So, you’ve written a book.
Now what?
You may be asking yourself how to make a good book cover. What is it about certain books that turns a reader who is just browsing into one who clicks? Well, many successful covers have some dos and don’ts in common.
Why is a Good Book Cover Important?
A great cover is your book’s first impression—it’s what grabs a reader’s attention and makes them pick it up (or click on it).
In a sea of other books, a professional, eye-catching cover helps your story stand out. It also sets the tone and gives readers an idea of the genre, ensuring it appeals to your target audience. Think of it as your book’s silent salesperson!
What Should You Focus on When Creating or Choosing a Cover?
-
Match the Genre
- Your cover should look like it belongs in your genre. Rom-com? Think fun pastels and illustrations. Thriller? Dark tones and bold designs.
-
Pick the Right Image
- The image should connect to your story and catch the eye—but don’t overdo it. Keep it clean and striking.
-
Choose Clear Fonts
- Your title and name need to be easy to read, no matter the size. Pick fonts that fit the mood—quirky for a comedy, sleek for a mystery.
-
Nail the Colors
- Colors set the mood. Play with complementary or contrasting colors to make your cover pop.
-
Look Professional
- Whether you DIY or hire someone, make sure it looks polished. No blurry images or mismatched elements.
-
Stand Out
- Your cover needs to grab attention on a shelf or as a tiny thumbnail online. Make it eye-catching!
-
Think Ahead
- Planning a series? Make sure your covers have a similar vibe so readers know they’re connected.
Inkitt’s Cover Design Guide
Know Your Genre
The best tip for designing a book cover? Know what’s trending in your genre. Check Amazon charts or your local bookstore’s top ten.
For example:
- Romantic comedies: Illustrated covers with pastel tones.
- Thrillers: Bold, narrow text and high-contrast blues and yellows.
Whatever your genre, understanding the current style is key!
Do Use Royalty-free Images
Once you know your genre’s cover style, it’s time to find images—but don’t grab random ones online! Make sure you have the rights to use them. You can buy stock photos or use royalty-free images from sites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Canva. To make free images feel original, try cropping or resizing them for a fresh look.
Don’t Skimp on Fonts
Make your cover pop with a great font or font pairing!
Mixing serif and sans-serif fonts, like Times New Roman with Arial, works well. Not sure what pairs together? Search “font pairing” with your favorite font for free ideas. Match your genre too—a handwritten font might suit a romantic comedy, but keep it readable by pairing it with something simple for your name.
To make the text stand out, use complementary or contrasting colors. Tools like Adobe Color can help, or try a drop shadow in Canva for extra emphasis. Keep it stylish and clear!
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Lastly, don’t stress too much about how to make a good book cover.
Of course, it helps to have an eye-catching cover to attract readers, but the most important thing is that you’ve written a good story!
