Let’s be honest: readers absolutely judge books by their covers. A dazzling cover can make your book leap off the shelf (or online store), while a poorly designed one could leave it gathering dust. As an author, your words might shine on the inside, but your cover is what convinces readers to pick your book up in the first place. Here’s the kicker: even the best stories can get overlooked if the cover screams amateur hour. That’s why understanding book cover mistakes is so important—it’s your first line of defence in making sure your book gets the attention it deserves.
But designing a cover isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about strategy. Your cover is a powerful marketing tool that communicates your book’s genre, tone, and quality at a single glance. Yet, so many authors stumble into the same pitfalls—whether it’s a font that doesn’t match the vibe or images that look straight out of Clipart circa 1999. Avoiding these common blunders can be the difference between a bestseller and a book that quietly fades into the background.
In this guide, we’re giving a deep dive into the book cover mistakes you need to dodge. Additionally, we’ll help you find the right book cover designers to get your book on track. Whether you’re working with a pro or tackling the design yourself, you’ll walk away with actionable tips to ensure your cover is more than just good—it’s irresistible.
The 15 Common Book Cover Mistakes Authors Make When Designing
Your book cover is the first impression your book makes, and let’s be honest—readers do judge books by their covers. Designing it yourself might seem like a fun DIY project, but there are plenty of book cover mistakes that can cost you readers before they even crack open the first page. Here are 15 common pitfalls to steer clear of when creating your book cover:
Using the Wrong Fonts
Fonts carry personality, and the wrong one can misrepresent your book faster than a bad review. A thriller with a bubbly, childlike font? That’s a mixed message no one wants. Fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus might feel fun, but they’re a surefire way to scream amateur. Instead, think of your font as the book’s tone-setter. A sharp, clean sans-serif font works wonders for sci-fi, while an elegant serif whispers sophistication for literary fiction.
Ignoring Genre Conventions
Let’s get real: readers expect certain visuals from certain genres. A fantasy novel might have dramatic typography and magical landscapes, while a contemporary romance thrives on soft tones and clean fonts. Straying too far from these conventions could confuse potential buyers. Picture a cosy mystery with a dark, brooding cover—it’s like serving sushi at a barbecue: unexpected and unwelcome. Do your homework and research what works in your genre.
Overloading the Cover with Text
Your book cover isn’t a billboard, so don’t treat it like one. Packing it with taglines, reviews, subtitles, and unnecessary quotes overwhelms readers and makes your design look chaotic. Think about your main elements: the title, subtitle (if needed), your name, and maybe a tagline. Anything more dilutes the impact and makes your book scream “cluttered mess” rather than “must-read.”
Bad Image Quality
You wouldn’t print your wedding photos on a pixelated flyer, so why settle for blurry images on your book cover? Low-resolution visuals scream low effort. Make sure your images are high-quality, crisp, and professional. If you’re tempted to stretch an image just to make it fit—don’t. Readers can spot poor quality a mile away, and it tells them you didn’t take your book seriously.
Choosing Colors That Clash
Colours have a language all their own, and if your palette clashes, it can feel like a shouting match between your visuals. A neon green title against a bright orange background? Ouch. Instead, opt for complementary colours that work harmoniously. Your palette should also match your genre—dark and moody for thrillers, vibrant and inviting for children’s books, or warm pastels for romance.
Neglecting Contrast
Imagine a title blending into the background so much that you can barely read it. Frustrating, right? Contrast is what makes your text pop against your visuals. Always test your design by shrinking it down to thumbnail size (how most people will see it online). If the title and your name don’t stand out, it’s time to rethink.
Crowded Design
Let’s call this the “kitchen sink” approach: throwing every idea, image, and element onto your cover in the hopes of wowing readers. Spoiler: it doesn’t work. A crowded design overwhelms the eye and makes your book look unpolished. Instead, focus on one strong visual and build your design around it. Less is always more.
Generic Stock Images
Stock photos can save time and money, but they can also scream “generic.” Nothing pulls readers out of the moment like seeing an overused image they’ve spotted on five other book covers. If you must use stock photos, tweak them to fit your book’s unique vibe—crop, adjust colours, or overlay text creatively. Better yet, invest in custom artwork to ensure your cover is one of a kind.
Overcomplicating the Design
Your book cover is not a storyboard for your plot. Trying to cram every theme, subplot, and character into one design is a recipe for disaster. Readers don’t need to see the hero, villain, and love interest battling it out in front of a castle, spaceship, and volcano. Pick one core idea that captures the essence of your book and let it shine.
Ignoring Thumbnail Readability
Most readers will see your book cover first as a thumbnail on their screen. If your title is hard to read or your visuals lose impact when scaled down, you’re losing potential buyers. Shrink your design down to the size of a stamp and ask yourself: does it still grab attention? If not, simplify.
Skipping Reader Psychology
Colors, shapes, and fonts aren’t just visual elements—they’re tools that influence emotions. Red conveys passion or danger, while blue evokes trust or calmness. Rounded fonts feel friendly, while sharp ones feel edgy. Ignoring these subtle cues can lead to a design that misses the emotional mark for your audience.
Overlooking the Spine
The spine might seem like an afterthought, but it’s the only part of your book visible on a crowded shelf. A poorly designed spine—tiny text, weird colour choices, or mismatched fonts—can make your book blend in or, worse, disappear. Treat it with the same care as the front cover.
DIY Overconfidence
Tools like Canva and Photoshop might make it tempting to tackle your cover yourself, but there’s a world of difference between amateur and professional design. A DIY cover often lacks balance, polish, and genre alignment. Hiring a pro ensures you avoid common book cover mistakes UK authors face, like mismatched visuals or unintentional clutter.
Skipping Feedback
Falling in love with your own design is easy, but fresh eyes can catch book cover errors you’ve overlooked. Share your cover with beta readers, friends, or a design-savvy group. Their feedback can highlight issues and ensure your cover appeals to your target audience.
Finding the Right Book Cover Designer
Let’s face it: unless you’re a professional designer with years of experience in book covers specifically, you’re going to want to help craft a cover that turns heads. Finding the right designer isn’t just about having a nice-looking cover—it’s about avoiding book cover mistakes and ensuring your story gets the attention it deserves. Here’s how you can find and work with a book cover designer who will bring your vision to life.
Know What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about hiring a designer, get clear on your book’s genre, target audience, and overall tone. These details are the foundation of your cover design. Is your book a gritty crime thriller? A lighthearted rom-com? A dark fantasy epic? Your designer will need this information to create a cover that aligns with reader expectations.
Take some time to gather examples of covers you like—especially from books in your genre. Not only will this give your designer a visual starting point, but it will also help you articulate what you’re looking for. A clear direction reduces back-and-forth edits, which saves time and effort for both of you.
Research Designers Who Specialize in Book Covers
Not all designers are created equal, and not every graphic designer understands the nuances of book cover design. A stunning website banner or company logo doesn’t necessarily translate to a great book cover. Look for professionals who specialize in book covers and have a portfolio to back it up.
Websites like Reedsy, 99designs, and Fiverr offer directories of experienced book cover designers. Browse through their work to see if their style matches your vision. Pay attention to how well they handle common book cover mistakes UK authors might face, such as overcrowded layouts or unreadable fonts.
Pro tip: Check reviews and testimonials. Other authors’ experiences can give you valuable insights into how easy the designer is to work with and how well they meet deadlines.
Set a Realistic Budget
Hiring a book cover designer isn’t cheap, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 (or more) depending on the designer’s experience and whether you’re commissioning a custom illustration or a pre-made cover.
If you’re on a tight budget, look for pre-made covers that can be customized with your title and author name. These are often more affordable while still providing a polished, professional look. Just be sure the design hasn’t been overused in your genre, as this could lead to book cover errors like blending in with similar titles.
Communicate Clearly
Once you’ve chosen a designer, communication is key. Share all the details they’ll need to bring your vision to life. This includes your genre, plot summary, key themes, and any specific elements you want on the cover. If there are things you absolutely don’t want (a cliché image or a certain colour palette), make those clear upfront.
But here’s the catch—don’t micromanage. Designers are professionals for a reason, and they often see things you might not. Be open to their suggestions and trust their expertise. After all, the goal is to avoid book cover mistakes and create a cover that works for your book and its audience.
Review and Revise with Fresh Eyes
When your designer sends you the initial mockups, take your time reviewing them. Does the cover align with your genre and appeal to your target audience? Is the title easy to read at a glance? Does the design look good in terms of thumbnail size? Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments if something feels off.
This is also a great time to get feedback from trusted friends, beta readers, or even potential readers in your genre. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might overlook—like a font that’s hard to read or colors that clash in unexpected ways.
Final Note
In conclusion, avoiding book cover mistakes and finding the right designer can elevate your book’s appeal, draw in your ideal readers, and give your story the spotlight it deserves. Whether you’re writing a gritty crime thriller or a cosy romance, the right cover design ensures that your hard work gets noticed for all the right reasons.
At the end of the day, investing in a professional cover or learning to navigate the design process isn’t just about boosting sales—it’s about respecting your craft and the readers who will treasure your work. So take your time, make smart decisions, and remember: your book deserves a cover as captivating as the story inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is avoiding book cover mistakes so important?
Your book cover is your first chance to grab a reader’s attention. A poorly designed cover can misrepresent your book, deter potential readers, and even hurt your credibility as an author. Avoiding these mistakes ensures your cover reflects the quality of your story.
How do I find a professional book cover designer?
Start by researching designers who specialize in book covers. Platforms like Reedsy, 99designs, and Fiverr are great places to look. Check their portfolios for experience in your genre and read client reviews to ensure they deliver high-quality work.
Can I design my own book cover?
While DIY cover design is an option, it’s a risky one unless you have professional design skills. Tools like Canva can help, but hiring an experienced designer ensures you avoid common pitfalls like poor font choices or overcrowded layouts.
What should I avoid when designing my book cover?
Some major pitfalls include using low-quality images, ignoring genre conventions, overloading the design with text, and choosing fonts or colours that don’t align with your book’s tone. Check out the full guide above for a detailed list of book cover mistakes to steer clear of.
How much does it cost to hire a book cover designer?
Costs vary widely depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the project. Custom covers can range from $200 to over $1,000 (Prices may vary depending on market rates). If your budget is tight, consider pre-made covers, but make sure they’re tailored to your genre and unique enough to stand out.
