Your Book Cook/A Smoking Gun! By Janet Fears

Welcome Guest Blogger - Janet Fears

Your Book Cover/ A Smoking Gun!

Have you ever been to a firing range, and watched the people practicing to hit a target from far away?  Some hit it straight off, while others miss time, and time again, but keep trying.                                                                                                                                         Its the same with book cover designs.  Ever walked in a bookstore, stroll through the isles, and suddenly you stop.  A book caught your eye.  Now you haven't even picked up the book, yet still, you are drawn to it.  Why?  Because it shot at you, yes that's what I said.  The book cover was a smoking gun and it hit it's target, YOU.  It hit you right between the eyes.  

All authors want their book covers to be smoking guns, so when potential readers see the cover, they immediately want to walk over and pick it up.  That's the #1 thing that will sell your book.  Of course, after that, you must have a compelling story and plot with captivating characters to hold them.  

Readers will naturally want a glimpse into the story, so that's where your back cover comes in.  It's equally as important as the front.  It tells them just enough into the story plot to tickle their interest and make them want to read the book. Your book cover can invoke emotions, laughter, hope, even fear.  

You must always design with your story in mind.  Your cover should reveal a hint of your story.   All types of feelings can be displayed on a book cover, without saying a word to the reader.  It's a silent smoking gun, and you have it in your hands to shoot at your readers and hit the target.  You can design your cover yourself (as I have chosen to do) or have it done professionally. Either way, your book cover is your smoking gun.  Use it - hit your readers, and make that sale!

Here are a few covers I have designed myself for some of my future stories.  What hints do they give you of the storyline?

Here is what one author said about the importance of having a great book cover!

“I have hundreds of books on my shelves I’ve not had the chance to read, because I have an addiction to buying beautiful books with stunning covers.” – JD Smith, author

And  Buzz Books says :

"A book cover is the book’s billboard, and even without the reader or author knowing, it causes expectation. If a reader sees a book with an amateur cover, they’re going to believe that it’s also poorly written."

Thanks for stopping by - as always - Breaking Rules Publishing continues to accept submissions in all genres from writers around the world. Please email us at info@breakingrulespublishing.com.