The cover of a book is a promise to the reader. This book is about . . . Will the book deliver?
At the risk of hurting some feelings, I wanted to open this topic for discussion. I’ve posted what I consider good and bad book covers. The criteria I use:
- It gets your attention- very important as a first step in buying a book.
- It is tastefully done. By this I mean it is not too busy with elements fighting each other for the eye. It uses pleasing colors and designs. Or it knocks your socks off.
- It is relevant and authentic to the title, or at least to the topic of the book. Nothing like a historical novel about Queen Elizabeth with costumes from the wrong time period on the cover.
- The title and author name don’t overpower the art. This may be just my own pet peeve- but I hate to see half the cover wasted on the author’s name. So it’s Stephen King, big deal. Notice, however, I use one of his books as an example of a good cover. After all, King’s name sells.
By the same criteria, bad book covers have none of the above, or a mishmash of all or none. So here are the ones I consider good.
Here are the ones I consider not so good.
How do you feel about these? What are your criteria?
Here are my book covers. How do they rate in your estimate?
Well, Lynne I agree with most of your points. But I disagree that a cover with the author’s name being prominent and little or no art makes the cover a bad design. I realize that you are stating a personal preference, and you also admit that King’s work sells because of his name. But for a well known author, I believe having the name prominent and very little art makes a good cover design. It’s great marketing. And it definitely catches my attention on the shelf, especially when I love reading that author’s work. It’s also a specific style for some genre fiction – such as thrillers.
BTW – I like all of your cover designs! :0)
Thanks, Indy. I think when you’re big like King, it’s okay to go “big.” But for new, undiscovered authors, I’m not so sure. Glad you like my covers!
Your covers are elegant, Lynne. The colors are pleasing and don’t fight with each other. There is a good balance between the size of the title and your name. The fonts are attractive.
All of your covers are great covers. 🙂
Thanks so much, Pearl. Now I hope the inside stories are as good!
Lynne Kennedy, I thought your post was concise and informative. I agree that good book covers do attract the serious reader. I did not like any of those you chose as not so good. They were too busy with various characters and too many colors. I did like your choice of good book covers. Your covers were tastefully done and caught my eye. Now I want to read them!
Thanks Michaeline. That was what I hoped for. If the stories are as good as the covers, it’s a winning combo!
I did notlike the not so good book covers. Toobusy, too many colors and the Zombie Raccon, etc. one too scary for my taste. I think your book covers were well done. Now I want to read your novels.
Thanks again!
I agree with your good and bad book cover choices except The Hoarders. Yikes. It made my eyes cross. Your book covers certainly fit your titles though.
Thanks, Patricia. I know what you mean about The Hoarders. But I think that was exactly the point. Gave me the willies, which “hoarders” do in general. I appreciate your comments.