Some of you may already know that 1106 Design offers a comprehensive book cover review service. This service is for any author or publisher who would like an objective, outside opinion about the suitability of their cover design…in essence, a review before publication, when there’s still time to fix any problems.
We thought you might like to see an actual transcript from a recent review: The text under the headline in each of the 10 “mistake” categories details the book industry standard requirement(s) for that category. Our evaluation is below the asterisks.
First, here are the front and back covers:
Dear Charlette,
Thank you for the opportunity to review the book cover design for
Peace in the Heart and Home. Following is our review of your book cover.
1. COVER DESIGN MISTAKE #1: THE BOOK COVER DESIGN DOES NOT FIT ITS
GENRE.
Buyers, distributors and retailers favor books that “belong” in
their genre. A history book should look different than a cookbook or a
spiritual book. Most of all, the book cover should look like current
bestsellers in its category. Does this cover look like it belongs in
its genre?
***
The beautiful type and the lotus image are very much in keeping with
self-help books.
Your cover rating: Excellent
2. COVER DESIGN MISTAKE #2: THE BOOK COVER DESIGN IS NOT APPROPRIATE
FOR THE TARGET AUDIENCE.
A book cover should be designed to appeal to those most likely to
buy it. A book that contains fashion advice for teenage girls should
look different than a book targeted to CEOs. Is this cover appropriate
for the intended audience?
***
The cover is excellent in this regard as well. The overall design
does say “peace” to the prospective buyer.
Your cover rating: Excellent
3. COVER DESIGN MISTAKE #3: THE BOOK COVER ELEMENTS ARE POORLY
ORGANIZED.
A book cover is like a billboard. It must communicate […]