.jpeg?picon=893)
Is there a magic formula to creating a book cover—one that readers will pull off the shelf?
In the past authors paid little attention to the subject of book covers, that was the domain of the publishing house. With the increase in self-publishing, however, it helps to have at least a basic understanding of what makes a knock-out cover. Just what is it that will make one book cover stand out from the rest? What entices a reader to explore the inside of that eBook? The text is important; a title to grab their attention and a synopsis to pull them in. But text alone won’t do it—how many times have you reached for a plain book with no pictures and only text on the cover?
WOW! discussed the text side of book covers in a previous post. Today we’ll take a look at cover images with Steena Holmes. You might know Steena as a bestselling author, but did you know she is also a cover artist? Let’s pose a few questions to her!
WOW: Hi Steena, we’re interested in learning the magic of cover art—what makes a reader pull a book off the shelf.
When we talk about the images chosen for a book cover, what are we looking for? Is it to portray the story or summon an emotional response?
Steena: For me it would be an emotional response.
WOW: Are there guidelines for what images work best? What are people drawn to—images of other people, scenic shots…?
Steena: I think this might depend on the skill of the designer and what they prefer, as well as what you want on the cover. Often you’ll see a scenic shot behind a person, etc.
WOW: So, basically we are looking for a mood.
If an author has an image, a family picture for a memoir or perhaps the author’s own illustration, can a cover artist work with that?
Steena: Absolutely ;)
WOW: I remember hearing an advertising rule about including a bit of red to draw attention. Are there any similar rules or statistics for the color templates on book covers?
Steena: That would be the same rule where if you look at design magazines--for kitchens, you used to always see red apples in a bowl somewhere in the shot. Now you see pomegranates. Or bold yellow lemons, bright green apples...I love having red in a cover--I have red balloons on my cover for Finding Emma...but I think bottom line is as long as there is a bold image, something that really pops out to a reader, that is what matters.
WOW: I love the cover for Finding Emma. Another one of my favorites is What If by Kelly Rae (Paperback), also one of your creations—the red scarf flying in the breeze
4 Comments on The Perfect Cover Up: Creating a Knock-Out Book Cover, last added: 5/28/2012
Display Comments
Add a Comment
Thanks for the great interview! My publisher recently asked me, what do you want for a cover? and I was like uh.... Even if you're traditional pubbed, you may be asked this question and it's good to have an answer! I love the idea of the red.
Hi Sharon,
How nice that your publisher is asking! :)
Amazing post! Thanks a lot for sharing.
Very interesting info. Thanks a lot for this post!