I Got You Covered
Working with Cover Designers to Capture Your Book’s Vibe
Your cover is the first impression the reader gets of your work. It’s the handshake. The flirty smile. It’s what makes readers stop scrolling and say, Ooh, what’s this? But getting it right takes more than just slapping a pretty image on the front and calling it a day.
If you're working with a cover designer (and I highly recommend that you do), here’s how to set yourself—and your book—up for success.
Start by Doing Your Homework
Before you send off that design request, spend some time on Amazon (or Nook, Apple, Google Play if your genre reaches a wider audience). Go to the Top 100 list in your category—whether that's Clean and Wholesome Romance, Women's Fiction, Shifter Romance, or wherever your book will be shelved.
Scroll. Study. Screenshot.
Take screenshots of the covers that give the same vibe as your book. Look at the color palettes, the font choices, the couple poses (or lack thereof), the mood and atmosphere. These covers are where your ideal readers are already shopping. This is your reference point.
Build a Brief That Tells the Right Story
Next, write a brief for your cover designer. Keep it short but specific. Include things like:
A quick pitch of your book (1-2 sentences max)
Character descriptions (only the essentials—this is not a character sheet)
Setting details (is this small town, high fantasy, beachy, big city, etc.?)
Tropes (enemies to lovers? second chance? secret baby?)
This isn’t about micromanaging—it’s about giving your designer the context to understand the emotional and visual tone of your story. Think vibes, not a chapter-by-chapter breakdown.
Then, Let the Designer Do Their Magic
Once you've sent your screenshots and brief, step back. Trust your designer. These are people who study book covers every day. They know what’s trending, what converts, and what looks right now. Their job is to take your input and translate it into a compelling visual that will stop a reader mid-scroll.
When the mockup lands in your inbox, it’s time for the most important part of the process...
Blend In While Standing Out
Take your cover and line it up with those original screenshots from the Amazon Top 100. Ask yourself:
Does it look like it belongs in this category?
Does it match the tone and expectations of the genre?
Is it eye-catching without being jarring?
Your goal is to blend in while standing out—yes, it’s a contradiction, but stay with me. You want your book to fit comfortably on the virtual shelf next to others in your genre, not feel like it wandered in from another section. Readers should instantly recognize the kind of story they’re about to get, while still feeling like your cover has that extra spark that makes them click.
A good cover isn't just a design—it's a promise. It tells your reader this book is for you. So take the time, do the prep, and collaborate with your designer like the creative partner they are. The right cover doesn’t just sell the book—it sells the feeling behind the story.