How to Choose the Perfect Book Cover Design

Your book cover is your first, and often only, chance to grab a reader’s attention. In the crowded world of publishing, an eye-catching cover can make the difference between a sale and a scroll past. So how do you create a cover that not only looks great but also sells your book? Here are some essential tips:

1. Know Your Genre

Every genre has visual cues readers expect. Romance novels typically use soft color palettes, elegant fonts, and intimate imagery, while thrillers favor darker tones, bold typography, and high-contrast visuals. Study the top-selling books in your category and take notes. Matching genre trends shows readers they’re in the right place.

2. Keep the Title Readable

Your book will often appear as a thumbnail online, so make sure your title and author name are legible at small sizes. Avoid overly decorative fonts that sacrifice clarity. Stick with clean, bold typography that grabs attention without overwhelming the design.

3. Choose High-Quality Imagery

Poor-quality images make your book look unprofessional. Use high-resolution stock photos or custom illustrations. Avoid generic, cliché visuals unless they strongly fit your genre. When in doubt, less is more, simple and powerful imagery often makes the biggest impact.

4. Focus on Color and Contrast

Colors evoke emotion. Warm tones convey comfort and romance, while cool tones suggest mystery or sci-fi. Make sure your color scheme contrasts enough to make your title stand out against the background.

5. Hire a Professional Designer

Yes, DIY design tools exist, but a professional cover designer understands layout, typography, and print specifications. Investing in a professional cover can significantly boost your book’s chances of selling.

Your book cover isn’t just decoration—it’s a marketing tool. Take the time to get it right.

Need a custom cover that sells? Request a custom quote today!

The Complete Self-Publishing Checklist

Self-publishing gives you creative control, but it also means you’re in charge of every step. Missing one detail can delay your launch, or worse, hurt your sales. Here’s your ultimate self-publishing checklist:

1. Finish and Edit Your Manuscript

Your content is king. Before moving forward:

• Complete all writing

• Hire a professional editor (developmental + copyediting)

• Proofread thoroughly

2. Design a Professional Cover

Your cover is your #1 marketing tool. Choose a designer who understands your genre and provides files for both ebook and print.

3. Format for Ebook and Print

Different platforms require specific formats:

• Ebook: EPUB

• Print: PDF with proper bleed and margins

4. Secure Your ISBN

You’ll need an ISBN for each format (ebook, paperback, hardcover). Buy them from your country’s ISBN agency or use free options from Amazon KDP (with limitations).

5. Upload to Publishing Platforms

The most common options:

• Amazon KDP

• IngramSpark

• Draft2Digital (for wide distribution)

6. Set Your Price and Categories

Research comparable books to choose a competitive price. Select the right keywords and categories to maximize discoverability.

7. Prepare Your Marketing Plan

Start early! Build an author platform, schedule social media posts, and consider ARC readers or beta readers.

Need help with design, formatting, or editing? Explore Our Author Packages!

Top 10 Mistakes Indie Authors Make and How to Avoid Them

Self-publishing opens doors for authors worldwide, but it’s easy to trip over common pitfalls. Here are the top 10 mistakes indie authors make and how you can avoid them:

1. Skipping Professional Editing

Even the best writers need editors. Typos and plot issues hurt credibility.

Solution: Budget for professional editing before publishing.

2. Using a DIY Cover

Your cover sells your book. Poor design screams “amateur.”

Solution: Hire a professional who knows design trends and print specs.

3. Ignoring Formatting Standards

Bad formatting frustrates readers and leads to bad reviews.

Solution: Format for each platform or hire a pro.

4. Overpricing or Underpricing

$14.99 for an indie ebook? No thanks.

Solution: Research genre pricing and stay competitive.

5. Publishing Without a Marketing Plan

“Build it and they will come” doesn’t work.

Solution: Create a pre-launch strategy—social media, email list, ads.

6. Rushing to Publish

Publishing too fast often results in errors.

Solution: Take your time. Quality matters.

7. Not Understanding Copyright & ISBN

Failing to register your work or buying an ISBN incorrectly can cause headaches later.

Solution: Learn the basics or hire someone who knows.

8. Ignoring Reviews

Reviews matter for credibility and algorithms.

Solution: Ask beta readers and early reviewers for feedback.

9. Neglecting Metadata

Your keywords, categories, and description impact discoverability.

Solution: Optimize for SEO and your genre.

10. Giving Up Too Soon

Success takes persistence. Many authors quit after one book.

Solution: Keep writing and marketing—momentum matters.

Avoid These Mistakes

You don’t have to do it alone! Our professional services can help you publish confidently.

7 Proven Ways to Market Your Self-Published Book

Publishing your book is just the beginning, the real challenge is getting readers to find it. Without a solid marketing plan, even the best book can go unnoticed. Here are seven effective strategies to market your self-published book and boost sales:

1. Build Your Author Brand Early

Don’t wait until your book is live to start marketing. Create an author website, set up social media profiles, and begin sharing your writing journey months before launch. Readers love connecting with authors personally.

2. Optimize Your Book’s Metadata

Your title, subtitle, keywords, and categories are critical for discoverability. Research what successful books in your genre use and apply those strategies.

3. Collect Pre-Launch Reviews

Reviews are social proof that sells books. Reach out to beta readers, book bloggers, and ARC (Advance Review Copy) readers to gather honest reviews before launch day.

4. Run Targeted Ads

Amazon Ads and Facebook Ads can be powerful when used correctly. Start small, test different ad creatives, and scale what works. Focus on genre-specific audiences to maximize ROI.

5. Offer Limited-Time Discounts

Everyone loves a deal. Consider offering your ebook at a lower price (or free for a day) to drive downloads and improve your Amazon ranking.

6. Leverage Email Marketing

Build an email list with a freebie, such as a sample chapter or guide. Email remains one of the most effective tools for book promotion and reader engagement.

7. Engage in Communities

Join reader and writer groups on Facebook, Reddit, and Goodreads. Provide value, don’t just spam links. Networking can lead to organic sales and word-of-mouth marketing.

Marketing is an ongoing process. Start early, stay consistent, and track what works for you.

Need help getting your book ready for readers? From stunning covers to professional formatting, we’ve got you covered.