A closer look at the cover design process

I am often asked about what goes into the planning and designing a book cover from people that I come in contact with once they learn the kind of work I do.  So I wrote this article for everyone and anyone interested in getting a behind the scenes look of what goes into my process when I design a book cover.

To me, designing a book cover is a close partnership between the author and designer, and my main goal is to ensure the design I create is a true representation of the author’s story and vision.  First, I seek to find out if the author has a concept in mind, or if he or she gives me creative license.

.1. Author’s Vision

When the author knows what they want, I design the concept they give me.  Sometimes there might be too much going on in his or her vision, in this case I do provide feedback and offer suggestions with solutions that might lend themselves better.  It is important to me that my client understand that I will create a design that will be the best marketing tool for their book.

.2. Creative License

When the author doesn’t know what they want, I am given creative license to design a concept that I think best fit the story.  When the client gives me creative license, I always approach the project the same: I have to read the book, regardless of it being fiction or non-fiction.

What I have found from experience is that a client may not always be able to articulate their vision so reading the story helps me better understand the type of story the author is telling and the mood/ambiance they’re going for.  I am a visual reader, so when I read I visualize myself in the story and go wherever the story leads me, and then new questions for the client will develop.  So, I keep my sketchbook close by and begin drawing concepts and make notes of things that I feel inspired by.  I search for something that I feel an emotional connection with.  I never know where my focus will end up, if it will be a specific moment or event, or a specific trait in the main character, or something that represents the whole story.

.3. My design style and motto; less is more

I am a digital image manipulation designer and my design style is minimalistic.  I tend to create clean, sophisticated designs with one simple focus, something that is a visual representation of the message, to help attract readers of that specific genre.  Although, there are books that sometimes better lend themselves to a type based cover design, often seen in the non-fiction category, so it really depends on the story.

.4. Finalizing the concept

Before I begin the actual design, I present what I have in mind, (unless the author tells me to just go for it) since I want to make sure we are on the same page and I really don’t want to focus my efforts on something they may not want on their cover.  Once the concept is approved, I get to work and begin searching for specific photos from either my own professional original photo works, an online photo stock provider, or sometimes the author has a specific photo in mind.  I also make a point of researching the author’s competition, especially when working with stock images, I want to avoid creating a cover with a similar image.

.5. When the story is a mystery

Sometimes, the author is still writing the story as I am designing the cover.  In this case I read the first few chapters and ask for the synopsis of the story, in addition to asking many questions.  This is probably the most challenging way of designing a cover since there are often so many unknowns and by the time the story is completed, additional edits may be necessary.

.6. Timeline … Don’t rush the designer

This is usually one of the first things a client will ask me “How long will it take you to design my cover?”

I usually end up creating multiple rough drafts, before I zero in on one mock up.  The book I am currently working on now, just today I have created 4 versions for the same concept.  So I let the design rest and sleep on it.  Once I look at it again the next day, with a fresh set of eyes I see new things that I can improve.  So working on a cover can take anything from one to two weeks, and is really a complex process that should not be rushed.   Which is why I always urge authors to allow their designer ample time to create.  If you think about it, the cover is not only a visual representation of your story, but it is also an advertisement and will be the most important tool used when marketing your book.  So the design should be well thought out.

If I had to summarize it, book cover design is designing for a specific emotion, depending on the story; and to me, emotion sparks inspiration.  Which is a process, not to be rushed.

My process may not work for everyone, but it seems to be the right approach for my projects.  It is my job as the designer, to create a cover that fits the story and help the author’s vision, become a reality.  Having a sell-able cover will essentially determine the success of the book.  So, I put a lot thought into each design to ensure that I do create a cover that is sell-able.

I hope you found  learning about my behind the scenes of my inner workings was helpful.

I welcome comments and would love to hear what your experiences have been when working with a design professional for your cover project.

—Anita

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Learn more about Anita

Anita B. Carroll is a visual design consultant and owner of Race-Point.com, supporting self-published authors and publishing houses with all their business brand identity design needs, and offers a FRESH take on book cover design.  Anita has over 17 years of experience within the visual design field, starting out managing creative initiatives for both online and print publications, for Fortune 500 Businesses in Silicon Valley, California.  Experience applying brand visual design and content guidelines consistently across several products. Anita is specialized in Heuristic Evaluation, Web User Interface Design with focus on online usability testing, a valuable skill when designing book covers for the rapidly growing digital market.  Anita is also an avid reader. Discovering book cover design has provided the opportunity to combine her works in photography and graphic design skills.

Anita’s work has been featured in the KOBO Writing Life, Anneli’s Place, Monadnock Living Magazine, Amherst Citizen, The Milford Cabinet, and The Union Leader.

Over the past 17 years, Anita has gained experience in both the United States and Norway,  and is currently working out of her home studio in New England—US, where she works with clients from around the world.

Anita is also an avid photographer and a Lampwork Glass Artist, and her works have been displayed at various galleries throughout the years. 

In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring what Mother Nature has to offer with her family. … You might spot her at one of the U. S. Cape beaches, biking the National Sea Shore trails, photographing the gorgeous coastline, as well as capturing beautiful moments through beach portrait photography.

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To connect with Anita you can easily connect with her on Facebook  (http://www.facebook.com/RacePointUS) and Twitter (@RacePointUS).

Anita enjoys connecting with self-published authors of any genre, so please feel free to contact her directly at: anita@race-point.com with any cover design questions and needs.