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What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 18 Apr 2018, 15:31
by Lgs1089
I'm curious to explore what others find most appealing in a book cover. What is eye-catching to you? Is it the art, font, color usage, or another detail that strikes your fancy?

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 18 Apr 2018, 16:56
by Sheharyaralam
:techie-studyinggray: The first thing to attract eyes are the combination of good colours with specific shapes or fonts. Using white & blue colours with circular shapes have a profound effect on release of a neurotransmitter from brain which enhances the interest of viewer :tiphat:

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 18 Apr 2018, 17:19
by Kduke57
The art

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 19 Apr 2018, 12:48
by crediblereading2
The title must be very bold and related to the contents of the book. Also, the artwork must be very attractive.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 22 Apr 2018, 23:31
by Kirishima
I tend to gravitate more towards dark books that use bright colors to contrast. Looking more for a human face then just letters. Generally if it is just a title I won’t usually even read the back. The front has to catch my eye.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 23 Apr 2018, 06:56
by Cate Mbevi
I get attracted by the image on the cover of the book. Since I love thrillers more, I look for books with images of someone running, a face looking through the door or window, a gun and the like.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 23 Apr 2018, 11:53
by jvez
I love beautiful illustrations. I'm more into fantasy books, so I think covers with beautiful illustrations of a fantasy-like scene would appeal to me. The font also matters. I can see an author really put effort on the book if he even has a specific, unique font for the title.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 11 May 2018, 15:45
by Lgs1089
Cate Mbevi wrote: 23 Apr 2018, 06:56 I get attracted by the image on the cover of the book. Since I love thrillers more, I look for books with images of someone running, a face looking through the door or window, a gun and the like.
Interesting! Is there something about those particular images that are indicative of a good thriller? Do you see a common pattern with those images in relation to books you associate as good reads?

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 15 May 2018, 13:52
by Cate Mbevi
The chilling feeling that the image immediately provokes in me makes me know that it will be a good thriller. Yes there is a common pattern with those images. They are mostly fear provoking images. This fear creates tension in me thus I read the book to release the tension

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 16 May 2018, 15:01
by Lgs1089
Cate Mbevi wrote: 15 May 2018, 13:52 The chilling feeling that the image immediately provokes in me makes me know that it will be a good thriller. Yes there is a common pattern with those images. They are mostly fear provoking images. This fear creates tension in me thus I read the book to release the tension
You sound like you know what you're talking about. I'm going to keep this in mind when I'm searching for my next thriller. Thanks!

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 18 May 2018, 11:33
by KRay93
Any striking design will capture the attention of a potential reader in one way or another. In certain genres, some readers already associate certain types of fonts and backgrounds with what they are going to read. How many fantasy or romance books have we seen that follow the exact same book cover pattern?

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 22 May 2018, 09:12
by Lgs1089
KRay93 wrote: 18 May 2018, 11:33 Any striking design will capture the attention of a potential reader in one way or another. In certain genres, some readers already associate certain types of fonts and backgrounds with what they are going to read. How many fantasy or romance books have we seen that follow the exact same book cover pattern?
That's a good point. What do you look for personally?

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 25 May 2018, 12:07
by cyndisays
I know within the first few pages if I will like a book or not. If the writing style is good, I can reading anything. The book has to grab me from the beginning for me to continue reading.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 25 May 2018, 21:02
by love_b00ks
When looking at the covers, foremost for me is the title, because it gives a hint of what the book is about, and then I will look at the illustration if it complements the title. Though we should not judge the book by its cover, when in a rush [like when in a book sale], a good cover can be very helpful.

Re: What do you look for in a good book cover?

Posted: 26 May 2018, 10:26
by KRay93
Lgs1089 wrote: 22 May 2018, 09:12
KRay93 wrote: 18 May 2018, 11:33 Any striking design will capture the attention of a potential reader in one way or another. In certain genres, some readers already associate certain types of fonts and backgrounds with what they are going to read. How many fantasy or romance books have we seen that follow the exact same book cover pattern?
That's a good point. What do you look for personally?
To be honest, I never judge a book just by the cover. Yes, a striking design will always catch my attention, but if the blurb or the first pages fail to get my attention, I leave the book aside. In terms of design, I am one of those who already associate fonts and backgrounds with what genre I am going to read, although I do not usually let myself be carried away by stereotypes. As I wrote before, several books of fantasy and romance follow the same pattern of design, and very few of those books are truly remarkable.