I wasn’t able to get all the cover design tips that I had in one post, so here’s a second one. I know there are so many tips and suggestions. And not everyone is going to agree with everything, but hopefully these tips will help you create a stunning cover.
Note: These are NOT real stories, or real covers. I just make them.
Cover #1
One thing that is important when you design a book cover is the title. You must be able to read the title without straining your eyes or having to look a second time for it. For this cover the title is nearly the same color as the clouds. An easy solution would be to choose a darker blue or gray so that the title is clearly seen. That might take care of the problem. If it’s still hard to read at a glance, the font might need to be changed to something a little easier to read.
Cover #2
I know, you are all looking at this cover and wondering what on earth is wrong with it! Nothing. Well, nothing that’s obvious. But the main character is not a blond. She had dark hair and it’s summer in the story. I’ve seen so many covers that might look attractive but don’t have anything to do with the story. Or the character on the cover isn’t from the story inside the cover. It can get quite frustrating for a reader when that happens. So make sure you design a cover that matches the story.
Cover #3
Anyone know what the problem with this cover is? Yep, fonts. Too many different fonts to be exact. You should never have more than 3 different fonts on a graphic/cover. While this cover only has 4 fonts (because I just couldn’t make myself add another one 😉 ), it’s too many. The last two words should either be in the same font or one should be in the same font as “Everywhere.” You might also notice that the shadows on the “I” and “Go” are on opposite sides of the letters. This creates a very strange image.
I would probably leave the author name as it is because it’s simple and plain, and doesn’t distract from the title.
Cover #4
What’s this story about? Would you pick it up to read if you just saw the cover? Probably not. Is there anything really wrong with it? No, but it doesn’t give you a feeling of what the story could be about. You might guess it’s a western because of the font, and it could be. But, as my sister said, it’s boring. 🙂 You don’t really want a boring cover if you want people to see it and be interested enough to pick it up and read it. The goal of a book’s cover is to attract readers.
Now, if I did something as simple as making the left arrow-thing (what do you call that?) shorter and adding a picture . . . Look at the images below and see if they attract your attention. And no, I don’t have a series written for them. 🙂
So, what did you think? Were these tips helpful? Would you suggest any other changes to any of these covers? Did any of them make you want to read the book (if they were actual covers)?
So neat! Wonderful tips! And I would love to reat the Woodbreak books (hint hint!)
I thoughts sounded kind of fun too. 😉 As of now I have zero ideas for them, but . . . We’ll see what happens. 🙂
I like the Woodbreak series covers too! Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome. And maybe I’ll write the series. Someday. Maybe. 😉
Ahem, I also would read the Woodbreak series. I don’t know what it’s about, but I’m interested already! Love the covers!
See what a cover can do? 😛 I just need an idea or two or 4. 😉
These are so helpful!! And I DO want to read the Woodbreak series *grins* The covers are so amazing and intriguing!!
Glad you are finding these helpful.
*thinks hard for idea* Now I’m feeling the pressure. I guess I should come up with a story or 4. But I’m glad they interested you enough to want to read them even without a description.
P.S. If you decide you want to do Camp NaNo next month there is room in my cabin.