Top 5 types of book covers

When we work with authors to create their book cover design, they often have no clue.

“I have no idea what I want,” they’ll say, “but I know what I like when I see it.”

I’m that way too.

I have to rely on designers to translate my feelings into visual images.

But over the years, I’ve noticed that top book cover designs fall into these general categories.

Maybe this list will inspire you.

The top 5 cover design categories are:

Here’s what I mean:

1. 3-D image

These cover designs use 3-D images to give you a sense of depth and width.

Examples from our authors’ books:

2. Typographic

These designs rely primarily on the font and typeface to form the cover image.

Our authors’ books:

3. Photo

Some authors prefer covers that include photos.

Examples from our authors’ books:

4. Illustration

Illustrations can add a fictional quality to a cover.

Our authors’ covers:

5. Combination

Strong covers often combine the above elements into one design.

Examples from our authors’ books:

Isn’t fun to look at cover designs?

What type do you like best?

Or do you have a category that’s not listed here you want to suggest to me?

I’d love to hear.

To explore your book cover options, let’s talk.

No matter your book topic, we can create a visually stunning cover that you can be proud of.

by Helen Chang, ABM Editorial Director