Book Cover Design
We’ve finally reached the stage with my book where the publisher has asked what I’d like to see on my jacket cover design! Ever since I can remember, I dreamt of walking into a bookshop and seeing my book—my cover—there on the shelf next to all the other fantasy writers I know and love.
Now, we’re one step closer to that.
This week, my Editor reached out with a questionnaire where I could fill out any ideas I had for my book cover, including tropes and colours I might want included, plus a “do not include” list.
How I Brainstormed
For the past few months, I’ve been keeping an eye out for book covers I really love. Of course, I’m writing in the Cosy Fantasy market, so those are the ones I looked at most.
I knew I wanted bright, vibrant colours. My book is cheery and humorous, so I wanted the cover to reflect that.
My Inspiration
A few of the bright, cheery covers I love.
I especially like that these covers focus on two or three complementary colours and show playful, lighthearted vibes.
What I Wanted To Avoid
Old Fantasy
I ruled out the old fantasy style, which features mainly natural earthen colour palettes, often with full character art facing the “camera”. And strangely, often with red titles. However, I do still like the medieval feel of the art.
Romantasy
While there is a small bit of romance in my book, I didn’t want it to come across as a Romantasy novel—because it’s not one! Therefore, I wanted to avoid a title-focused cover, often surrounded by swirly, twirly designs. If you’ve been in a bookshop in the last three years, you’ve definitely seen these covers! They’re everywhere. And they suit the genre.
Cosy Fantasy
Now, there are actually quite a few Cosy Fantasy covers that I really like. But I needed something to reflect my story. A lot of these feature a cup of tea or a house. “Hero Adjacent” doesn’t stay in one place; the characters are moving across the land on their quest. While it has cosy found family and reluctant hero vibes, it’s not a witchy novel.
Final Notes
Of course, these are just my initial thoughts that I’ve shared with the team! I trust that cover designers know a heck of a lot more about this stuff than I do, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
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