Readers Really Do Judge Books by Their Covers

We know—it seems unfair. But your book cover is the first thing readers see. And in a sea of books on Amazon, a great cover can make the difference between being clicked and ignored.

The good news? You don’t need to be a designer to get it right. You just need to understand what makes a cover work—and what sends readers running.

This guide will show you how to design a cover that fits your genre, looks professional, and doesn’t scare people away before they even get to page one.

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Step 1: Study Your Genre Before You Start

Your cover isn’t just about being pretty—it needs to match what readers expect in your category.

Take 5 minutes to scroll through Amazon’s bestsellers in your genre. Ask:

• Are the fonts bold or soft?
• Do they use photos or illustrations?
• Are the covers simple or detailed?

For example, thrillers tend to have dark colors and bold, blocky text. Children’s books often have bright colors and hand-drawn art. If your book doesn’t look like it belongs, readers might skip it—even if your story is amazing.

Step 2: Decide—DIY or Designer?

✅ Hire a Pro (best option)

Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, 99Designs and Reedsy have designers who specialize in book covers. Many offer great packages for under $150.

This is the fastest way to get a cover that sells.

✏️ Do It Yourself (if you’re on a budget)

Use Canva and start with a premade book cover template. Keep your fonts simple and readable. Don’t cram in too much detail—less is more.

Make sure you follow Amazon’s cover size requirements if you’re uploading to KDP.

Top Reasons Readers Skip Self-Published Book Covers

1. Tiny Fonts – If your title can’t be read in thumbnail size, you’re losing readers
2. Too Much Going On – Cluttered images or 4+ fonts scream “DIY” in a bad way
3. Genre Mismatch – A cozy romance shouldn’t look like a murder mystery
4. Bad Contrast – Light text on a light background = unreadable
5. Stock Photo Overload – Generic images can feel lazy or cheap
6. No Visual Hierarchy – Readers can’t tell what’s most important (title? author?)
7. Outdated Design – Looks like it was made in 2006 with WordArt
8. Low-Quality Images – Blurry or pixelated graphics kill your credibility

Tools to Make It Easier

• Canva: Drag-and-drop cover templates
• Grammarly: Proofread your cover – especially the subtitle, author bio, and back cover blurb
• Fiverr: Hire a pro for $50–$1,500+
• Vellum or Atticus: Pair interior formatting with your cover design

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Includes a full checklist of tools and templates for formatting, covers, and more.

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Final Thoughts

Your cover is more than just decoration—it’s your book’s first impression. Make it count. Whether you design it yourself or hire help, the goal is the same: create a cover that makes readers want to learn more.

You’ve already written the book. Now let’s give it the cover it deserves.