The best book cover design books (and must-know design tips)

Book cover design is one of the biggest elements of a book’s success, especially for self-published and indie authors trying to make a memorable first impression. That’s why we’ve found the best book cover design books to help your design, plus outlined a tonne of tips that’ll inspire one of the most important marketing tools for your book.

The right cover design tells potential readers what to expect, drawing them into your story or message, and making them choose your book over the gazillions of others on offer. 

So, how do you create a cover that captivates? Should you DIY it? And what are the best book cover design books to guide you?

Let’s break it down, fellow authors. 

How to create a great book cover design

When you’re thinking about how to design a book cover, start by defining the book’s mood, genre and unique elements that make it special. 

A cover should give readers a visual sense of your book’s personality. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Know your reader: Think about your ideal audience and get into the weeds with their likes and dislikes within your chosen genre. A romance novel cover will look quite different from a thriller cover, with specific color palettes, typography and imagery that speak to those genres.
2. Highlight the genre: Covers act as instant signals for genre. Thrillers might use darker tones and bold fonts, while fantasy might have intricate, magical elements. You probably know this already, even subconsciously, given the book you wrote is most likely in the same genre as the books you read.
3. Make it readable: Your title and author name should be easy to read, even in thumbnail size. At this point in your early career, it’s probably best to ensure the book title reigns supreme over your author name. Avoid overly decorative fonts for titles, and instead choose something that reflects the book’s tone (but maintains clarity).
4. Balance the simple with the complex: Striking covers are often the simplest. These days, powerful image or bold color can catch a reader’s eye faster than a crowded design. For example, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (a bestseller that started as a small indie publication) uses a simple nature scene that resonates with the story’s themes of isolation and the beauty of the wild. Less is more.
5. Create a strong back cover: So many authors focus on the front cover but forget the back, where readers almost always turn for a snapshot of what the book’s about. If you have a compelling book description and endorsements from other authors or critics, now is the time to use them. Obviously, use the same colors and themes as the front cover to create a cohesive look.
6. Use software or templates: Programs like Photoshop, InDesign and free tools like Canva are awesome choices for DIY book covers. Each offers book cover templates and customizable options. But don’t get bogged down using the complex software if you’re not yet familiar. This is a rabbit hole for novices, and you’ll end up burning a significant amount of your pre-launch time just figuring out all the software features.

Should you pay someone to design your book cover?

Absolutely. Professional cover design is definitely worth considering, even if you’re writing and self-publishing on a shoestring budget.

An experienced designer can capture your book’s essence in ways that not only attract readers but are optimized for various platforms. You might spend just as much time formatting your own design than you did writing the book that sits behind the cover. 

Here’s why hiring a designer might be a good investment:

• Professional touch: Designers understand the visual language of book covers. They’ll know how to make your book stand out in a crowded market.
• Industry knowledge: They’re often familiar with genre trends, reader expectations and platform guidelines, saving you serious headaches with trial and error.
• Save time and headache: Designing a book cover can be a significant time investment, especially if you’re new to graphic design software.

What does it cost for a professional book cover design?

• Entry-level: $50-$200 – Basic, often template-based designs. These are great for simpler covers or budget-conscious authors.
• Mid-level: $300-$600 – More detailed custom covers, ideal for authors looking to establish a specific brand or style.
• High-end: $700-$2,000+ – Full-service design packages, including custom illustrations, market research and detailed branding consultations.

Top book cover design books for DIY authors

Well, wouldn’t you know, reading materials for authors. If you haven’t read enough books about writing, here are some books about book cover design. 

These books offer in-depth advice, examples and techniques for creating captivating covers. If you’re going DIY, you need to invest time in reading up on the trick of the trade.

1. “Book Cover Design Secrets” by Derek Murphy

Murphy, a designer specializing in self-published books, breaks down design principles with a focus on how to apply them to your own work. He includes before-and-after examples that show how small changes can make a big impact.

2. “Cover Design Studio: How to Design Your Own Book Covers” by Stuart Bache

Stuart Bache is a professional cover designer with a long history of working on bestselling covers. His book offers practical exercises and insights into creating genre-appropriate covers.

3. “Book Cover Design Formula” by Anita Nipane

This book dives deep into how colors, fonts and layout affect reader perception. It’s a valuable resource for anyone interested in the psychology of book cover design.

4. “Book Design Made Simple” by Fiona Raven and Glenna Collett

While this guide covers interior design too, it offers a wealth of information on how to create striking covers, from choosing fonts to balancing elements on the page.

5. “The Elements of Graphic Design” by Alex W. White

Though not specifically for book covers, White’s book provides a solid foundation in the principles of graphic design, which are essential for any aspiring cover designer.

6. “Cover Me: A Healthier Way to Lay Out Your Book Cover” by Tim Scheidt

This book takes a unique approach by focusing on the details that make book covers marketable, providing easy-to-follow tips for both fiction and nonfiction covers.

Choosing the best path for your book cover design

Whether you choose to design your cover yourself or hire a professional, remember your book’s cover is an investment in its success. 

Think of it as the face of your story; you want it to convey everything that’s special about the book between the covers. By focusing on the right elements, understanding genre cues and taking advantage of the right resources, you’ll be well on your way to a book cover that readers will want to see on their shelves.

Recommended resources for inspiration and templates

A post-script for all you indie and self-published authors, make sure you check out these cheap and free design resources to create your perfect book cover: 

• 99Designs: Find professional designers for custom work or get inspired by their design contests.
• Canva: Offers free book cover templates and easy customization options for beginners.
• Adobe Express: Another design platform that offers beginner-friendly templates specifically for book covers.

No excuses, authors! You’ve written a hellofa book, so now it’s time to produce a hellofa book cover design. Get out there and create a cover that’ll put your read in the hands of the right readers.

---

All this talk of great book covers get you inspired for a great read? How about one of our favourite books about the ocean? Or the 8 most sizzling mafia romance novels? Or perhaps just browse ShelfCulture to find your next great read.