Product packaging has a big impact on the success of a product. Novels—a creative product for consumers—are no different. The first thing consumers see when shopping for their next read are covers. Keep in mind the cover encompasses a number of its own elements from the book title, which needs to be catchy, to all the visual elements: image, font, genre-related elements . . .

“A book cover is a distillation. It is a haiku of the story.” – Chip Kidd

So, where do you get your book covers?

There are a lot of excellent pre-made cover creation options. To purchase a pre-made cover, the prices range from low hundreds up. Most companies also offer custom-made covers, but that’s a higher price point. With the pre-made cover, the author can input the book title, subtitle, and author’s name. Some companies will allow colour changes. Whether changes can be made once the cover is delivered varies by company. No software is required, and the company delivers the cover ready to use. Pre-made covers are purchased book-by-book, cover-by-cover with options for eBook only, eBook and print, and eBook, audio, and print.

There are also several programs where Indie authors can create their own covers. Creating covers using a program has the advantage of being more budget-friendly. Two programs are Canva and Book Brush (I have accounts with both). Both offer plans at varying price points, including a free plan option. Plans are paid yearly, but you can create more than one cover and design advertising as well.

Book Brush is a program designed with authors in mind. So, it does things like calculate your spine size. Depending on the plan you subscribe to, you have access to instant mock-ups, templates, box set creation, and animation tools.

There are other cover options as well, like using a freelance designer. All the options have pros and cons. As the author, know your budget, and your book, and do your research. Remember that as an Indie Author, you can update your book packaging if you find your novel isn’t performing the way you want it to.

“True, you cannot judge a book by its cover because appearances can be deceptive, but the look of a book cannot be ignored either.” – George Eliot

By Shari Marshall – 2023