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Do book covers need to be meaningful?

Do book covers need to be meaningful?

Book covers are a very important part of book design and book marketing. So I understand why book cover design can be a element of focus (and sometimes angst) for independent authors. Often authors overthink their covers, putting too much emphasis on the interpretive meaning. They want their covers to do the impossible – convey everything about their book, extending even to subplots and the book’s nuances. The problem is that readers (or book buyers) simply won’t understand the cover.  These covers can end up looking really poor.

Contents

1. The common issue with “meaningful covers”
2. Aesthetics are critical
3. The formula for book cover mediocrity
4. Is your book too complex for the cover to convey meaning

The common issue with “meaningful covers”

We often have authors who provide a sometimes detailed cover brief asking for the cover to convey meaning. Also common is the request to make the cover suitable for readers, the author’s reader target audience.

Authors ask:

  1. Can you visually demonstrate what the book is about? I want the cover to explain the book at a single glance – what the book means, and
  2. Can you make the cover appeal to the target audience?

Often this sort of brief is because the author is overthinking everything. Or the author doesn’t understand that cover design is largely about ‘art’ and not ‘science’. Authors may want the cover to do the impossible.

1.1 On point one

This is often overly ambitious. Authors can give several parameters that the cover design needs to achieve and often this is an impossible task for a book cover design. A book of 70,000 words is so long because the author needs to build a complex argument – to convey their thesis or ideas to the reader. It’s words, words and more words. There might be one big idea and a dozen supporting ideas. With this approach to design briefing the result is a book cover design that might look a little like a pizza, a smashing together of images that try to convey meaning (or reflect the book’s many elements). Aesthetically the cover design might be poor or unpleasant to view. Readers usually have great difficulty de-coding or understanding what the cover is about. In a marketing sense this is the worst possible outcome. The cover looks bad and the reader finds it confusing.

1.2 On point two

This is a big ask. Having read a ‘marketing 101’ business book that outlined the concept of ‘targeting’, one author said I want the book to appeal to women aged 35-45 years, medical professionals, who are thought leaders. But also make it desirable for men and the general public of all readers. This might be possible (the first parameter) with some market research and psychographic profiling. But its near impossible. Even if research was done the book designer would have to apply those findings in a graphic sense. For example 35% of one target group may ‘have high concern about global warming’, ‘32% may ‘not fear global warming’. The data is inconclusive. One author briefed can you make it just a little bit ‘environmental’. It’s the sort of thing that isn’t actionable by a book designer.

One author told our book designer that the cover couldn’t be green because that colour does not appeal to women aged 65+. Another said the cover font can’t be in all capitals rather in upper and lower case,  because it appears ‘too blocky’ or ‘regimented’ and the young men under 25 years he is targeting are freethinkers. These examples are bizarre but true!

When point 1 and point 2 combine there’s trouble brewing. And it can get even worse, much worse (see Section 3 below).

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2. Aesthetics are critical

Often the best book cover designs are too ambitious purely because of the author’s desire to convey complexity of meaning. An ugly cover can be the result, and the vast majority of readers simply won’t purchase or even pick up an ugly book.

The book designer has aesthetics top of mind, and these can often be in conflict with the author’s personal preferences. The best book cover designs are when the book designer is granted creative license.

Book cover artwork can be purely decorative. This can mean using a pattern or texture or simply colour. Decoration as an aesthetic art form was pioneered by master artists like Henri Matisse and Piet Mondrian and of course is an enduring feature of Islamic art. And patterns are so pleasing to the human eye – its why wallpaper is so popular!

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3. The formula for book cover mediocrity

(Point 1 + Point 2) x (author’s aesthetic preferences) = a very bad book cover.

There’s a third part of the ‘formula’. That is the author’s aesthetic preference or preconceptions.

A really fine author with a non-fiction self-help guide stumbled at the last hurdle of book cover design. The book cover was orange. He remarked ‘we can’t have that because of Donald Trump… the book won’t sell with an orange cover”. Why? ‘Because Donald Trump is called “Orange Man” ‘. To demonstrate the folly of this thinking I said ‘the orange growing industry in California must be in real trouble’… he got my point.

Another author didn’t want ‘white space’ on the cover because it ‘says to the reader I don’t have much to say’. Another said ‘I don’t like the colour blue’, another said ‘no primary colours, I don’t like bright colours’. The trouble with this sort of instruction to a book designer is that the author is designing the book cover for themselves, not for the market. And it ‘cramps’ the book designer’s greatest power – the ability to craft a great book design with nuanced creative decision making.

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4. Is your book too complex for the cover to convey meaning?

If the answer is ‘yes’, what then? You don’t need to have a cover tell the whole story. You don’t need a book cover to have meaning. A powerful alternative is to have the cover artwork set the ‘mood’ or ‘tone’.

Often with non-fiction books, a good design approach is to use text/typography, colour, shape and pattern.

Nothing beats a great title… Ken Blanchard’s ‘One Minute Manager’ is an awesome title that injects meaning. But then the title combined with shape and colour makes for a very effective book cover design. It’s simple and has a great aesthetic. The title assumes the dominant role of conveying meaning.

Ken Blanchard's One Minute Manager book cover design

Using type and patterns is a very effective way to produce a ‘meaningless’ cover that can have a great aesthetic. Remember a great aesthetic can be more than half of the battle in producing a marketable book. If the book is aesthetically pleasing it means most people will find it ‘likeable’ and a likeable book is a desirable book.

Book cover using pattern for design.

Patterns are great at setting tone or mood. A pattern can be sophisticated or rough. A pattern can be subtle or bold. A pattern can be exciting or sober. And, yes at risk of appearing contradictory, a pattern can convey meaning (just to insert a little more complexity into this blog post!)

Pattern in book cover design

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How does the RRP of my book affect my royalties?

How does the RRP of my book affect my royalties?

If you’re a self-published author struggling to properly price your book’s RRP, you’re not alone. Your book’s price directly impacts how well your book will sell and how much you make for each of your sales, so it’s important to get it right.

Price your book too low and you might struggle to earn what your time and hard work is due. Price it too high, however, and potential readers are likely to forgo your book for a cheaper option. Finding the right balance is crucial, but there are some factors that will help you figure things out.

Contents

1. What is an RRP?
2. Why your RRP matters
3. How do I set an appropriate RRP for my book?
4. Things to keep in mind when setting your RRP

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1. What is an RRP?

RRP stands for Recommended Retail Price. It’s the price you suggest that retailers, both global online shops and local bookstores, use when selling your book.

A number of things impact what your RRP should be set at. We’ve named a few below:
• Distribution channels
• Print costs
• Print quality
• Genre/audience standards

To price your book effectively, it’s a good idea to understand your distribution model and research similar books in your genre and target audience.

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2. Why your RRP matters

The RRP of your book is more than just a number—it plays a key role in attracting readers and boosting your book sales. A well-planned RRP helps you connect with your target audience and increase your earnings as an author, so it’s important to put some consideration into it.

The RRP, however, isn’t the be-all end-all for retailers when pricing your book. It’s an indication of the price they should set, but it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Retailers can set your book price at whatever they like—without consultation from the author.

While this is true, the RRP is still a retailer’s first indication of what your book is “worth”. If they don’t believe that they can sell the book at that price and return a just profit for themselves, they may not stock your book at all.

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3. How do I set an appropriate RRP for my book?

 

3.1 How are you distributing your book?

Distribution plays a key role in determining your Recommended Retail Price (RRP) since costs vary greatly depending on the method. Understanding distribution costs is essential to setting competitive RRPs and maximising profit margins.

3.1.1 Print-On-Demand (POD) Services

Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark simplify self-publishing by printing books as orders come in, eliminating the need to stock books in a warehouse, shed, or your back room. Using POD also means that you don’t have to fork-out the upfront cost of bulk print, which is a gamechanger for indie authors.

However, POD convenience does come with a different kind of price tag: they take a cut from your royalties.

  • Amazon KDP royalty calculation: Amazon KDP takes 40% of your book’s retail price (RRP) for distribution and retailing through Amazon, leaving you with 60% royalties after print cost is subtracted. This means that if your book is costed at $24.99, you could receive around $7.70 in royalties.
  • IngramSpark royalty calculation: IngramSpark, as they’re not a retailer themselves, offers lower royalties as the retailer must also take a cut. You can lose 50–55% of your RRP for wholesale discounts, plus printing fees. This means that if your book is costed at the same $24.99, you could receive as little as $ 2.11 in royalties.

When you set your book’s RRP for POD, ensure it covers both printing and distribution costs while leaving room for profit. Both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark have calculators that you can use either to estimate (before setting up your title on their platforms) or finalise (once you’ve uploaded your final files) your RRP to ensure your royalties are looking good.

3.1.2 Self-selling

If you’re self-publishing and selling books yourself (either through your dedicated author website, at local events, or through your author social media accounts), you cut the retailer out and can make more royalties from each sale.

A good rule of thumb is to set your recommended retail price (RRP) at three times the per-unit cost of your print order. This approach covers production costs, allows for discounts when needed, and ensures you earn a solid profit.

For example, if printing each book costs you $5 per copy (unit), setting your RRP at $15 is a good starting point. Then, you should consider what other books in your audience and genre are and see if you can match-up to their pricing.

3.2 Research and align to your market competition

When thinking about pricing your book, the main market factors to focus on are the genre, format, and target audience. Readers usually have a price point that they’re willing to pay depending on their chosen genre and format, so it’s a good idea to know where your book will stand. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Paperback vs hardcover: Paperback books are always cheaper than their hardcover counterpart. Readers usually expect hardcovers to be up to $10–$15 more expensive than a paperback.
  • Non-fiction or niche genres vs general fiction: Non-fiction and niche genres often have higher prices due to specialised content or less competition.
  • Physical books vs digital books: Digital books (eBooks and audiobooks) are generally much cheaper than physical books. Their prices range from $2.99 to $9.99, and some are even free (usually with marketing strategies like Kindle Select).

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4. Things to keep in mind when setting your RRP

4.1 Don’t set your RRP too low

Many authors assume a low RRP will attract more buyers, but if it doesn’t cover production costs, you risk earning zero royalties—or worse, losing money.

To maximise your royalties and avoid losing money, carefully calculate costs before distribution and set your RRP to guarantee profit. Don’t let all your hard work as an author lead to financial loss.

4.2 Don’t price yourself out of the market

While setting your RRP too low can be damaging, raising it too high can be just as bad. Some readers will happily spend $30 or more books, but this doesn’t suit everyone. Most book buyers want affordable options and will often opt for a cheaper book over yours regardless of which is considered better.

When pricing your book, consider the following:

  • Who is your target audience? Are you selling to casual readers who prefer budget-friendly books, or collectors who will pay extra for the content they enjoy?
  • What makes your book unique? If your book stands out with premium features—like stunning photography or exclusive content—a higher price could be justified.

By understanding your audience and highlighting the realistic value of your book, you can set a competitive price and attract more readers, helping to boost your sales and profitability.

4.3 Factor in the format

When pricing your book, consider how different formats impact costs and set your RRP to reflect this. Here’s a quick guide to book pricing:

  • Paperback books: Paperbacks are usually seen as a popular, budget-friendly option for readers who still like a physical book. These are typically priced anywhere between $12.99 and $24.99 at most bookstores.
  • Hardcover books: Hardcovers are the premium choice for collectors and book lovers that favour this particular aesthetic. Because of this, they’re often priced higher at $30 to over $50 depending on genre and content.
  • eBooks: eBooks are typically the most cost-effective digital option and are usually priced anywhere between $0 and $9.99.
  • Audiobooks: Audiobooks, while digital, still require higher production costs, This means that prices often range from $7–$20, depending on length.

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SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

Is self-publishing a fantasy novel viable?

Is self-publishing a fantasy novel viable?

Self-publishing isn’t just for memoirs and family histories – it’s a fantastic option for fantasy novels, too! It offers a direct way for authors to share their unique and imaginative stories no matter how niche or controversial their topics may be.

Contents

1. Why self-publishing works so well for fantasy
2. Recent success stories in self-published fantasy
3. Tips for self-publishing your fantasy novel
4. Marketing strategies for self-published fantasy novels

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

1. Why self-publishing works so well for fantasy

Self-publishing offers a fantastic opportunity for fantasy authors. This approach is not just viable; it also provides numerous advantages. Let’s explore some reasons why:

 

1.1 Control over series-potential and world-building

Fantasy writing emphasises detailed world-building and character development across multiple books. As a self-published author, you have complete control! You decide the length of your series, control the pacing, and bring your creative vision to life without restrictions.

Unlike traditional publishers that often impose limits on series length and story changes, self-publishing lets you carve your own path. Picture creating a vast fantasy realm filled with rich histories and diverse cultures. Self-publishing empowers you to connect every aspect of your story seamlessly, keeping readers captivated by your attention to detail.

Creating a series of fantasy book over a standalone also helps build a loyal fan base. Readers love diving into ongoing adventures, and you can keep them engaged with each new release.

 

1.2 Allows you to explore niche or controversial topics

Fantasy literature goes beyond just dragons and wizards; it’s a rich genre that embraces diverse themes and intricate narratives. Self-publishing empowers authors to explore niche or unconventional topics that often don’t fit the traditional publishing mould. Whether you want to blend fantasy with cyberpunk elements, delve into dark, morally complex characters, or explore controversial political themes through a fantasy lens, self-publishing gives you the creative freedom to do so.

This unique ability to break boundaries appeals to readers who are over having fantasy gatekept and instead crave fresh perspectives and original storytelling. Additionally, niche topics often attract dedicated audiences. By engaging with these communities, you can build a loyal readership that champions your work and shares it with others.

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2. Recent success stories in self-published fantasy

Still unsure if self-publishing your fantasy novel is the right choice? Have a look at some inspiring success stories of other fantasy authors who started their journey self-published:

 

2.1 Wight – Cradle Series

Will Wight’s Cradle series shines as a prime example of how self-publishing can achieve massive success. Wight used Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to launch his epic fantasy series, which were his debut novels. With engaging characters and a captivating storyline, he captured the hearts of fantasy fans worldwide and became a New York Times and Kindle best-selling author.

Wight consistently released new content and actively engaged with his audience on platforms like Reddit. By connecting with readers directly, he built a passionate following eager for each new instalment. The Cradle series consistently ranks high on Amazon’s charts, proving that self-publishing fantasy novels can lead to substantial financial rewards.

 

2.2 Sarah J Maas – Assassin’s Blade Novella

Sarah J. Maas’ Assassin’s Blade novella is a remarkable success in the fantasy genre. While most know her for her more recent achievements in traditional publishing, Maas started out by publishing stories online, independent of any publisher. These stories gained so much readership interest, she later gained a traditional publishing deal for her now-acclaimed debut Throne of Glass series.

This strategic choice allowed her to prove her story’s viability and readership long before a traditional publisher was on the scene.

 

2.3 Rachel Aaron – Heartstrikers Series

Rachel Aaron’s Heartstrikers series is another prime example of successful self-publishing in the fantasy genre. By taking control of her writing career through self-publishing, Aaron created a captivating urban fantasy world filled with dragons, magic, and intricate plots. Her commitment to high-quality storytelling and effective marketing strategies built a loyal fan base and earned a host of positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads.

The Heartstrikers series not only showcases Aaron’s talent but also highlights the growing opportunities for self-published authors in today’s competitive market. This success story shows how writers can carve out their niche, engage readers, and thrive as independent authors.

 

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3. Tips for self-publishing your fantasy novel

 

3.1 Invest in detailed world-building

World-building is the backbone of any fantasy novel. Readers crave rich, immersive environments they can lose themselves in. Take the time to flesh out your world’s history, geography, cultures, and magic systems. However, consistency is key – ensure your world adheres to its own rules and logic.

Investing in world-building not only enhances your story’s depth but also lays the foundation for future instalments. Readers who connect with your world will eagerly anticipate returning to it with each new book.

 

3.2 Get an eye-catching cover and well-made book interior

Never underestimate the importance of a captivating book cover in attracting readers. Your book cover is more often than not a reader’s first impression of you and your book, making it a crucial marketing tool. Collaborating with a talented and experienced book cover designer who understands the nuances of the fantasy genre can greatly enhance your cover’s appeal.

A well-designed cover should effectively convey the essence of your story and align with genre expectations without trying to say too much. Simple yet effective covers are best.

For the interior, there is more to it than simply putting words on a page. Typesetting and interior book design play essential roles in not only making your book attractive, but also in making your book an enjoyable reading experience and conveying quality and professionalism.

 

3.3 Use series potential to attract long-term fans

Fantasy storytelling thrives on epic sagas and interconnected narratives. To maximise your success, plan your book series from the very beginning. Create a detailed roadmap that outlines the main plot, character development, and key events. This strategic foresight helps you plant the seeds of foreshadowing for future instalments, keeping readers engaged and eager for more.

 

3.4 Build your community with genre-focused marketing

Engage with your audience by establishing a strong online presence – your author platform. Using your author platforms, join fantasy-themed forums, subreddits, and social media groups to interact with fans. On your own accounts and author website, share valuable insights into your writing process, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, and provide sneak peeks of upcoming book releases.

Doing all of this promotes community interaction and loyalty, fostering a sense of belonging for readers. The more engaged your audience is, the more likely they are to promote your novels and keep coming back for future editions and sequels.

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4. Marketing strategies for self-published fantasy novels

Writing a captivating novel is just the beginning; effective book marketing plays a crucial role in reaching a larger audience. By using marketing strategies, authors can significantly boost their visibility and connect with readers, maximising their book’s reach in today’s competitive literary market.

 

4.1 Create a visual presence on social media

Visual content reigns supreme on social media. To effectively engage your audience, use eye-catching graphics, stunning book covers, captivating character art, and engaging videos. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your fantasy world with visually appealing content. You can use interactive posts, polls, and Q&A sessions to boost engagement as well, generating interest and readership loyalty.

Be sure to regularly share updates on your writing process and upcoming book releases. The key to keeping readers excited about your work is to establish a strong, consistent, and appealing author brand across your platforms.

 

4.2 Leverage Kindle Unlimited (KU) for extra visibility on your eBook

Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KU) program offers a fantastic opportunity for self-published authors to boost their book’s visibility. By enrolling in Kindle Unlimited, authors let readers access their eBooks for free through a subscription service, significantly broadening their audience reach.

Participating in the KU program can also improve your book’s ranking on Amazon’s bestseller charts, making it more visible to potential buyers. This extensive reach introduces your work to new readers who might not have discovered it otherwise, ultimately increasing your book sales and loyal readership.

 

4.3 Connect with fantasy bloggers and Bookstagrammers

Contacting influencers in the fantasy community is a powerful way to boost your book’s visibility, allowing you to tap into their dedicated followers who value their recommendations. To get started, be sure to do your research to ensure the reviewer or influencer aligns to your marketing needs (there isn’t much use sending a fantasy novel to someone who only reviews non-fiction books!). When you’ve received interest and approval, then you can organise sending out review copies of your book to them or participate in author interviews and features on their platforms.

These collaborations often lead to increased exposure, positive reviews, and a growing readership. In turn, this helps to enhance your credibility as a self-published author and connect you with a larger audience who are passionate about fantasy novels.

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SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details