Book Covers & Spines

Book Covers & Spines

by

Valerie Allen

The front cover can sell your book. It must invite the readers’ attention, encourage them to select your book, get them to hold it in their hands, move them to flip through the pages, and help them decide to buy. A daunting task!

Browse in bookstores, and observe patrons as they scan a book cover. How long do they view the cover before placing the book back on the shelf or carrying it to the checkout? Research shows it is about 30 seconds or less.

     The front cover must be clear and convey the theme of your book. With non-fiction, this is usually straightforward information and often has a sub-title to provide details that are more specific. A fiction title can be misleading; for this reason, the book cover is even more important to convey the story concept.

The two most prominent parts of your book cover are the book title and your name. The title should be easily read from a distance of three feet.

     The cover of your book is the first step in getting a buyer’s attention. Unless you are an expert in graphics or photography, it is well worth your time and money to hire a professional to design your book cover or allow the publisher to do so.

If your book passes the front cover test, the reader will turn the book over to scan the back cover. This is a good sign.

The back cover should continue the color scheme and story theme. It should have the book title, your name, reviews or quotes. Additionally, the back cover displays the ISBN, price, bar code, and key words for display and marketing purposes.

     The back cover is also the place to add something significant about yourself, your experience, awards, and your credentials to boost your credibility as an author.

This is the place for your photo. Unless it is a memoir, use a current picture. The background in the photo can lend itself to further you or your book’s theme. Try not to date yourself with clothing, jewelry or hairstyle. These will make an impression on the reader as well, so choose carefully.

     Books with the front cover facing out attract more attention; however, most books are displayed spine out toward the prospective buyer. The wider the spine, the easier it is to read. The spine should have the book title, your name and the publisher’s name and/or logo.

     When designing the outer parts of your book, remember, white space sells. It’s easier for the reader to find details about you and your book if the information is widely spaced between each paragraph and block of text. An exterior crowded with text, graphics, and bright color can create visual overload.

Excepted from: Write, Publish, Sell! Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ideas for the Marketing Challenged 2nd Ed.by Valerie Allen 

Valerie Allen is a long-time member of the www.NLAPW.org (Pen Women).