have space on the rear cover. All books now
have 13-digit ISBN codes as of 2007. Finally, any book reviews and, if
pertinent to the book, your corporate logo, should be included on the
back cover.
Summary or panel copy
Similar to how a movie trailer gives people
a teaser, this should briefly outline the various sections of your book
and showcase the highlights.
It serves as an advertisement for the book and should convince readers that they should buy it as well as explain what to expect. It is not a summary of your motivations for writing the book.
Your author bio
A maximum of three sentences should be used
in this. When introducing yourself and outlining your most recent
accomplishments, especially if your book is fiction, be sure to convey
your individuality.
Describe yourself and your current work while establishing your qualifications if your book is nonfiction. Make readers feel connected to you and the book by using your author bio.
Spine
A spine text design that includes the primary title and author’s last name is also required for finished books that are longer than 130 pages.
Ensure that it can be viewed in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Conclusion
Even if you are not a skilled artist or designer, investing in a great book cover is a surefire method to achieve the desired result. A traditional publisher would never skip this step, so you shouldn't either.
A professional, stunning cover that really sells your book is a valuable promotional tool.
