If you ask any author, they will tell you that, besides a good storyline, the one thing that makes or breaks a book is the cover. Now I know the old saying about never judging a book by its cover, but I’d have to respectfully disagree. Book covers are very important and can make the difference in whether a reader picks up your book or not.
I LOVE my book covers and just like finding the right romantic relationship, it took me a long time to find the right designer for my book covers. She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions for my blog. I hope you enjoy!
(1) What made you become a book cover designer?
I stumbled into designing book covers quite by accident. I’m also an author and a few years back, I decided to self-publish some of my work. I’m very artistic by nature and have years of art school behind me, so I never thought twice about designing my own covers. When I showed them to some fellow authors, a few of them asked me to design covers for them. They were quite happy with the results, so I decided to get into freelance cover design. The rest, as they say, is history.
(2) Your book covers are so beautiful and unique, how do you find your idea(s) for a book cover? What are your inspirations?
It varies. Most often, when designing a cover, I get a visual image in my mind just from reading the brief provided by the author or publisher. Then I set about finding photos or artwork that align with that visual image. Other times, I just go to my favourite stock art sites and start browsing until I find an image or set of images that strikes me. Then it’s a case of putting it together with the right fonts and layout. I also study trends in cover design. Beautifully designed covers can be a source of inspiration all on their own.
(3) Is there any genre in particular you like to design book covers for? And if so, why?
My favourites are women’s fiction, chick lit/romantic comedy, thriller, historical fiction, and middle-grade/children’s fiction.
(4) Are you an avid reader yourself? What are some of your favorite books?
I love to read. My all-time favourite books are Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, and I Want to Go Home, by Gordon Korman. I know, a real eclectic mix!
(5) What advice would you give to self-publishing authors about finding the right cover for their book? How important do you think it is?
The right book cover is the one that sells copies. So it needs to communicate genre, be easily readable, and intrigue the reader into picking it up or clicking on it to find out more. And the best way to get a book cover that sells is to hire a designer who’s familiar with book cover trends and styles.
To find out more about Littera Designs, please visit http://www.litteradesigns.com/