by Jenny Kimura, Senior Designer and Ebook Conversion Specialist
Though I am often asked about which book cover of mine is my favorite (please don’t ask a book designer to choose!), not many ask me what book covers not designed by me are my favorites. And I’ve got lots! Some of these covers really have gotten me to judge a book by its cover…and purchase it. Here are a few that have caught my eye recently, and why. Note: Most of these are young adult, new adult, or fantasy, as that’s what I read (and design!) most!
1. Babel (UK Edition) by R.F. Kuang: This book has been out for a while, but it’s the first book that comes to mind when I think about other book cover work that I admire. While both the US and the UK publishers used the same incredibly talented artist, Nico Delort, what really caught my attention was the use of illustrated drop caps for the title on the UK version. One-word titles can either be really tricky or really cool, and I think this title design was so unique (plus, an entirely black-and-white cover!) and fit the dark academia vibe of the story exactly. Cover art by Nico Delort, design by Holly Macdonald.
2. The Invocations (paperback edition) by Krystal Sutherland: I gasped when I saw this cover revealed on Instagram. I was already a fan of The Invocations, and while I love (and own) the hardcover, this paperback redesign is perfect for the story and tells you exactly what you need to know to pick this book up (demon possession!). There’s also something about the simplicity of the cover that really appeals to me, and the combination of a black and pink palette is exactly right for the book. It’s one of those concepts that I wish *I* had come up with! The cover artist is Colin Verdi, art directed by Theresa Evangelista.
3. The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson: This cover immediately caught my eye for its stunning use of white space, a gorgeous, clean font, and an intriguing picture frame. I’m also a huge fan of speculative fiction with a dash of horror, so this book looks to be right up my alley. I’ll be reading it when it publishes later this month! Cover artist: Daniele Serra Art.
4. Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao: I picked up this book in a lovely romance bookstore in Boston and was struck not only by its dreamy cover but also by its gorgeous case cover and jacket that could be folded into a paper boat. It was an auto-buy for me for that reason alone (though I also really enjoyed the read!). Not only is the art lovely and surreal just like the story inside, but I am also a huge fan of the vertical type for the title. Art by Haylee Morice and design by Regina Flath.
5. Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibanez: Have you ever seen a cover that you say, “Whoa,” out loud to? Just me? That was my reaction to seeing this cover reveal! It feels instantly classic but I know that I have not seen anything like it and it’s going to be a work of art on shelves. Also, as someone who loves maximalism, this cover is perfection! Art by Anna and Elena Balbusso and design by Olga Grlic and James Iacobelli.
6. Wither, Fever, and Sever (15th Anniversary Edition) by Lauren DeStefano: Girls and flowers on a cover is a timeless combo staple in YA book design, but these are one step above. I’m also starting to see a trend of what covers I gravitate to, and it’s often ones with short titles and show-stopping art. I couldn’t find the cover artist or the designer listed for this stunning redesign…and that’s a good reminder to publishers: PLEASE credit your artists and designers!
What are my takeaways from these covers? First, that I really love covers with one simple, clear image! And if the title is short and sweet, that really lets the art shine. Note that it doesn’t mean the cover has to be boring or the image simple—take for example The Macabre or the Wither, Fever, Sever covers: while they both have one main object, those objects introduce so much depth and interest and detail to the cover.
Second, I’m really drawn to unusual type—type that breaks placement norms, type that’s ornate and atypical, type that’s large and easy to read from a distance.
Of course, all of this is my personal taste! If some of these covers aren’t for you, that’s okay. But I would challenge you to think about it next time you’re at the bookstore and something catches your eye—why did it? And how can you replicate that eye-catching look for your own book?
Jenny Kimura is a book designer by day and also, a book designer by night. When not designing books, she can be found at a bookstore looking at all the back flaps for artist names and guessing which artist did what book cover just by looking at the style. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her cat, Basil.
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