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Synopsis
You must first realize that a book’s cover is the equivalent of a product’s packaging. 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. By utilizing these ten fundamental design tips you will greatly increase your chances of making more sales, and thereby helping more people.
What You Will Learn
1. You will learn ten fundamental design tips to help you create a great book cover.
2. You will learn how to determine what needs to be on your cover that will attract your audience.
3. You will learn how to make your cover look good in print, as well as online.
Introduction
You must first realize that a book’s cover is the equivalent of a product’s packaging. What’s on that cover, or packaging, is advertising, or promotional copy. 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 as 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 sell. So, don’t be afraid to design several covers. And don’t be afraid to hire professional help.
By utilizing these ten fundamental design tips you will greatly increase your chances of making more sales, and thereby helping more people:
Design Tip # 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 # 3.
Design Tip # 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.
Design Tip # 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.
Design Tip # 4. The Cover Images Should Reflect The Theme Of The Book
There should generally be some connection – vague, obvious, or somewhere in the middle – to the overall subject matter and theme of your book.
Design Tip # 5. Include Testimonials On The Back Cover
Put several short testimonials from big recognizable names on the back of your cover.
Design Tip # 6. Include Really Impressive Testimonial On The Front Cover
Put your most impressive short testimonial from the most recognizable person that you can get.
Design Tip # 7. Include The ISBN, The Price, And The Bookland/EAN Bar Code on Back Cover
Amazon, and every bookstore in the world, will only accept your book if it has the appropriate ISBN and Bookland/EAN bar code. It’s generally a good idea to include the cover price and its accompanying barcode, but it’s not always required.
Design Tip # 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 your book in their own mind.
Design Tip # 9. Put Information About The Author On Back Cover
Include any relevant and impressive information about the author, and possibly a headshot. This is to help convince the buyer that the author is qualified to write this book.
Design Tip # 10. Avoid White Background
Book covers with white backgrounds will simply disappear on the internet, so you should generally avoid white. But at the very least, if you do use a white cover, make sure that you create an image of it with a black border to be used online.
Conclusion
The book’s cover is your opportunity to make a great first impression and get the attention of those that need and want your help. And people really do judge a book by its cover. By utilizing these ten tips you’ll greatly increase your chances of making more sales, and helping more people.
Questions For Us To Think About And Discuss
1. What do you think would need to be on your book’s cover to attract readers?
2. Do you have anything to add to this list? If yes, what and why?
