During our Self-Publishing Basics Series, we got a response to 7 Things To Know About Book Design that got the cogs in our head spinning. One indie author, John Betcher, designed his cover himself and discussed the response he received:
My target market readers tell me my self-designed cover is great — “mysterious,” even (which, I suppose, is good since it’s a mystery). One book reviewer (out of 10) called it “horribly dull.” The other reviewers didn’t mention the cover. A blogger who writes paranormal fantasy eBooks (not my target market) volunteered the comment that my cover “screams self-pub.”
We couldn’t help but think, “Are there some genres/books that can do without professional cover design? Does it really make THAT much of a difference?”
If professional design is inconsequential to readers, it would certainly be a way to put more money into the author’s pocket without affecting sales.
Discussion Questions
We want to hear your opinion and experiences! Tell us:
- Was your book cover professionally designed? Why or why not?
- Describe the reader response to your cover.
- Does the response of a reader in your target market differ from that of a random reader?
- Would you make the same design decision for your next book?
- If you haven’t published yet, describe your reaction to book covers as a reader.
Please take a few moments to discuss your experiences with fellow indie authors and readers in the comments.
What do you think?
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