Ever notice when you go to the trendy urban environments how the popular places all have funny names like the Thirsty Duck?
The coffee cup lids are– turquoise? The smell of roasted beans lingering in the air, the enticing turquoise chair in the corner beside the vintage lamp–the details add up to a full dazzling effect that is bigger than the sum of the parts.
Trying to describe exactly what it is that allows these places to charge so much more than Tim Hortons for a cup of coffee isn’t actually that easy. But, weirdly–when the environment doesn’t quite work–it’s easy to criticize.
The reason these places can charge more is because of the tiny details that set them apart and make them feel special and unique.
Of course, that’s design. That’s what design is.
Book design works the same way. The tiny details combine and meld to impress you with a feeling. The effect that puts you in a trance as you find yourself at the bookstore checkout with a book you weren’t intending to buy–but now, must.
With excellent book design, even the most minimal of covers is much more than the sum of the parts.
A few weeks ago, an editor in my business network named Sandra Beckwith from Bookbuzz announced the launch of one of her client’s books:
This cover takes my breath away and literally makes me feel giddy.
For me, it’s a Thirsty Duck.
The title draws me in, the sub-title supports it and makes me one hundred percent confident I want read it.
The typography is lively and professional.
This cover adds up to give me complete and utter harmony and thoughtfulness.
This is a book I want to buy (and no I'm not promoting even it, lol!).
This is great book design, and so much more.
By the way, the book cover designer is Sheila Parr.
And congratulations, team. This is how it’s done.
p.s. Let's design your book cover together! Is it time? We could even design it before you've even written it! Imagine... we will: a) brainstorm and research your niche b) mastermind your book title and test it with real people c) visualize the end result (yes, I am a hippy) d) have so much fun along the way! e) make it happen!
Are you in? ♥