If you haven’t heard, designing your book cover is very important. It’s the first thing that people see when they come in contact with your book. The hard part is knowing how to design a book cover. For tips on how to start designing your book cover, read more here.
Unfortunately, sometimes when you are designing something it is easy to get stuck. That’s why we compiled a list of some of the best book covers to give you inspiration and motivation in making your own book cover.
Hurt People by Cote Smith
We love this one designed by Donna Cheng. The cover gives the book texture and depth. It makes the readers want to reach out and touch the paper to see how it really feels. Fun fact, when people touch or hold products, their brain develops a connection with the object. They are then more likely to purchase or use the product. If you want to increase book sales, make your cover stand out. Give a reason for people to look closer and hold it in their hands.
A Burglar’s Guide to the City by Geoff Manaugh
Designed by Nayon Cho, this cover draws in the reader right away. Its unique typography hints at the story beneath its pages.
Imagine Me Gone by Adam Haslett
This book cover goes against the grain by incorporating the design on both the front and back cover, and we love it for that. Designed by Keith Hayes, Imagine Me Gone builds suspense before the readers even turn the pages.
Against Happiness by Eric G. Wilson
Who would’ve ever thought that one background color and text could make an enticing book cover. The success of this book cover comes from its simplicity. Designed by Jennifer Carrow this cover does not need any extra text or images to draw the reader in.
The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson
This cover has a lot going on. Designed by Alex Merto, it shows two sides of the story. The competing colors and styles provide an intriguing image that is hard to look away from.
How the Dead Live by Derek Raymond
This book cover wins us over for the haunting image that it provides. The broken plate takes up almost the entire frame of the book. It is impossible to overlook it. One flaw most authors fall into is relying too much on the title. Our brains can comprehend images much quicker than text. Christopher King, the designer of this cover, made an excellent choice when he chose to highlight the image over the title.
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
This is a classic designed by Chip Kidd. Most people can’t even hear the words “Jurassic Park” without picturing the cover. Its minimalist design works because it draws the reader in with curiosity. Book covers don’t have to be loud and extravagant to receive attention. In fact, sometimes the more subtle covers work best.
Loneliness by John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick
This cover is another simple design that works. The dot over the i is left all alone in the upper right hand corner. It reminds the viewers of how it feels to be all alone. It’s interesting how one dot can evoke emotions. Peter Mendelsund did a great job understanding his audiences when he designed this cover.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The longer you look at this cover the more intriguing it becomes. At first glance it is just a man burning. However on further investigation you can see that he is made of newspapers. This image, along with the colors, creates a feeling of burning and heat that plays perfectly with the title. Designed by Joe Mugnaini, this cover is one of our favorites.
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Another classic. Designed by Roger Kastel, this cover was so good that when the book was converted into a movie the producers kept it as the movie poster image. Of course there were some minor adjustments, but there is no reason why your book cover can’t make it to Hollywood.
Your Turn
These book covers do their job of enticing the reader to stop and pick up the book, which is half the battle. We hope that these images help motivate you to go out and design the next best book cover. Give your readers a reason to stop at your book. We know you can do it!
However, if you need help, here at Alexanders we help authors design stunning book covers and print their books. We have a creative team that can give your book an outstanding look. Contact us below or call us at 801-224-8666 to receive personalized print marketing tips for your next book.
