7 Reasons Your Book Cover Could Be Harming Your Sales (And How to Fix Them)

A book cover is often the first interaction a potential reader has with your work. In the crowded book market, having an eye-catching and genre-appropriate cover is essential to attract attention and encourage sales. While authors may have control over the content of their books, the cover design is a different story. Many authors may not realize that their book cover could be harming their sales. In this article, we will discuss seven reasons why your book cover might be negatively impacting your book's success and provide suggestions for how to improve it.

1. Insufficient color contrast: Covers with insufficient color contrast can appear washed out or difficult to read on different devices. Ensure that your cover design has a good balance between light and dark colors, so it is easily legible on various screen resolutions and sizes. To improve the contrast, work with your designer to select complementary colors or consider utilizing design tools like Adobe Color CC to find contrasting color schemes.
2. Fails to catch the reader's eye: A book cover should immediately grab a reader's attention. If your cover does not stand out, potential readers may scroll past it without giving it a second look. To make your book cover more visually appealing, consider using bold colors, striking images, and a unique design. You can also consult with a professional book cover designer who specializes in creating eye-catching covers.
3. Does not resonate with the reader: Your book cover should give potential readers an idea of what to expect from your book. If your cover does not resonate with your target audience, they may not feel inclined to purchase your book. To ensure your cover design resonates with your audience, research successful covers in your genre and note common themes, images, and design elements. Incorporate these elements into your own cover design to make it more appealing to your target readers.
4. Atypical for the genre: Each book genre has its own conventions and expectations for cover design. If your book cover does not align with these expectations, readers may not recognize it as belonging to their preferred genre, and they might overlook it. Study best-selling books in your genre and take note of their cover design trends. Consider incorporating similar elements into your cover design to ensure it is typical for your genre.
5. Poor typography: Bad typography on your book cover can make your title and author name difficult to read, which can discourage potential readers. Choose a font that is both legible and appropriate for your genre. Consult with a professional designer if you need assistance in selecting the right font or making adjustments to the typography.
6. Low-quality images or design: Low-quality images or design elements can make your book cover look unprofessional and discourage readers from purchasing your book. Ensure that any images used on your cover are high resolution and that design elements are crisp and clean. Working with a professional book cover designer can help you achieve a polished, professional look.
7. Inaccurate representation of the content: Your book cover should accurately represent the content of your book. If the cover misrepresents your story or fails to convey the tone, readers may be disappointed or confused, leading to negative reviews and poor word-of-mouth. To ensure your cover accurately represents your book, provide your designer with a detailed synopsis and discuss the essential elements that should be incorporated into the cover design.

Your book cover plays a crucial role in the success of your book. By addressing these seven potential issues, you can improve your book cover's effectiveness in attracting readers and boosting sales. Investing in a professional cover designer and taking the time to research successful covers in your genre can make all the difference in creating a cover that will help, rather than hinder, your book's success. If you aren't sure whether your book cover is good, we recommend trying our book cover checker as it might help you discover a problem.