So, you have written a book! You followed your story line, brought closure to all you characters, written the last chapter, ended the story and finally typed THE END. Or is it? You say that you have a publisher?  Perhaps, even a book agent? All your relatives and most of your friends are anxiously awaiting the release of your newest literary work? What, then? Ah! The cover!

Maybe you have been thinking about the cover as you wrote the book, maybe not. But the cover can be the single most important thing in getting your book on the market and into the hands of the reading public.

You need a cover that attracts the attention of the casual observer who scours the shelves of his or her favorite bookstore. Before that, you will need to attract the attention of the book distributor, wholesaler and bookstore owner before your book even makes it to the retail shelf. Statistically, these buyers and readers make a decision in only a few seconds; anywhere from six seconds to ten. First and foremost, they are looking for eye appeal. The old cliché “judging a book by its cover” holds true when selling your book. That first glance at the cover can make or break your sales program. Therefore, designing the cover is just as important as the words you chose to tell your story. 

Graphics:  The type of story you wrote, governs the type of graphics you will use for your cover. It is important to “set” the cover up to sell. Graphics must appeal to the consumer. When is a graphic, TOO graphic? Simplicity is better. TOO much complexity is not favorable. You will loose your potential buyer if they have to “sort through” a graphic. Too many graphics can cause confusion. If you look in on a complex graphic, you struggle to “lock in” and “run off the road.” KEEP IT SIMPLE.

DO NOT FORGET THE INTERNET! How will your cover look as a “thumbnail” image?  Remember, in a book store, the cover should be able to be read from six feet away.  But that same cover should be able to be reduced to one inch for the internet stores and still be readable. Remember, it is only two dimensional. In closing: Your book cover must have a professional appearance and be appropriate for its purpose and its market.

Remember: The consumer spends 8 seconds looking at the front cover and 15 seconds looking at the back. You will work for hours, days, months, and maybe years to get someone’s attention for that short period of time.  Make it work! BookShelf Global Publishing has a staff of award winning graphic arts designers who can design you cover and make it work.  If BGP publishes your book, there is no cover design fee.  Submit your cover ideas or simply the title and we will make it work!