What do you look for in a good book cover?

Black Jewel · Post by **Black Jewel** » 24 Jul 2021, 14:11

I like a cover that relates to the content of the story, but also is quite bold in color.

Recee Ann · Post by **Recee Ann** » 07 Sep 2021, 21:11

for me it's everything.. everything just has to be perfect and in right proportion.

dennisbragra · Post by **dennisbragra** » 08 Oct 2021, 01:30

The cover needs to tell the story before actually reading it. A good cover should not contradict the story in the book

Marsha JJ · Post by **Marsha JJ** » 14 May 2022, 15:45

While I initially like covers that are eye-catching, once it catches my eye I want to be able to know what the book is about "at a glance". It should be super clear and enticing, and capture the main point of the book.

human reader · Post by **human reader** » 21 May 2022, 12:00

Hmm, I think for me I prefer the cover to be one or more characters. What I mean is that it depicts a person, animal, deity, whatever relates to the story.

Twilight is a series that did not go this route. The books have objects on the covers. The first book has a person (not shown enough for me to count it) holding an apple. It apparently is linking the narrative to the apples of immortality tradition in Greek and Norse myths. While I respect them using symbolism that fits the story, I think the cover is just okay. It is not a personal favorite. It feels a bit generic, though for symbolism points I might give it a 7/10.

Now for an example of a great one I would point to R.L. Stine's Fear Street novel called The Betrayal. The woman's face is beautifully drawn. The fire, the gate, the way she is holding her cloak, these things evoke plenty of atmosphere. You even have a detailed and relatively unique object with her necklace. This is an easy 9/10, if not a straight up 10/10.