How to judge a book by it's cover

A graphic designer analysing book cover trends and what makes them a success

[howtojudgeabookcover]

DISHOOM: What a large budget can do for a Cook book.

The budget for cookbooks is obviously larger than your standard paperback. 

This one, from one of the best restaurants in London, is a gorgeous example of printing techniques that put the cost price up but have a great overall effect. 

The title has is a rose gold metallic foil stamp, the spine is fabric and the cover is a thick cardboard. 

All of this adds up to it being pricey, not to mention the extras inside like the folded map of old bombay. 

This all adds to the cost of this excellent cook book but is more than worth it for this beautiful work of art.

[howtojudgeabookcover]

UK version of Skyward by Brandon sanderson

USA version of the cover

Comparing cover design preferences between USA and UK.

The first image is the UK version with its art nouveau border and monochromatic graphic style. It doesn't show the protagonist's face so that the reader can use thier imagination.

The second image is typical of a US fantasy cover. It is highly illustrated and focuses on a main characters face. Taking away the chance for the reader to put thier own mark on the story. The style choice I believe is to satisfy the American audience and make it instantly recognisable as belonging to the fantasy catagory.

The YA novel by the inimitable @brandsanderson is a good example of how fantasy covers vary between countries.

The publishers obviously know the apetite of the readers in thier own respective countries.