Have you ever thought about book covers? Do you know why readers like and love certain covers over other ones? And same question if you’re an author. When you want to create a book cover you have options.

If you’re creative enough you can create your own cover. And for the rest of us, we can find talented family, friends and professionals able to create covers that fit our stories snug within our budget. And when you get a cover for free, remember to be gracious and say thank you afterward because the person’s heart was in the right place.

My own book cover evolved over time, and the first design looks completely different compared to the final version.

When I started writing I wanted to be inspired, so I found and paid a designer $25.00 on Fiverr.com and what they created turned out so good, I thought – wow this is perfect. This is my book cover.

Then I started watching videos about cover design on YouTube. I learned how and why book covers fail and succeed and what every bestselling book should have on the cover that results in higher sales. And yes, this is applicable to every genre. You don’t have to spend all kinds of mad money to create the consummate cover for your book. Search online for books in your genre to be aware of what these books look like.

Want your book to sit next to other best sellers?

Search on best sellers in your genre and identify all the common elements, themes, features, fonts, figures, object and scenery that continues to appear on these covers. Next, search online and find photos and art you like and love you feel can use on your cover. And when finding perfect photos and art is elusive, you can always find a best fit professional designer able to bring your vision to life.

As I started watching book design videos I discovered Derek Murphy on You Tube. Derek’s a generous genius who overshares a ton of invaluable information and insight on book covers, editing, publishing, marketing and so much more. Here’s a couple of links I found helpful shown below you can check out, explore and discover what content is most beneficial to you:

Principles of bestselling book covers https://www.creativindiecovers.com/principles-of-bestselling-book-cover-design/

What makes a good book cover design https://www.creativindiecovers.com/what-makes-a-good-book-cover-design/

Mentioned in this video:
1.Contrasting colors
2.One color scheme
3.Matching sets (for series)
And more.

Bestselling Book Cover Design Secrets
https://www.creativindiecovers.com/bestselling-book-cover-design-secrets/

Best fonts (DIY book covers)
https://youtu.be/h1_qoob1bBE

Free Book cover design software and templates
https://www.creativindiecovers.com/free-book-cover-design-software-and-templates/

Why you shouldn’t get book designs through Fiverr.com (rampant copyright infringement) https://youtu.be/KvwxCyUFJUE

Sci-Fi / space opera book cover design tutorial https://youtu.be/F_5fgmF4uQQ

How to make a fantasy book cover
https://youtu.be/0VIMYCloAZo

How to design an urban fantasy book cover
https://youtu.be/z0S6rd1QHVs

Derek Murphy’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/DerekMurphy

May these links, my blog posting and evolution of my book covers offer some value and benefit, and if you still have questions, I’m happy to share help and share what I know and provide applicable links.

Here’s to creating and having the best fit cover designs that draw readers in, and get them to pick up and read your books.

Cheers,
Joseph