The Book Cover... The Subtle Art Of Persuasion

What's The Big Deal About Book Covers?

What is that saying...? It goes something like, "you don't get a second chance to make a first impression." Right on. Words to live by.  If you are a writer and thinking of skimping out on producing an amazing book cover to match your equally amazing interior within your book... think again!

A well designed, eye catching book cover that gives other covers a run for their money is everything. It's a critical part of your book marketing strategy.  It's your holy grail. You want your book to stand out. You want readers to browse bookstores online and have their gazes, and simultaneously thereafter their thoughts, riveted by your book cover... enough so that they would want to click on it and want to get to know what your book is all about. It's your first, initial chance to grab a prospective readers' attention.  Yes, your content within the cover of your book must be top notch but readers don't peruse that first... they see your cover first as they scroll through hundreds and hundreds of book covers online.  And there you are... amongst that sea of covers vying for their attention. 

​A book cover is the critical, power of persuasion that gets your foot in the door, perhaps leading to a much coveted sale. Love at first sight...maybe?  It's eye candy... or in this discussion, "book candy." I, myself, have clicked on a book I know nothing about while browsing a specific genre, and in one particular instance, I was so enamored of a book cover I actually placed it in my online "cart" and returned to view it a day later in depth. It caught my eye... stirred my attention.  The cover was different and much thought was injected into designing the cover with intricate details and so I instinctively knew that the author would put together fantastic content within the interior... and I was not disappointed. My first impression of the book paned out nicely. It was a highly professional, creative cover... a prelude to the work within.  Before I even read the description, a great impression was made with the book cover.  The book cover in question is by iconic fashion illustrator, art director, author, Megan Hess.

Elegance The Beauty Of French Fashion by Megan Hess

Ms. Hess's book cover, Elegance- The Beauty Of French Fashion, is exquisitely carved in intricate detail.  I ordered the hardcover and when I received it I was transfixed over the engraved gold that shimmered back at me and the detailed drawing.  The contrast of soft pink flowers creating an archway over the glamourous drawing surrounded by gold illuminated the elegance conveyed in the cover.  The cover alone had the power to create a positive connection, before I even opened the book.  I read the book with first-impression positivity.  This author could do no wrong because my mind was already wanting this book to be a success in every way. 

The first impression sets the tone... and that... is the power of creative marketing: spot on branding and packaging, carefully catering to the reader's senses, triggering a positive, embracing response. 

Take your time in creating your perfect cover.  Ask yourself...  What is the specific niche for my book? Who are my target readers and what kind of persuasive branding would entice them to purchase my book? Being true to yourself and your style is a winning combination.  Your authenticity shines through. Effort shines through. Readers get turned off by thoughtless work and once turned off, they will think twice about coming back again.  You are a brand and a stunning cover is a huge part of your brand.

It took me quite a while to create a cover for my upcoming romantic poetry book and when I finally did, I felt like I accomplished a huge task.  It perfectly conveys the romantic tone of my poetry book and my own style which peppers it with authentic sincerity. I am not yet ready to do a full cover reveal but I assure you, I am bursting to share it with everyone.  Further details will be revealed in the upcoming months ahead.  Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at www.marylisarusso.ca to be part of the first, subscribed recipients  to receive the juicy details.

Mary-Lisa Russo's upcoming, romantic poetry book release. Further details revealed in the upcoming months ahead.

Special Note:

If it pleases you, you can learn more about Megan Hess's style and branding on her website by clicking HERE.  

​As always, wishing you and your loved ones the best! I am always happy to hear from you at [email protected].

© Mary-Lisa Russo
www.marylisarusso.ca

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate h​aving majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups.  She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors.

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