Finalizing your manuscript may seem like the most challenging part of being an author, but creating a book cover can also be quite demanding, especially for novice authors.
If you are unsure about the important components of a book cover, here is what you need to know.
Title and Subtitle
When thinking about an ideal book cover, you cannot overlook the impact your book title and subtitles create. It plays an important role in determining whether a potential reader will pick your work from the book aisle or explore other options.
While adding the title and subtitle to your book cover, make sure that you use the right typography. You can also seek the services of book cover designers for hire to help you make your decision. Your book cover must be unique enough to attract potential buyers but not so complicated that it becomes illegible.
In addition to choosing the right title, you must never undermine the power of subtitles. It gives you the power to tell the readers more about your genre and what you have to offer.
Author’s Name
After the title, the name of the author is important and must be mentioned on your book cover. If you have already shared your publications with the world, you will not need to give a lot of thought to this step. However, things are a bit more challenging when you are publishing your first work.
The name you write on the cover of your first book becomes a part of your brand identity. It cannot be changed every time you publish something new. Hence, you must make the final decision with a lot of consideration.
It is essential to avoid using titles like Dr. or Ph.D. with your name on a book cover. Highlighting these credentials may make you seem too formal and unapproachable rather than relatable and accessible as an expert. It can harm your reputation as an author in the long run.
Back Cover Copy
When it comes to making great first impressions, you cannot overlook the importance of a blurb. It provides a concise summary of the book’s plot, themes, or key ideas, giving readers a quick overview of what they should expect.
Most readers agree that they often make their decision to buy or place a book back in the rack based on the blurb. It can help them persuade whether your book is worth their time and money.
Make sure that the blurb for your book falls between 70-190 words. Every word written in your book cover copy is an opportunity for you to make an impact on your readers. You must make it count.
Author Headshot
You may think that the author’s name is enough for your audience to know about you. However, you should not miss out on any opportunity to connect with your audience. Adding your headshot to your book cover can also make a significant impact on your audience.
Adding an author’s photo on the book cover gives the reader an opportunity to see the author beyond their words. However, if you believe your audience may exhibit bias based on your appearance or identity, consider omitting the headshot.
Author Bio
An author bio is another important component of your book cover, especially if you still need to add an author picture. It is an opportunity for you to tell your readers about yourself beyond the book. When it comes to creating a connection with your readers, you must make the best of every opportunity.
An author bio is an ideal opportunity for you to connect with your readers and tell them something about you. However, you must avoid including personal trivia or unrelated hobbies that are not relevant to your writing career.
Readers are generally more interested in what makes you a credible or engaging author than your favorite color or pet. Hence, you must make your author bio relevant and concise.
ISBN Number and Barcode
Before you finalize your book cover, make sure to include the ISBN on the back cover and use it to generate a barcode. Some websites charge for barcode generation, while others offer it for free. Both options are effective in helping the readers find what they are looking for.
While an ISBN may not be a compulsory element for your book cover, its absence can leave an impression on your audience. The absence of these elements often makes the readers doubt the legitimacy and authority of your work.
In addition to establishing your authority as an author, a book’s ISBN helps readers by making it easier to find and accurately identify a specific edition of a book. This element helps in ensuring they get the exact title they want.
Publishing House Logo
Another great way of establishing your authority in the eyes of the readers is to use the publishing house logo. This important piece of detail at the bottom of the book cover holds more importance for the readers than you think.
If you are self-publishing your work, you can get an Assumed Name or DBA at the local courthouse by paying for a business name. Once the process has been completed, you can create a simple logo for your back cover to look professional.
Even if you are in a rush to publish your book, make sure to spend the appropriate amount of time coming up with a brilliant logo. As soon as you publish your first work with a logo, it becomes a part of your brand identity as an author and cannot be changed.
QR Code
QR codes have made life easier for authors and readers alike. Adding a QR code to your book makes it easier for authors to lead their readers wherever they want. For example, you can use a QR code to lead your readers to your website, see your other works, or visit your YouTube channel.
The possibilities of using a QR code are endless. You can do whatever you feel your readers will love.
