It may be true about people that ”you can’t tell a book by its cover,” but when it comes to actual books, the cover is an important selling tool. Certainly, this advice is emphasized in every source about self-publication. When I stroll down the aisles of a library or bookstore, or click through lists on a website like Amazon, often it is the cover that first attracts me. And often it is only the spine of the book that shoulders the job of attracting readers perusing the shelves in a brick-and-mortar store or the library. It is the cover and/or the spine that entices me to click on “look inside,” consult an online review, or take the book in my hands to read the back cover information.
In The Fine Print of Self-Publishing, Mark Levine says, “When designing your book cover, you need to keep in mind who the reader will be.” He says every cover should pass what he calls the “would-my-reader-be-embarrassed-to-buy-this-book-or read-it-in-a public-place” test. Other sources say the design must be readable and interesting enough to stand out in thumbnail size as displayed on Amazon.
As I gathered information about self-publication, the importance of a professional book cover was often stressed. Though I have an education in art and design, my skills are rusty, so I decided to look for a graphic designer to do the work. Almost immediately, fate stepped in. A friend I only see a few times a year called and we set up a lunch “date.” During the enjoyable few hours of sharing personal and family news, she told me that her son was about to graduate with a degree in graphic design from a prestigious art school in London. She was proud that he had been selected by his professors to design the class graduation pamphlet. How great! Here was an opportunity to give a young designer a boost and at the same time, get a stunning cover for Immigrant Soldier.
I contacted the young man, we agreed on terms, and he set to work. I supplied him with photos he could use either as part of the design or simply as inspiration. We agreed that he would produce several designs for the front of the cover which I would then send out to my trusted beta-readers asking for input. His designs had an avant-garde feel which I loved, but I requested something more traditional as well. After a lot of e-mailing back and forth between California and London and input from my advisors, who didn’t like the edgy cover as much as I did, we arrived at a manageable group of samples for me to consider. One of these designs was used on this website as a “place holder” for the final design. Then the opportunity for traditional publication stepped in, and I put the book cover project on hold.
After the infamous one year wait, this young man was ready and willing to start again. Two professional book designers who I contacted regarding the inside design of the book were gracious enough to look at the cover design and make suggestions. This kindness on their part has not been an isolated incident. In fact, I have been amazed at the way book production specialists have been willing to help, give input, and share information with me at every stage. It seems the “indie-author” self-publication movement has spawned a truly supportive community.
The book cover design for Immigrant Solder, The Story of a Ritchie Boy is finally completed. I hope you like it as much as I do.
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