Blogger: Rachel Kent
I am on my way to ICRS, but I’ll do my best to participate today.
One of my clients has a new release out, and I think the cover is stunning. Here it is:
The three elements I think are universal to all amazing covers are:
1) A large, readable title. It’s so important to have a clear title because so many books are purchased online these days. A title should be readable when the cover is thumbnail-sized.
2) A clearly visible author name. A large author name draws more attention. As readers, we’re used to seeing big author names on books, so we pay more attention to books with large type for the author name. It also looks good.
3) An image that hints at the time-period, setting, or topic of the book. Karen’s book shows a car from the 1920s (hard to see on a small image), and the woman on the cover is wearing a 1920s hat. The font and the dark color on the cover show that it’s a suspenseful read. As far as nonfiction goes, a recent book I saw about church planting had a sketch of a church on the front. It was obvious from the cover that it was nonfiction and about church. Readers look for these clues before picking up a book or clicking a link to read the description.
Do you agree that these three elements are important for book covers? Why or why not?
Do you have any elements to add?
Have you seen an amazing cover without all three of these? Could it have been even better if these three elements were present?
TWEETABLES
What makes a good book cover? Via literary agent @RachelLKent Click to tweet.
Three elements that make a great book cover. A list by @RachelLKent. Click to tweet.
Yes.
I’m currently reading the ARC version of Mistaken for review, and the reason I selected it is exactly what you’ve said: strong cover image and font that evokes an interesting time (1920’s) with an element of suspense. And a mysterious tag line doesn’t hurt…
Thanks for taking the time to review Mistaken, Lola! I hope you enjoy Laurie’s story. 🙂
Thanks! Enjoy the story! 🙂
Rachel, thank you for this post. After 25+ years in marketing and advertising, I can tell you I’ll negotiate contracts with a specific eye toward input on the book cover. And I’ll also research the publisher’s graphic-design department, and their other recent covers, before I even pick up the pen to sign.
It doesn’t matter what’s inside. The cover, after word-of-mouth, is what makes the person reach for that product, or click the “buy” button. It’s just Marketing 101. Critical.
Best wishes at ICRS to you and the rest of the B&S team.
Norma
Thank you, Norma!
Lovely colors, the only thing that seems out of place are the lights from the vehicle: certainly supposed to invoke mystery, but it doesn’t seem to match the “feel” of the rest of the cover (probably because, for me, it makes the white-colored text that it touches a bit hard to read; just a personal preference, as I prefer bold titles that stand out from the rest of the cover, which it appears the title design was doing with placing the white-colored text against the darkness of the trees, and the lights from the vehicle seems to counter-act that design choice).
I think one element that should be considered is uniqueness.
For example, if one has a fantasy novel, how will cover art of wizards or monsters differentiate ones’ book from all the others with similar cover art? Or any other genre?
How do we, as authors and as readers choose which particular book to read when there is similar cover art? (Assuming we are only talking about authors / books/ series we don’t know).
Regarding the questions you asked, Rachel, I’ve noticed that much of contemporary literary fiction often doesn’t seem to have cover art reflecting the setting, topic, or content of the book: mostly minimalist stuff, a bit of geometry and bold colors tossed together. Of course, that is “literary” fictions way of presenting its particular genre-themed cover art, much as literary fiction has become itself just another genre.
Speaking of cover art, I know there are quite a few self-pub authors here, so I was wondering what your thoughts are on cover art? Since a self-pub author commissions his / her cover art, are there any particular themes or design choices that you feel that as a self-pub author you can have for your novel that a traditional publisher would not choose for your novel?
How do you choose what style of art to go with for your cover art? Have you noticed trends for self-pub authors in regards to cover art?
It’s funny, Larry–the headlights are probably my favorite part. I feel like it draws your eyes down to the title. But I can see what you’re saying about the contrast.
Uniqueness is a nice addition!
With cover art for self-pubbed books quality is most important–at least in my opinion. Putting in the money or effort to get a cover that looks professional will pay off, I believe.
Also have readers review your back cover copy to make sure it really gives a good sense of your story.
Indeed, I agree it is very important to have readers give feedback on cover art; after all, they are the ones who might make a purchasing decision based on it.
Excellent post, Rachel. Covers are so important. If a cover doesn’t appeal to me, it’s not likely I’m picking up the book at all, which means I don’t even get to the stage of finding out what the book is about.
Larry brings up some interesting questions about self-published authors. For a soon to be self-published book I am editing, the woman paid a cover art designer. She told him basically what she wanted and he designed a fabulous cover. Even though I’m not into paranormal, this cover is really cool. That said, I sit back and wonder if this is the same type of cover a traditional publisher would have designed. How do they compare? This is one of those things that keeps me from self-publishing. How do I know my ideas for a book cover are marketable?
Hope you have a blessed time at ICRS.
I do wonder if it’s best for self published authors to make the book look like it’s not self published? I do not know the answer.
I would echo Rachels’ suggestion from earlier, in that it could be helpful to get some feedback from readers, since they, after all, might make their purchasing decision based on the cover.
Of course, this does have its drawbacks, as one wouldn’t want to design a cover by committee, after all, much like how one wouldn’t want to write a novel that way.
Another way to consider it, is to look for an artist who has experience crafting cover art for the particular genre of your book, and to see what sales data there are for those books (Amazon ranking, for example), or look for reader feedback on places like Amazon or Goodreads to see if the cover art is mentioned by readers as being part of what they like about the novel, or if it helped make them decide to buy the book or not.
I agree. Even though we “know” we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover or whatever, everybody does it, so it’s necessary to have a good design. I think the cover art for Mistaken is beautiful and a little bit haunting. Definitely intriguing. I can’t wait to read it. (Congratulations, Karen! So happy for you. :-))
Thanks, Ashley!
Love-love-love that cover! Now I need to read the book. I like what you said, Rachel, about a clearly visible author name. It is frustrating when I pick up a book or look at one online and find myself hunting for the name of the author. The only other element I might add would be an incredible hook, just like Karen’s, close to the title.
I totally agree, Rachel. Have fun at ICRS!
Blessings,
Andrea
Gothic romance novels from the 90s inevitably had girls with a distraught look on their face running from creepy houses. This consistent kind of cover made me want to read the innards of the book, even if the author was unknown to me.
I don’t need to see the face of a story character on a cover, but I do appreciate an view of the story setting on the front. Also, an intriguing title causes me to snatch up the book and turn it over to read the back blurb.
Good points! The title is important too! Yes!
I was in our local Wal Mart the other day and I saw Karen Witemeyer’s newest release, Stealing the Preacher, and I was reminded again why covers are so important. Karen’s cover is gorgeous and sitting next to a hundred other books, it really stood out. I think you’ve nailed it, Rachel! Easy to read title, prominent author name and a great image.
I agree with the three elements you listed for great covers, Rachel. I used to wander through a big chain bookstore during my lunch hour back before I began working from home, and those were definitely the key factors for me picking up an unknown book — an author I liked, an intriguing title, or an image that sparked my imagination. If the cover had all three, there was no way it was going back on the shelf!
When I sat down several months ago to begin plotting out my first serious attempt at a novel, I was surprised to discover that I had to create a cover image before I could proceed. Something about selecting the picture and the title and the font really helped crystallize what the story was for me. Now I have the mock-up as wallpaper on my desktop so it is always at the forefront of my thoughts when I sit down to write at night.
I hate to admit it but I do choose books sometimes based on the cover. I love the cover for my new book and I do think it has those elements! Yay!
The cover is beautiful and intriguing. I love the colors!
The three elements you mentioned are important, Rachel, but for me, the most important element is the title. That is the thing that will get me to pick up a book (or sometimes the author’s name if he/she is one of my favorites). So the title, as you say, should be prominent.
One of the things I like about the MISTAKEN cover is that the title an author’s name are about the same width. That gives the whole cover balance. Balance shows up again in the parallel of the lines of the woman’s neck, the line of her lower face, and the line of the tallest tree. All of this makes it feel “put together” which makes me anticipate an equally put together story. The other thing I like about the cover is that it is simple and elegant. I love STAR WARS books (my guilty pleasure) and their covers often have too many elements in them. The covers often seem too busy. But since I’m already sold on the SW universe, I overlook the covers and focus on the story synopsis and check to make sure the novel has my favorite characters in it.
Enjoy the IRCS and have a blessed weekend!
Great point! Title is also important!!!
I’ve seen some really beautiful covers with such luxurious detail I wanted to buy the book just to possess the image. MaryLu Tyndall’s book Forsaken Dreams has such a beautiful dress it drew me in to want to know more.
I also have a pet issue with covers. I much prefer NOT to see a complete face. Though I like authors to give me descriptions of people, I like to be able to conjure up the details of the character myself. Then I feel I own them more. The one above gives just enough without telling us what to think.
I agree with preferring to imagine how a character looks instead of having an “official” look, but I always consider cover art to usually just be another interpretation of how the character looks; of course, then like with film, where there are some actors who “define” a character, there are some examples of cover art where it really does a great job of defining the character.
Now THAT was a shock! I open up the Books & Such blog and see my cover splashed across it. What a pleasant surprise. Thank you, Rachel!
I absolutely adore the cover–the colors, the font, the cloche hat, the mysterious woman, the dark trees, and especially the way the headlights of the vintage car shine through the title. As a first-time author, I was very nervous about the cover art, so when I saw this image, I squealed with glee. It’s nothing like I expected, but so, SO perfect. It truly captures the opening scene of the story.
I’m so pleased to have this beautiful piece of art connected to my name. I feel a little guilty when people compliment me on it, because I had very little to do with designing the image. Abingdon Press and Anderson Design Group deserve all the credit. I am so grateful for their talent and expertise.
Three simple elements, yet so true. I don’t ever make a decision because of the cover, but sometimes I pick a book up because of it. Online, I’m less likely to think cover. More important is if I can read the first few pages. That will cinch a story for me.
Just wanted to add that I would definitely pick up this book.
So glad to hear that, Linda! I hope you enjoy it!
I definitely agree with Rachel on what makes a good book cover. As much as we all hate the idea of first impressions being the one that matters it is true. If I am not drawn to something right away it may take months or years before I get around to reading it. Case in point — put this book beside the owners manual of your refrigerator. Which one would you pick up first?!
I love the colors and design of Mistaken. I can see why someone might not like the headlights, but if you remove them the cover doesn’t work as well for me. To me they add a hint of mystery as if someone is bearing down on me with their car. I almost want to jump out of the way. But then again I’m a mystery fan since childhood.
I am waiting for Amazon to get my issue of this book mailed to me. Hope someone else isn’t Mistaken for me and they get my copy!
I’ve never read a post that so clearly defines what makes a good cover. Thank you! I’ve noticed a couple of minor elements, too. Colors. Sometimes the colors do not blend well, and although that probably doesn’t stop a reader from buying the book if they are looking for that particular book or author, but if the customer is just shelf-shopping, I think it can have a negative effect. The colors of Karen’s book are gorgeous!
I’d squeal with glee about the cover right along with you, Karen. It’s gorgeous. Also, I want to underscore the point made about the title and author name showing up clearly in large print, so no one will be Mistaken about these vital selling points. I’ve aborted several purchases because of a cover’s weak message. I can’t wait to read it.
One thing that matters a lot is the spine. Since only a few books are displayed in stores with the cover out it’s important to have the title and author’s name in big letters that contrast with the background.
Great point! Spines and backs are important too. 🙂
I’m learning a lot about covers, at least for e-versions, buy following along with Joel Friedlander’s monthly cover contests. http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/06/e-book-cover-design-awards-may-2013/
He even reviewed my new cover. 🙂
*by arghhhhhh
Rachel Kent, the newly released (June 11, 2013) The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel has the three elements you wrote about on its cover. It also names the author’s first book, The Red Leather Diary. The author’s website is http://www.astronautwivesclub.com.
While I realize this post is about how a cover draws a reader in, which hopefully will result in more sales, I would like to mention that this past winter I helped put books into an automated system at my county library, and the bar code was placed at the top left corner of the front cover.
This sometimes covered up part of the first word, thus making it impossible to know what the title was. (Because I often choose to read a book by its title.) When I asked the librarian if it was possible to move the bar code to the back, or place it inside of the front cover, she told me we had to be in compliance with the rest of the libraries in our federation–each of which had voted on where to put the bar code. And that was where they had decided to place it.
For this reason, I decided that when my books were published, I’d ask that the title and author name be placed closer to the middle of the cover so that anyone putting information on the book would not obliterate them.
This is a little thing, but something authors and agents might want to be aware of.
I thought of this in looking at Karen’s exquisite cover, and realizing that at least the KA of her first name would be covered by our bar code. Thank you for the three rules, Rachel, they make a lot of sense, and Karen’s cover follows them all.
One of the most appealing covers I’ve seen recently is Tim Owen’s “The Search Committee.” Simple, with two little lamb faces at the bottom. It certainly made me pick it up, especially with the hook line, “Sheep need a shepherd…Some more than others.” Brilliant.