I may not be anywhere near having to consider a book cover design yet, but I have begun to notice them more and more. When I browse book shelves I look at the cover for a while before reading the back of the book, the book jacket, or the blurbs. I want to see what the image evokes in me. Humans are such a visual species, so I have started taking time to allow myself to feel something for the book as a whole, not just the words. Slowing down has also helped me notice the book layout. Some books have extra elements meant to create a whole experience. For example, some books, particularly books involving magical worlds, include maps to help readers orient themselves. Books with lots of characters will sometimes include a family tree or list of characters and their relationships to one another so readers can keep them all straight. These tools add an extra layer to the book, and involve not just the writer, but a designer as well.



Designers play a significant role in creating another level of interaction that happens as the reader is transported into the author's words. This is different than an illustrator. They too have a critical role in books, but that's a whole other topic. What I have been noticing is how most books have more than just the words to entice readers to get inside. Sometimes books have chapter headings that are especially designed to clue the reader into what's coming up in that chapter. Aside from a chapter title, they might have a small illustration, varied font, or a quote.

Most younger kids I know choose a book by the cover nearly 100% of the time. In seconds they take one look at the cover, evaluate their feelings about what they think the book is about, and either keep looking or pull it out. Even adults tend to do that with childrens' books. How many of us haven't looked at the cover of a picture book and without knowing what it's about, chose it for our child because it looked like something she would like? I know I've done it. One thing I've noticed is that I'm drawn to books with characters on the cover. In particular, books with children of color, or showing some cultural element have caught my eye lately. As I've posted before, there is a push to get more diverse books in the hands of kids of all ages. Perhaps that is what has made me conscious of children of color on book covers.
I also find it fascinating to see how book covers change over time, especially books I love. Here is an example that makes me smile:
Hopefully one day, I'll be working with designers to create an integrated experience for my readers that goes beyond the printed word. If I'm lucky, I may even get a say in my books' cover designs.
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