Book Covers are a Vital Key to Sales Success
Don't Scrimp When Designing and Selecting a Book Cover
Feb 22, 2009
There are two costly mistakes made by many an aspiring self-published entrepreneur: one is to skimp on professional editing services and the other is not to use a professional book cover designer/graphic artist. Using the services of either can be somewhat costly, but neglecting either can lead to poor sales and an overall dreadful presentation of your work.
Despite the maxim not to judge a book by its cover, it's something everyone does.
Photos Are Not Sufficient
Often a self-published book is instantly recognizable as self-published because of the cover artwork and layout. Most aspiring self-publishers lean towards using a photo for their book cover. A clever person can magnificently manipulate a photo using any number of photography programs. But take a good look, first, at professionally published book covers. You will NOT see this type of cover. Indeed, some professionally designed book covers have no picture whatsoever.
While there is nothing wrong with using a photo on the cover of a book, it is rarely seen in professionally produced books. Do you want your book to look professionally done, or like something you did yourself?
Cover Designers
There are a plethora of book cover designers available. Simply browsing the web will give one an opportunity to investigate many. The fees for cover designer services vary widely, ranging from $200 a cover to $1000 and up. Some designers will also want a contract asking for a small percentage of gross sales. These might be best to avoid unless bookkeeping is one of your fortes. In this instance, a person might be better off paying more upfront for the cover.
Does “more expensive” mean better work? Not necessarily, but sometimes it does. A higher fee implies that the designer is successful enough to get what he/she is asking. Look carefully at designers’ websites and study samples of their work.
Look at book covers that you find attractive. Analyze what it is that specifically appeals to you? Is it the color? The layout? The fonts? Check who the cover designers of these books are.
Work With the Designer
Some designers will ask for a synopsis of the book to get an idea for the cover. Others will ask for your ideas. Sometimes it’s even possible to submit a photo to the designer and then let him/her work with that material. Most designers will submit several ideas or variations of an idea for your consideration.
Because of the work involved, expect to pay at least part of the designer’s fees upfront. Once you have established a rapport and business relationship with the designer, pre-payment may not be necessary with future covers.
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