Description
Book Cover Tips for Self-Publishers: How to Make Your Book Stand Out
Hi, friends! I’m Allison Spooner, self-published author of The Lost Girl: A Neverland Story and two collections of flash fiction. With several self-published books under my belt, I’ve learned a lot about the ins and outs of publishing—and I’m here to share it all with you!
Today, we’re talking book covers. This is one of the most important (and sometimes controversial) aspects of self-publishing, and I’ve got some thoughts to share. Some might even ruffle a few feathers, but stick around until the end to hear my most “controversial” piece of advice—and let me know if you agree.
Let’s dive in.
1. Do Your Research
Your book cover is your first impression, so it needs to communicate exactly what your book is about and where it belongs. To help you nail that first impression, start by doing your research:
- Check your genre: Go to Amazon (aka “the Zon”), look up the best-selling books in your category, and analyze their covers.
- Take notes: What colors, fonts, and imagery are trending in your genre? Are there recurring design elements you notice?
- Collect inspiration: Save examples of covers you like. These can serve as inspiration or even as reference materials for your cover designer.
While you want your cover to stand out, it’s equally important for readers to immediately understand where your book belongs. For example, a romance book cover looks very different from a sci-fi or fantasy cover. Make sure your design fits the expectations of your category.
2. Avoid Being Too Clever or Cryptic
Book covers should inform, not confuse. This applies to both the cover design and the title of your book.
Ask yourself: Can readers tell what my book is about after just a quick glance? If not, rethink your approach.
This includes:
- Avoiding overly clever or cryptic titles.
- Using fonts that are bold, easy to read, and legible even at a small size (remember, readers are often viewing your cover as a thumbnail while scrolling).
For example, script fonts can look pretty, but if they’re too decorative or flourish-heavy, they can become illegible at smaller sizes. If you’re set on using a script font, make sure it’s easy to read and pairs well with the rest of your design.
Pro Tip: If you’re not a household name (yet!), let the title be the centerpiece of your cover. Your name can be smaller—usually at the bottom of the cover. For now, your name isn’t selling the book, but someday it will be!
3. Invest in a Professionally Designed Cover
Okay, here’s my “controversial” opinion that some indie authors might push back on: Do everything in your power to get a professionally designed cover.
Yes, professional covers can be expensive. But your book cover is one of the first (and most important!) investments you’ll make as a self-published author. People do judge books by their covers, so a poorly designed cover can hurt your sales even if your writing is amazing.
Here’s how to make it work, even on a budget:
Affordable Cover Design Options:
- Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs: These platforms are great for finding freelance designers who can create custom covers for lower prices.
- Pre-made covers: Many professional designers offer pre-made covers at discounted rates. Although these designs aren’t unique, you can customize the title and author name, and they’re usually well-crafted.
- New designers: Find newer (but talented!) graphic artists who are still building their portfolio. They may charge less while still delivering quality work.
What to Avoid:
Unless you’re a professional graphic designer, try to avoid designing your own book cover—especially on platforms like Canva. Canva is a great tool for certain tasks, but its limited options mean many covers look similar and might not meet professional standards.
If you absolutely have to DIY your cover, do thorough research to ensure your design looks genre-appropriate and professional. But if you can, save up and prioritize a professionally designed cover—it’s worth it.
Cut Costs in Other Areas
If money is tight, consider skimping on non-essentials (like bookmarks or swag) to free up funds for your cover. The cover is not the place to cut corners. Instead, think of it as an investment in making your book as appealing and marketable as possible.
4. Remember the Power of Your Cover
If you’re struggling to sell your book and find that readers leave great reviews but sales are still slow, take a critical look at your cover. Industry professionals will almost always advise you to check three things first:
- Your cover: Does it match your genre? Is it eye-catching and professional?
- Your book blurb: Is it compelling and free of errors?
- Your Amazon listing: Are your keywords and categories optimized for your audience?
The cover is always top of the list because it’s the first thing potential readers see. If your cover doesn’t resonate with your audience, it might be turning potential buyers away, even if your story is amazing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skimp on Your Cover
When it comes to self-publishing, your book cover is one of the most important investments you can make. It’s your book’s first impression and sets the tone for how your story is perceived.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Research your genre and understand what readers expect from your cover.
- Be clear and bold in your design—don’t confuse or alienate your audience.
- Do your best to hire a professional designer (or use high-quality pre-made covers as a budget-friendly option).
If you absolutely must design your cover yourself, approach it thoughtfully and strategically. But if you can, save yourself the headache (and sales trouble down the line) by working with a professional.
What Are Your Thoughts on Book Covers?
Do you agree with my advice, or do you think indie authors can DIY their covers just as effectively? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Also, feel free to share your self-publishing questions with me—I’m always happy to answer and help. Whether you’re just getting started or are ready to hit “publish,” we’re all in this together.
Thanks for reading, and happy self-publishing!