Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
Designing
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Editing
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Review the Cover Design for Your Illustrated Book
How to Review the Cover Design for Your Illustrated Book
Overview: Your book’s cover is the first impression readers will have of your story, and it plays a crucial role in attracting attention and conveying the tone and genre of the book. A well-designed cover can make your book stand out on the shelf or online marketplace, while a poorly designed cover can cause potential readers to overlook it. Reviewing the cover design involves checking the front and back covers, as well as the spine if applicable, to ensure all elements are engaging, visible, and effective. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of reviewing your cover design to create an eye-catching and professional final product.
Why Reviewing Your Cover Design Is Important
The cover design of your book should accomplish the following:
- Convey the Tone and Genre - The colors, fonts, and illustrations on the cover should reflect the tone and genre of your book. For example, bright and playful colors may work well for a children’s picture book, while darker tones might suit a mystery or adventure story.
- Attract Attention - Your cover should be eye-catching and stand out among other books. A strong cover illustration, bold typography, and visually appealing layout can help draw in potential readers.
- Ensure Text Is Legible and Visible - Make sure that all text elements on the cover—such as the title, author name, and subtitles—are visible and easy to read. Use contrasting colors and fonts that are clear and legible at various sizes.
- Create a Professional Look - A polished and cohesive cover design enhances the professionalism of your book. Review the layout and spacing of elements, and check that all illustrations and text align correctly.
How to Review Your Cover Design
Follow these steps to review the cover design of your illustrated book:
1. Check the Front Cover Design
The front cover is the main attraction and should be visually engaging:
- Review the Title and Subtitle Placement: Ensure the title and any subtitles are clearly visible and positioned to stand out. Use bold fonts and place the title where it is easy to spot.
- Check for Legibility: Make sure the text is legible from a distance. Use contrasting colors between the text and background, and avoid using overly intricate fonts.
- Evaluate the Cover Illustration: The illustration on the front cover should be engaging and aligned with the tone and genre of the book. Consider whether the illustration captures the essence of the story and would appeal to your target audience.
- Review Color and Visual Balance: Check that the colors on the cover are visually appealing and balanced. Avoid overly busy designs that could distract from the main elements.
2. Review the Spine Design (if applicable)
If your book is thick enough to have a spine, or you're printing in hardcover, review the spine design:
- Title and Author Name Visibility: Ensure that the title and author name are legible on the spine. Use a bold font and make sure the text is centered.
- Spine Illustration or Decoration: If you have included any illustrations or decorative elements on the spine, check that they are aligned and proportional. The spine design should complement the front and back covers without overwhelming them.
3. Review the Back Cover Design
The back cover often includes additional text and illustrations:
- Include a Book Blurb or Synopsis: Make sure the book blurb or synopsis is engaging and gives readers a sense of what to expect from the story. Use a readable font size and leave enough white space around the text.
- Check for Author and Illustrator Information: If you have included an “About the Author” or “About the Illustrator” section, ensure the information is concise and formatted clearly.
- Review Barcode and ISBN Placement: If you have an ISBN and barcode, ensure they are placed at the bottom of the back cover. Make sure the barcode is not covering any important text or illustrations.
- Use Additional Visual Elements: Consider adding small visual elements, like decorative borders or background patterns, to enhance the back cover design. Keep these elements subtle and aligned with the overall theme.
4. Test the Cover Design at Different Sizes
Your cover design should be effective at different sizes, whether it’s viewed as a thumbnail online or printed as a full-sized book cover:
- Check Thumbnail Visibility: Shrink the cover design to a small size to see if the title, author name, and main illustration are still visible and recognizable.
- Review Print Quality: If possible, print a test copy of the cover to check how it appears in physical form. Look for issues like color distortion, blurriness, or misalignment.
Tips for Reviewing Your Cover Design
- Get Feedback from Others - Ask for feedback from others, including friends, family, or professionals in the publishing industry. A fresh perspective can help you identify any areas for improvement.
- Consider the Target Audience - Keep your target audience in mind when reviewing your cover design. The design should appeal to the intended readers and reflect their tastes and preferences.
- Use High-Quality Images and Fonts - Make sure all images, illustrations, and fonts used in the cover design are high-quality and suitable for print. Low-quality elements can make your cover look unprofessional.
- Align with the Story’s Themes - Ensure that the cover design aligns with the themes and messages of your book. Avoid using images or text that could create confusion or mislead potential readers.
- Balance Text and Visuals - Create a balance between text and visual elements. Avoid overcrowding the cover with too much text or too many images. Use white space effectively to draw attention to key elements.
Final Notes: Reviewing your cover design is a crucial step in ensuring that your illustrated book makes a strong impression on potential readers. Use this guide to evaluate the front and back covers, plus the spine, and make any necessary adjustments to create a professional and engaging cover that captures the essence of your story.