Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover. Right? Wrong!!!
Guest post by Christian Nelson
Copyeditor, Writer, and Designer
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a metaphorical phrase that advises us to not judge the value of something (or someone) by outward appearances. Apparently, the phrase was first uttered by a character in George Eliot’s book, The Mill on the Floss from 1860 and literally referred to a book cover the character was discussing.
The phrase, along with variations of the phrase, has turned out to be good advice – but strangely enough, it is not good advice when used to judge the quality of a book. It turns out that, especially today with so many books being sold online, potential buyers of your book almost always start judging the quality of the book at the first glimpse of its cover.
That glimpse is often a thumbnail on a web page. If that tiny version of the cover catches the eye in an positive way, the potential reader might click the tiny image and possibly buy your book. That’s a good start, but the cover becomes even more important when a larger version of the cover appears after the click.
It’s the all-important first impression we’ve all heard so much about. If we’re car shopping, it’s the way a car looks when we first see it that will probably turn us on or turn us off. Same as when meeting a person for the first time – our first impression is likely to be based on what that person looks like. And when we’re looking for a book to buy, whether in a bookstore or online, what will be the first thing we see? The cover, of course. And that cover better be good.
As a writer, you should realize that your book cover creates a quick image of what’s inside your book. The cover should provide a major clue regarding the genre. And if you think your book fits into the alien invaders fiction genre, but the cover portrays something that looks more like a young adult romance, your book will be lost in space. Deep space where no one will ever find it.
What will make or break your book
The general design: Is the design created in a way that ensures that it’s clear when viewed at thumbnail size? Does it look like someone just randomly plopped stuff onto the cover page? Or are the various elements balanced and placed in a way that makes sense?
The illustration or photo: In the case of a poorly designed cover, the photo or illustration often doesn’t seem connected with what the book is supposedly about. That’s not going to sell your book. The image should be in sharp focus, color-corrected, related to the idea of the book, and eye-catching (in a good way). It’s easy to find really great, inexpensive, or even free stock photos and illustrations online – or you can splurge and hire a photographer or illustrator to capture the “just right” image that’s in your mind.
The genre: Many readers tend to buy books within their favorite genre. These readers usually buy a lot of books and know exactly what they’re looking for. From across the room, these readers can spot a book cover that fits into their favorite genre…the cover design, the photo or illustration, the color palette, the typography, even the size of the book…and that’s the book they are going to grab. Your book cover *has* to fit into the genre of your book. If not…sorry…no sale.
Typography: As an old-school typographer, I know the importance of type. Properly set type sends subliminal messages to book buyers. So not only does the book title and other text on the page have to be in the right typeface, the right size, the right weight, and be kerned and spaced correctly, it also has to whisper the words the book buyer wants to hear. If the typography works, half the battle of selling the book is already won.
Color: Does it really matter that much which colors are on the cover? It’s not as if you are redecorating a house and need a decorator with a color palette. Or is it? The answer is yes. The color palette is important. Very important. A cover heavy with dark blues and shadows probably will not make a favorable impression on someone looking for a light and pleasant read. That’s just one example. Research and countless studies have shown the importance of color in setting a mood. It’s an indisputable fact. Color just has to be right.
Do the right thing
Don’t listen to anyone (including online gurus) who tell you that your book cover isn’t important. They will tell you that what matters is what’s inside the book. The great story or the important information inside. The lack of errors. Whatever. The cover is of secondary importance.
Don’t believe it. With all the hundreds of thousands of books being published every year, you need a book cover that stands out. A book cover that does its job. A book cover that looks like the writer is for real. If your book cover doesn’t meet those basic standards, potential readers will pass it by and not open your book or even click on it. No one will see the writing you have worked on. No one will buy your book.
If you want to try to design your book cover yourself, give it a shot. But before you publish your book, find an online forum (Reddit is a good place to get lots of worthwhile opinions), and see what experienced writers have to say when you show them your cover.
It’s possible that your “reviews” will be good…although unlikely. If the “reviews” aren’t that great, don’t give up. Hire a good cover designer (lots of them out there) and give your book a fighting chance.
Your work deserves it.
