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The Best Book Covers of 2022

In a year brimming with beautiful jacket art, these books stood out.

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By Matt Dorfman

Matt Dorfman is a designer, illustrator and the art director of the Book Review.

• Dec. 9, 2022

If an outsize premium is placed upon maximizing personal brands, book cover designers are at a significant disadvantage. Most often, any personal stylistic expressions in their work are swallowed up in service to the multiple masters — editors, marketing directors, sales teams — who sign off on a book’s cover. There is also the matter of adhering to any one publisher’s dos and don’ts, which can inform mandates about typography, color palettes and production flourishes like embossing or metallic inks. For people employed in a theoretically creative pursuit, designers’ talents are often defined by how effortlessly they can make themselves disappear to serve the book.

This required disappearing act also grants designers an unlikely role in the wider world as cultural sounding boards. In crafting visuals that need to find their places amid phones, tablets and all manner of other flashing lights that distract us daily, the success of books and their covers is quantified by the curiosity they sustain. And that curiosity is best harnessed and represented by designers who are most adept at listening and absorbing — often while the world around them is shouting and self-promoting. Though design should never be mistaken for genuine human empathy, it remains yet one other way to engage deeply with someone else’s experience. Incidentally, reading is also described in this way.

“Shit Cassandra Saw,” by Gwen E. Kirby Designed and illustrated by Lydia Ortiz

How often does a book cover require a seatbelt? The title’s maximalist implications are taken to heart in the execution of this jacket; the fun that was presumably had in making it shows.

“Putin,” by Philip Short Designed by Christopher Sergio

Forgoing a cover photo of its infamous subject is what sets this book apart from most others about Vladimir Putin. The bold red square speaks loudly to the author’s mastery of his subject with a bluntness that even the Russian president might be inclined to recognize.

“Kiki Man Ray,” by Mark Braude Designed by Jaya Miceli Photograph by Fernand Léger

This book considers a notoriously unsung artist long relegated to the margins of history, and its cover is a tribute that manages to hit notes of bawdiness and reclamation while at the same time using color (or a lack of it) to convey a mournful tone for what she was denied. (And, admittedly, the photo is a stunner.)

“The Great Experiment,” by Yascha Mounk Designed by Ben Denzer

Typically, covers circling this topic often skew (rightfully) dark tonally or (rightfully) alarmist aesthetically. Sometimes they’re capable of synthesizing both qualities at once. This one remains definitively alarmist but swerves away from darkness with a counterintuitive playfulness that promises an accessible reading experience.

“The Passenger” and “Stella Maris,” by Cormac McCarthy Designed by Chip Kidd

Creating cover art that conveys the passage of time is not easy. This box set, containing two interlinked novels, lays out its story beats like a film’s cold open. On the “front” of the box is a context-free seascape; upon turning to the twin spines, we discover a body underwater; on the opposite side, there’s a mushroom cloud. Not only does the designer illustrate the story’s major and minor themes while spoiling nothing, he also anticipates all the ways people might hold this in their hands.

“I Want to Keep Smashing Myself Until I Am Whole,” by Elias Canetti Designed by Alex Merto Illustration by Ian Woods

“two nurses, smoking,” by david means designed by alex merto.

The same designer produced both of these covers. Looking at them side by side, they demonstrate a stylistic pluralism that speaks to the attention paid to each book’s mission. It is difficult to be this artful in such different ways.

“Constructing a Nervous System,” by Margo Jefferson Designed by Kelly Blair

“easy beauty,” by chloé cooper jones designed by alison forner.

The covers of these two very different memoirs, written by two very different authors, use visuals to spur readers to consider multiple meanings of their titles. This is also not as easy to pull off as it looks.

“Dilla Time,” by Dan Charnas Designed by Rodrigo Corral Illustration by Matt Buck

What could have been a lazy visual appeal to the subject’s vanity is instead an image that signals the zones of his many talents while nodding to the relationship between that talent and work ethic (and beats). Also the author was selfless enough to leave his name off the front.

“My Pinup,” by Hilton Als Designed by Joan Wong

It’s not a book about Prince. It’s a book about the author’s personal and cultural relationship to Prince. The designer notes that distinction almost exclusively with typography without forgetting to dance.

“Pure Colour,” by Sheila Heti Designed by Na Kim Painting by Ellsworth Kelly

A fair argument can be made that using an Ellsworth Kelly artist proof as the key image for one’s cover provides an unfair advantage. But the choice to do so is less about formal boldness than it is an act of curation. For a cosmological novel about creation and the concept of God as an artist, the cover’s twin grace notes are so slight as to be easily missed: “A.P.” (for “artist’s proof”) is scribbled in light pencil just below the author’s first name, followed by the artist’s signature on the heels of her surname. It’s the last thing you notice before opening the book and starting the trip.

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The 139 Best Book Covers of 2023

We asked 47 designers for their favorites.

For what is now  the eighth time  in a row, I am pleased to present the best book covers of the year—as chosen by some of the industry’s best book cover designers.

This year, I asked 47 designers to share their favorite covers of the year, and they came back with a grand total of 139 covers (!), representing work by 85 different designers for 74 different imprints at home and abroad. The designers’ choices, and their comments, are below.

But first . . . the stats.

The best of the best book covers:

First place (12 mentions):

Szilvia Molnar, The Nursery   design by Linda Huang (Pantheon, March 21)

* Second place (8 mentions):

Olga Ravn,  The Employees design by Paul Sahre (New Directions, February 7)

* Third place (tie—6 mentions each):

Greg Jackson, The Dimensions of a Cave   Design by Jamie Keenan (Granta Books, October 26)

Celina Baljeet Basra,  Happy   Design by Alex Merto (Astra House, November 14)

The presses with the most covers on the list:

First place: FSG (19 covers)

* Second place: New Directions (11 covers)

* Third place: Pantheon (7 covers)

The designers with the most different covers on the list:

First place: Na Kim (7 covers)

* Second place: Alex Merto (6 covers)

* Third place (3-way tie) Jamie Keenan, June Park, Jaya Miceli (5 covers each)

The best month for book covers:

First place: August  (20 covers)

* Second place: September (19 covers)

* Third place: October  (18 covers)

The full list:

Such wonderful simplicity, but also cleverly articulating a newborn’s not fully developed vision and the new mother’s struggle with her dissolving identity. Love the placement of ‘A Novel’.

– Holly Ovenden

Everything about this cover is so elegant and minimal. Using “a novel” as part of the illustration is such a clever way to keep from adding more elements to it.

– Vivian Lopez Rowe

I gasped when I first saw this cover. Such a genius idea that speaks perfectly to the title while also avoiding cliches. The blurring is perfection.

– Jaya Nicely

– Erik Carter

Perfectly captures the bleariness of new motherhood. Best design use of “A Novel” I’ve seen in a long time.

– Jenny Carrow

Tender, brilliant, beautiful. I almost can’t believe that Linda was able to get this approved, but I’m so glad she did.

– Alicia Tatone

Although this cover is blurred we know exactly what we’re looking at. Playful and surprising, yet elegant.

– Stephanie Ross

It’s placement of “a novel” for me. Genius!

– Cecilia Zhang

What a smart and sophisticated solution, it’s really beautiful.

– June Park

It’s perfect. The perfect choice of color, type, and image. Linda managed to find a refreshing way to evoke the tenderness, pain, and love of motherhood.

– Arsh Raziuddin

Such a bold, simple and evocative visualization of postpartum depression. Love the way “a novel” is set here and becomes part of the narrative.

– Janet Hansen

No water cooler talk in this office. The dripping “s” in the title is a smart way to echo the overflow above.

– Stephen Brayda

Sinister stock image and haunted office noticeboard type, this cover looks like nothing else. Also the back cover is a work of art in itself.

– Tom Etherington

This is my favorite book cover of 2023. The image is left to sing and the simple, off-kilter type works perfectly in concert.

– Beth Steidle

This seems like a depiction of an intrusive thought a bored office worker would have while at the water cooler. The falling ’s’ adds to the overall despondent mood.

The cover is beautiful, but the back cover is even better.

For me, the most striking cover of the year, hands-down. The back cover is just as good, too.

– Luke Bird

Joyful, smart, eye-catching—instantly iconic.

Amusing, witty, and incredibly clever—a funhouse distortion of the stereotypical happy face. Turning the book over is an added treat—you’re greeted with an inverted version of the cover, with that elongated smile turned wistfully upside down.

– Devin Grosz

This makes me feel happy.

– Tyler Comrie

Always a sucker for a bold smiley (and frowny!) face cover.

Just makes you smile. The use of the space is the key to this. Looks so nice on the shelf too.

The back flap as front cover is a perfect backwards way to start this journey.

A truly weird cover, and the flaps made me laugh out loud.

This design is so clever and trippy—tricking you into thinking you are looking at the back flap of the book. What’s really great is that the entire jacket follows through with the concept.

– Laywan Kwan

I love the back flap image on the front cover. So clever!

– Jaya Miceli

The U.S. design is excellent as well, but a particular nod of respect to the U.K. design, a mind-bender of a jacket.

– Mark Abrams

Brilliant idea, brilliantly executed. So good it’s almost unsettling.

Gorgeous execution!

The juxtaposition of the cool, linear paint “tears” with the hyperreal portrait is enough to make ME cry. Achingly gorgeous.

– Alison Forner

Stunning interpretation of a coming-of-age novel. The super-tight crop and brush strokes work brilliantly.

I love the use of photography and paint here. Just beautiful and emotive.

The liquidy script, creepy monster, and colorful geometric shapes combo create an intriguing and magical world I want to learn more about.

The contrast between the cheery, childlike shapes and the monster lurking down on the bottom edge makes for a compelling cover.

The creature catches you by complete surprise in its unexpected placement beneath all the happy shapes and loopy type. The eeriness of those eyes stayed with me, even after I put the cover down. Unsettling in all the best ways.

I had no idea Alex was behind this cover the whole year I’d admired it. I love everything about it; the choice of fonts, the colorful shapes, the crouching monster… everything seems to be in perfect harmony, but the tension is palpable. I want a poster!

It’s not easy to make a cover with a red-eyed monster appealing…I guess that is unless you’re Alex Merto.

– Grace Han

Hauntingly beautiful. The glossy slab in the center, the glimmer of the gold typography, the creature emerging from the inky blackness—the alchemy of these elements reflect the novel’s theme of a story blotted out and then resurrected.

This cover is a perfect example of how to do a lot with very little. It’s an exercise in minimalism and contrast that manages to feel lush, textural, and mysterious.

Simple but effectively executed black-on-black art. It’s smart and elegant.

“It’s the wild colour scheme that freaks me out,” said Zaphod, whose love affair with the ship had lasted almost three minutes into the flight. “Every time you try and operate these weird black controls that are labeled in black on a black background, a little black light lights up in black to let you know you’ve done it.” -The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

I already thought it was perfect, and then I saw ‘a novel’. Brilliant.

This cover feels simultaneously bold and delicate. I can’t get over the “A Novel” disappearing into the haze. Another one that made me gasp on first sight.

I love how beautifully simple yet atmospheric this book cover is, It’s mesmerising, like staring into the literal sun!

– Kishan Rajani

Moody! I love looking at this.

– Anna Kochman

When it comes to effectively utilizing negative space, Na Kim dominates—and this cover is no exception. It’s like a colorful abstract painting that evokes pure emotion.

– Pete Garceau

In a world of big shouty titles, this cover really stands out. So elegant and understated.

Simple, quiet and beautiful. I love the gradating colors.

The delicately intertwined arrows work as a perfect visual metaphor for these stories—evoking the journeys undertaken by the characters across continents, generations, and deep within their own emotional landscapes. A quiet gem.

– Allison Saltzman

Eye-catching perfection. I can’t stop staring at the sun. The red type on top of the green creates just the right amount of vibration.

– Sarah Schulte

Simple geometric shapes, beautiful colour and Ed Ruscha type on an uncoated paper. Take my money.

The simplicity and confidence of this cover just work!

My favorite cover of the year. I’m a huge fan of the metal lettering + foil + pink endpapers.

Exquisitely channeling the heavy-metal-death-cult vibe.

– Lauren Peters-Collaer

The type! The holographic foil! Just so much fun and visually electrifying.

You can hear these forks scraping! The odd colors add even more tension.

Bryan Washington’s covers have all been so bold and witty, and this most recent one is no exception!

– Cassie Gonzales

This color combo is so unexpected and strangely appealing. I really love when color can do a lot of the heavy lifting in creating a compelling cover. And this is a great example of color that is not in your face but still eye-catching.

– Lauren Harms

The interlocking forks! This cover feels so fresh.

I love everything Joan Wong x New Directions. Joan has a beautifully distinctive style, and she continues to do something surprising each and every time. Poster please!

Meltingly good.

Another bold interruption of a sweet image, this time with a more disturbing feel.

A thrilling mash-up of old and modern, brilliantly executed. It’s also hilarious that the lady is plummeting rather violently yet her expression remains unperturbed.

– Linda Huang

Perfect execution of an exceptional concept. Everything works in concert here to evoke both old and new.

The use of color, texture, and repetition is incredibly engaging. Every choice is so well conceived.

– Emily Mahon

It’s not just the treatment of the artwork, but the way the type echoes it that really makes me love this.

I knew this would be one of my favorites of the year as soon as I saw it. So smart, the kind of simple that is anything but. Really elegant.

– Jamie Stafford-Hill

Even when you figure out the footprints are thumbprints, your brain still refuses to see it that way. So simple and so brilliant!

– Jamie Keenan

This is just beautiful, simple and clean. A lovely idea beautifully executed. The finished book feels nice too.

This gradient + type combo kills me. So good.

Jon Gray does it again.

I love how mirrored bold type treatment becomes the cover image. Pink and red!

What more can I say? I love clever typographic solutions. I love how the type forms a beautiful abstract shape. I love the red-pink palette. I love the display font.

So simple and so so charming.

I need to blow this up and hang it on my wall.

A collage with a depth and perceived dimensionality not always seen with this art creation technique.

– Nicole Caputo

The delicate type juxtaposed with the boldness of the collage, the balance of it all just works for me.

Great use of color, love a grid design especially one with such intriguing and charming illustrations.

– Kelly Winton

This color palette is gorgeous. A lot is going on in this design and yet the whole thing is still soft and moody.

– Zoe Norvell

A truly gorgeous cover. These soft, ethereal rainbow waves elegantly wrap around to the back of the jacket, organically integrating all of the type in a sophisticated way.

There is a calming feel to this cover. The type is thoughtfully placed, while the undulating shapes move your eyes around the entire space.

– Kimberly Glyder

I love this by Tom Etherington, so calming and beautiful! It’s a work of art.

– Anna Morrison

A personal favorite for not only the content of the novel but the brilliant solution of how to place such a long subtitle. I love the bright colors and little stars throughout.

So funky and vibrant, you just want to keep looking at it and get lost in the ribbons.

The spiraling type is SO FUN! The cadence of the ribbon bunching adds dimension and movement; reading the copy was a mini adventure! The sharp drop shadow is an added plus. June is an absolute pro!

This cover really packs a punch. The crop of the dog’s noses works so well—and that tongue!

Bold image that is victorious in striking so much mystery between title and the ambiguous expression and composition…and gravity!

Bold, sexy—I love it.

Beautiful colours and such a striking and thoughtful illustration.

This bright, citrusy palette is so pleasing to look at. That soft green is sublime. The hole punches through the objects add a satisfying layer of mystery.

The shapes around the artifact remind me of rock climbing holds and I love how that implies a solitary and intense struggle with heritage, identity or history. I also like the nostalgic and fading quality of watercolor.

I love the energy of this cover. The whimsical type treatment paired with the bubbly illustration, shattered into pieces like a broken plate, is intriguing.

A clever way to depict a character on the cover, without really showing them. The illustration is gorgeous as is the movement of the type.

Such an evocative photograph and great use of negative space. This cover reminds me of Sofia Coppola (high praise in my book!).

I love how there are so many parts of this cover that are uncomfortable—the empty space, the slightly misshapen square, the fidgeting hands and the handwritten text shoved right up against the title.

I love that the text almost isn’t present (graceful as it is)—the illustration maxes out the visual space and the touch of blood signals the story before you even read the title. Keen and gorgeous.

– Alban Fischer

A redesign of a classic that feels both timeless and yet entirely new. Tim Lahan’s illustration is the perfect nod to the titular story.

Love the intriguing dream-like head of the rose / jellyfish combination.

The novel itself descends into a frightening yet irresistible world, so fusing a jellyfish with a rose is a stroke of genius. Both are beautiful, yet both can inflict pain—one with its tendrils, the other with its thorns. The lush type treatment furthers the seduction.

So original and elegant. I love the flowing placement of the type and how it works with the illustration.

Such a sweet, whimsical illustration with a surprise pop of color in the vessel. Love the unusual composition.

I’ve always been drawn to covers that pose a question to the reader, and this one is quite literally full of them. The insistent repetition of the title question, the unnatural pastel flowers rising to obscure the words from view—gorgeous and unnerving.

A brilliant and beautiful image that seems indeed to be a perfect marriage of poetry, art and tech and that draws the viewer in enough to inspire a win for design and for the team and author who approved this, as the title is parsed slightly more slower than most covers out there today. Refreshing.

Looks good, smells even better.

The title streaming down from the nostrils is a nice (yet slightly gross) touch—this cover is wacky in the best way.

Amazing movement and depth . . . the hand-drawn, edgy quality screams thriller.

This cover has a great sense of movement. It’s easy to imagine the type, trees, and drone on the cusp of being swept away in the wind.

The attention to detail in this illustration is astonishing. The entire cover is dangerous and lush.

I love a twisted still life! The venus fly traps, the skull, the spilled coffee—every sinister detail is spot on.

It’s just… perfect. I don’t know what else to say. It’s perfect! Makes me want to be a fifteen-year-old girl again.

10/10 perfect execution.

This one forces you keep trying to work out what exactly is going on and noticing another new bit.

Beautiful, ominous.

So tender and edgy. If Tyler did this in Photoshop, it’s just brilliantly executed.

Food for thought!

So Monty Python. The way you see just under a half of Harding’s rueful eye peering out at the reader, 😘.

Suzanne Dean’s designs for the reissues of the Murakami series (illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi) are so unique, eye catching, and captured the spirit of Murakami’s writing so beautifully.

This design of this series is a celebration of Japanese illustration, reflecting the narrative in a colourful and playful way, and the obi wrap-around is inspired. Any Murakami fan would be ecstatic to receive this series.

My favorite part of this half-jacket, pre-printed case combo is how “Lou Reed” peaks out from behind the jacket, like a crown on top of Lou Reed’s head.

The case for simplicity.

Having this much black and then this loud pop of color is such a bold choice. It feels so much like a movie poster.

The simplicity, contrast, and overall vintage quality of type and design really resonates. It’s one of those simple and effective covers, where you say…why didn’t I think of that??? But I didn’t….June Park did, and it’s stunning!

There’s something about the hierarchy of the type that feels wrong—it took me a moment to distinguish the title from the author, but that’s the type of rule-breaking that makes this so memorable and confident. I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series, which makes it all the more compelling. The sophisticated color combo is also winning.

Not easy to make a typographic series design feel as fresh and as striking as this. There’s retro nod which I love.

I love Na’s covers for Yiyun Lee. Everything feels so considered.

I love the bold interruption of the pregnant pear shape into that charming dog painting.

I love these colors together. It’s such a contemporary choice and the contrast to the traditional imagery in the painting adds so much depth.

I love that red and pink combo. The combination of traditionalism and modernity is really striking.

What’s not to love about this cover? It’s engaging, striking, and uses eyes in a way that’s never been done before (which is no small feat when it comes to book covers).

I mean who couldn’t love all those teeny tiny eyes? She found the perfect piece of art for this!

Somehow a perfect blend of nostalgia, wit and design balance. The clashing palette works so well.

The illustration and type feel spontaneous and fresh. I’m intrigued by these figures in a hot tub/boat. What are they scoping out?

Lush and beautiful. It feels intriguing, raw and emotional. It really draws you in.

This cover speaks to this subject matter so succinctly and emotively—from the perfect placement of the bindi and the sharpness of the Kajal, it speaks to the idea of the ideal Indian woman and wider expectations of the model minority. It’s brilliant.

A charming collection of fonts and shapes.

The artwork is gorgeous and the color and type work so beautifully together.

Love me a good spy cover! Type, color, perspective, and figure placement are all spot on.

– James Iacobelli

I just completely lose myself in the gills of this mushroom.

I love the dimensional collaged overlay with the hand lettered type. Beautifully executed.

This could have easily fallen into a predictable trap, but Lynn took a completely unexpected approach and turned it into a work of art.

Absolutely beautiful art by Lisa Ericson and the minimal type with subtle gradient does a great job at toggling between the foreground and background without distracting from the art and its message.

I love how bold, evocative, and graphic this cover is—a real standout in the nonfiction world.

Who knew a gradient could be so sexy?! Love how the type just barely touches the shape.

The attitude of this design—the figure itself, yes, but also the scale and interaction with the gorgeous typography—is simply everything.

– Morgan Krehbiel

I love a typographic cover and this one works so well. The way 1984 is almost peering over the title, as a looming presence is so impactful.

Jamie is always good at finding new ways of saying things. This captures streets at night and I love the use of colour.

The illustration is incredible! I love it when there are different levels of information in a design. This works on both a detailed micro level with the waves and the ship, and a macro level with the face.

Great texture and craft.

I think I remember my mouth uncontrollably popping open the first time I saw this one—it’s just so unique. And those pokes!

Understated creepiness, with glow in the dark spot gloss. What’s not to love!

I love the energy and punk rock feel of the type and illustration.

So much warmth and spirit.

Haunting. Of note, from the back flap: “the image on this jacket was created by Bennett Miller, using OpenAl’s DALL-E 2 software. He arrived at the final product by making extensive edits on variations of an image generated using the following prompt: ‘a vintage photograph of huge plumes of smoke coming from an enormous UFO crashed in the desert.'”

Creative way to turn type into imagery.

There is something wonderfully magnetic and lush in this illustration. It feels both classic and contemporary. And I love the unconventional framing typography. Looks fantastic in person and on screen.

Super commercial and super good! I love the details like the sloping title and the screen on the image.

I love the pairing of this historical illustration with modern hand lettering.

The level of detail that Andrew puts into his covers, blows me away. The way the beautifully illustrated crow fills the cover and the red ribbon that flows through it all, is just perfect.

I love the humor of the illustration contrasting the title and the simplicity of the composition. It looks vintage yet contemporary, and the neon green is so fun.

There’s so many layers to this cover. I love that the art and text come together, making this a unique cover. No idea what’s going on, but I’m intrigued.

I’ve been obsessed with this cover since the moment I saw it.

I am struck by this cover every time I see it. The color palette and the image so perfectly capture the strangeness, interiority, and otherness of what happens within our own bodies.

Amazing combination of title and art.

When I look at this my eyes just yoyo backwards and forwards between the title and young kids and It’s a great use of empty space.

Lauren’s hand lettering pairs so beautifully with Amoako Boafo’s art.

Captivating Rorschach-esque art with hidden elements begs to be picked up.

This cover perfectly captures the paradox of urban loneliness. Also, the attention to craft on this cover is remarkable—the imperfect rectangles and the slightly off-center circles all come together to give it that midcentury modern flavour…an homage to a time when the Align-Window didn’t exist.

This edition takes a conventional sci-fi-thriller look and throws it out the window. Love those colors!

What Na Kim did with this cover was take one of the most direct cover designs possible while still leaving room for ambiguity with a giant Ellsworth Kelly blob.

Love how the art—unsettling and beautiful at the same time—gets to shine here. Seamless type integration, pearl finish, and sculpture emboss make this a really striking package.

Trippy. What was this guy smokin’ when he made this?

I first saw this cover on display in my local bookstore, and literally stopped mid-conversation to run across the room for a closer look. Something about the restraint in the design is just so exciting.

What a pairing of type and image! The typography is really fantastic and lends sophistication. Love the simplicity.

The layered views offer a glimpse into a confused world, while the serene color palette and structured type balance out the chaos.

This cover is bonkers and brilliant!

LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this cover!!

A clean and heartbreaking design. I like how the windswept flower appears to force the type further and further apart.

Perfect, as always.

I love how this one asks you to look closer.

A perfectly balanced cover that only gets better the closer you look at the textures and details.

The negative space, the colors, the Paul Rand-esque illustration—Matt can do no wrong.

Simple, daring, and brave enough to take risks (no quotes, sticker barcode) like Rubin himself.

An excellent photograph that pairs perfectly with the title. Humorous and sentimental.

Love the colors and surreal quality of this cover. That eyeball!

It’s so incredibly hard to create something fresh and unexpected for books like these. I love how this captures the raw energy of one of the most important issues of our time. It feels urgent and unbridled.

Something about the unsettled energy of the illustration and type just grabs me. Plus, it’s a wolf in a suit.

AMAZING art by Belkis Ayón.

Such an imaginative take on a wunderkammer. I love how the illustrated elements are falling playfully against the structured type.

Love the contrast between the zoomed-in intimate photograph and small-scale digital type.

The yellow of the nails and typography pops off this jacket in person.

I mean, yeah.

The textures and patterns lend such a rich and warm sense of place to this cookbook. Cookbook industry, please take notes.

Shouting out a category normally not on people’s radar. Love the mood and composition here, not to mention the swash on the N!

The hole punches are such an efficient way of adding a sense of fleeting moments, memories and partially processed feelings to a cover that is essentially just a very simple typeface and an image.

I love every bit of this cover—the brushstrokes in the type, the color palette, the little shadow characters, and the stars at the top.

There is so much texture in this cover! The concentric circles bring my eye right to the center. I also find it refreshing to see a historical fiction cover that doesn’t rely on setting or fashion.

Feels both vintage and entirely modern. Always appreciate Oliver Munday’s designs.

The lettering and graphic illustration create the perfect tension for this memoir about the author’s strict Rastafarian upbringing.

It’s amazing how the ship in the far distance pulls you right in.

The layering of elements is so beautifully executed here. The push-and-pull between foreground and background ask some questions while drawing me in—to me, the ultimate bar for a memoir cover.

This one must be seen in person. The special effects are stunning.

So elegant and also playful. Such a sweet and tender design.

Park’s type work is always so cozy and considered. And that big field of oversaturated red! The muchness this cover achieves with such economy is nothing short of wizardry.

A jolt of energy.

Love this. Excellent contrasts with that bright yellow, huge sharp black type, organic/digital liquid splash. Still fresh and eye catching every time I see it. (Also, gotta appreciate a four letter word on two lines.)

So impactful. I love how emotive the painterliness is here.

This cover speaks to how prolific Black Thought is, and the depth of his music and his story. The modern and fresh collage is spot-on.

A big deal book with a big look cover. What sets this jacket apart for me is that while there are big graphic elements, there are also really fine details. Simple and striking.

One thing about me? I simply love a collage. And the weirder the better.

Emily Temple

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Guides • Book Design

Last updated on Jan 21, 2022

The Elements of a Book Cover: A Deeper Dive

Ever wondered what makes a successful book cover ? While authors and designers obviously want their covers to stand out on the shelves, there are many standard features that you'll find on pretty much any book cover.

In this post, we'll dive into the elements that make up a cover design to better understand the crucial role they play in contributing to a book's appeal.

Front cover: the moneymaker 

Let's be honest; we all judge books by their covers, and for a good reason! The front cover should be designed to reflect its genre and hint at what it's actually about. It's the first thing a reader will see, making it your number one marketing tool. 

The crucial elements of a front cover are the title and the author's name, but those alone would hardly jump out at you from the shelves. Cover art, color scheme, and typography are just a few other elements that will make your book stand out to potential readers. 

Your cover art will be one of the most critical aspects of your book cover design — different styles and trends are closely associated with specific genres, so it's important to get it right. This is why it's essential to hire a professional cover designer who knows what's fit for the market you want to sell to. 

Adding photos or illustrations to the cover of a book can help offer some insight into what the book is about and signal to a reader whether or not they'd like it. The designs for the two books below do a great job of communicating genre, tone, and content.

The log cabin set in the moody, moon-lit forest for Hidden Beneath the Pines (above) simply screams " mystery-thriller " and tells the reader where the story will be set. On the other hand, the catalog-perfect room on the cover of Messy Bed, Messy Head immediately connects to the book's content — and offers a glimpse of what the reader might aspire to.

However, some covers are more abstract and give an idea of their concept, rather than plot or specific locations and characters. Reedsy designer George Stevens's cover for The Pain Habit takes author Drew Coverdale's metaphor of a 'journey to recovery' and represents it as a trail map up a mountain. 

Through George's use of color and playful graphics, he's able to represent a topic that's tied up in trauma and present it in a hopeful light.  

The cover below (by Reedsy designer Patrick Knowles ) uses bespoke illustrations to capture the unique story in Goran Baba Ali's The Glass Wall.

This design bridges the gap between literal and abstract cover art by depicting the book's characters and settings and the book's complex theme. The book deals with the vast inequalities and challenges facing immigrants escaping conflict in the Middle East. To offset the challenging subject matter, Knowles and Ali ensured that the cover remained accessible, rather than too abstract or metaphorical.

While you can just use stock images to create your cover, illustrations tailored to your book will convey your message much better and help it stand out more, especially if you're publishing as an ebook that could so easily be scrolled past.

Type hierarchy 

The title of the book and the author's name aren't carelessly slapped onto the book's cover without any thought. The font, size, and placement of any text are key elements of book cover design — not only can it be used to catch a reader's eye and guide them to the most essential information. That's why the names of well-known authors are often more prominent than the title of their book, while debut authors will put more focus on an intriguing title.

Taking the reader's eye on a journey across the cover is especially important on nonfiction covers. More often than not, they'll have a subtitle to clarify what the book is specifically about. The title 'Our Road to Damascus' , for example, could be for almost any kind of book — anything from adventure or fantasy to religion and memoir would fit. It's the subtitle, '7 Lessons for a Life of Purpose and Meaning,' that tells us it's a self-help book. 

Testimonial 

If you've already got some reviews for your book you might want to include a short testimonial on the front cover, too — especially if they're from a recognizable or reputable source. The cover above omits photos or illustrations in favor of a striking background, bold title, and a short recommendation from another author.

Spine: I bet you look good on the bookshelf

The spine is the center of the book's cover, where all pages are bound. It holds your book together and, if done well, will make your book stand out on the bookshelf. 

The essentials for a book's spine are the book's title and the author's name — these should be in the same font as the main text on the front cover. In the example below from Patrick Knowles, the spine continues the front cover and re-utilizes one of the graphical elements. 

Back cover: the (not-so) boring bits 

Once a front cover has caught the reader’s attention, it's up to the back cover to convince them to actually buy and read your book. To anyone sighing because "no one ever looks at the back cover," we ask: how many times have you bought a book without reading its description?

Practical elements

Let's get all of the less glamorous practicalities out of the way first, starting with the ISBN . An ISBN is a unique, 13-digit code used to identify a book, usually found just above the barcode at the bottom of the back cover.

Traditionally published books will also display the publisher's logo towards the bottom of the book's back cover. 

Marketing materials 

The most important feature of a book's back cover is the blurb — a short description to tell readers what it's all about. It shouldn't be a lengthy synopsis, and nor should it contain any spoilers, but it should make your readers curious about the pages between the covers.

Another great way to draw in new readers is a positive review from another author in your genre, especially if you've not already got a testimonial on your front cover or if this is your first book. Many authors also add a personal touch. A short author biography and headshot is standard — especially in nonfiction. 

Flaps: the hardback's special feature

Your book's cover will look a little different if you're publishing a hardback. Hardbacks usually have dust jackets — a removable cover printed on thick, heavyweight paper. Some features usually found on the back cover may be relocated to the dust jacket's back panels (or flaps). 

There aren't really any hard and fast rules — the author's photo and bio are the most common choices for the flaps, but they can also house a book's blurb or some testimonials. 

The exterior design of a book is one of its most important features so getting it right can feel a little daunting at first. But, now that you’ve got a solid grasp of its various elements — you know what it takes for a cover to truly work . If you want a professional cover for your next book, be sure to check out Reedsy's network of experienced book designers.

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Consider This from NPR

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'Long Island' renders bare the universality of longing

May 7, 2024 • In a heartrending follow-up to his beloved 2009 novel, Brooklyn, Colm Tóibín handles uncertainties and moral conundrums with exquisite delicacy, zigzagging through time to a devastating climax.

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The 13 Best Book Review Sites and Book Rating Sites

Knowing where to buy books can be challenging. So, here are the best book review sites to help you avoid buying books that you'll regret reading.

Nobody likes to spend money on a new book only to face that overwhelming feeling of disappointment when it doesn't live up to your expectations. The solution is to check out a few book review sites before you hit the shops. The greater the diversity of opinions you can gather, the more confidence you can have that you'll enjoy the title.

Which book review and book rating sites are worth considering? Here are the best ones.

1. Goodreads

Goodreads is arguably the leading online community for book lovers. If you want some inspiration for which novel or biography to read next, this is the book review site to visit.

There's an endless number of user-generated reading lists to explore, and Goodreads itself publishes dozens of "best of" lists across a number of categories. You can do a book search by plot or subject , or join book discussions and reading groups with thousands of members.

You can participate in the community by adding your own rankings to books you've read and leaving reviews for other people to check out. Occasionally, there are even bonus events like question and answer sessions with authors.

2. LibraryThing

LibraryThing is the self-proclaimed largest book club in the world. It has more than 2.3 million members and is one of the best social networking platforms for book lovers .

With a free account, you can add up to 200 books to your library and share them with other users. But it's in the other areas where LibraryThing can claim to be one of the best book review sites.

Naturally, there are ratings, user reviews, and tags. But be sure to click on the Zeitgeist tab at the top of the page. It contains masses of information, including the top books by rating, by the number of reviews, by authors, and loads more.

3. Book Riot

Book Riot is a blog. It publishes listicles on dozens of different topics, many of which review the best books in a certain genre. To give you an idea, some recent articles include Keeping Hoping Alive: 11 Thrilling YA Survival Stories and The Best Historical Fiction Books You’ve Never Heard Of .

Of course, there's also plenty of non-reading list content. If you have a general affinity for literature, Book Riot is definitely worth adding to the list of websites you browse every day.

Bookish is a site that all members of book clubs should know about. It helps you prep for your next meeting with discussion guides, book quizzes, and book games. There are even food and drink suggestions, as well as playlist recommendations.

But the site is more than just book club meetings. It also offers lots of editorial content. That comes in the form of author interviews, opinion essays, book reviews and recommendations, reading challenges, and giveaways.

Be sure to look at the Must-Reads section of the site regularly to get the latest book reviews. Also, it goes without saying that the people behind Bookish are book lovers, too. To get a glimpse of what they’re reading, check out their Staff Reads articles.

5. Booklist

Booklist is a print magazine that also offers an online portal. Trusted experts from the American Library Association write all the book reviews.

You can see snippets of reviews for different books. However, to read them in full, you will need to subscribe. An annual plan for this book review site costs $184.95 per year.

6. Fantasy Book Review

Fantasy Book Review should be high on the list for anyone who is a fan of fantasy works. The book review site publishes reviews for both children's books and adults' books.

It has a section on the top fantasy books of all time and a continually updated list of must-read books for each year. You can also search through the recommended books by sub-genres such as Sword and Sorcery, Parallel Worlds, and Epic Fantasy.

7. LoveReading

LoveReading is one of the most popular book review sites in the UK, but American audiences will find it to be equally useful.

The site is divided into fiction and non-fiction works. In each area, it publishes weekly staff picks, books of the month, debuts of the month, ebooks of the month, audiobooks of the month, and the nationwide bestsellers. Each book on every list has a full review that you can read for free.

Make sure you also check out their Highlights tab to get book reviews for selected titles of the month. In Collections , you'll also find themed reading lists such as World War One Literature and Green Reads .

Kirkus has been involved in producing book reviews since the 1930s. This book review site looks at the week's bestselling books, and provides lengthy critiques for each one.

As you'd expect, you'll also find dozens of "best of" lists and individual book reviews across many categories and genres.

And while you're on the site, make sure you click on the Kirkus Prize section. You can look at all the past winners and finalists, complete with the accompanying reviews of their books.

Although Reddit is a social media site, you can use it to get book reviews of famous books, or almost any other book for that matter! Reddit has a Subreddit, r/books, that is dedicated to book reviews and reading lists.

The subreddit has weekly scheduled threads about a particular topic or genre. Anyone can then chip in with their opinions about which books are recommendable. Several new threads are published every day, with people discussing their latest discovery with an accompanying book rating or review.

You'll also discover a weekly recommendation thread. Recent threads have included subjects such as Favorite Books About Climate Science , Literature of Indigenous Peoples , and Books Set in the Desert . There’s also a weekly What are you Reading? discussion and frequent AMAs.

For more social media-like platforms, check out these must-have apps for book lovers .

10. YouTube

YouTube is not the type of place that immediately springs to mind when you think of the best book review sites online.

Nonetheless, there are several engaging YouTube channels that frequently offer opinions on books they've read. You’ll easily find book reviews of famous books here.

Some of the most notable book review YouTube channels include Better Than Food: Book Reviews , Little Book Owl , PolandBananasBooks , and Rincey Reads .

Amazon is probably one of your go-to site when you want to buy something. If you don’t mind used copies, it’s also one of the best websites to buy second-hand books .

Now, to get book reviews, just search and click on a title, then scroll down to see the ratings and what others who have bought the book are saying. It’s a quick way to have an overview of the book’s rating. If you spot the words Look Inside above the book cover, it means you get to preview the first few pages of the book, too!

Regardless of the praises or criticisms you have heard from other book review sites, reading a sample is the most direct way to help you gauge the content’s potential and see whether the author’s writing style suits your tastes.

12. StoryGraph

StoryGraph is another good book review site that's worth checking out. The book rating is determined by the site's large community of readers. Key in the title of a book you're interested in and click on it in StoryGraph's search results to have an overall view of its rating.

Each book review provides information on the moods and pacing of the story. It also indicates whether the tale is plot or character-driven, what readers feel about the extent of character development, how lovable the characters generally are, and the diversity of the cast.

13. London Review of Books

The London Review of Books is a magazine that covers a range of subjects such as culture, literature, and philosophy. Part of its content includes amazingly detailed book reviews. If you feel that most modern book reviews are too brief for your liking, the London Review of Books should suit you best.

You'll gain insight into the flow and themes of the story, as well as a more thorough picture of the events taking place in the book.

Read Book Reviews Before You Buy

The book review sites we've discussed will appeal to different types of readers. Some people will be more comfortable with the easy-to-interpret book rating systems; others will prefer extensive reviews written by experienced professionals.

Although it’s easy to be tempted by a gorgeous book cover, it’s always best to have a quick look at the book reviews before actually buying a copy. This way, you can save your money and spend it on the books that you’ll be proud to display on your shelves for a long time. And check out recommendations, as well, to help you find what's worth reading.

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Back Cover of a Book: Must-Haves & Examples

Finishing your manuscript is a massive accomplishment, almost a complete victory.

But so much must be done to ensure that all your efforts weren’t for nothing. You need readers to buy your book!

And you can’t stand in the bookstore or pop out on the side of Amazon’s book page to try and convince the reader that they’ll love this book. 

Your book’s back cover is one of the tools that will do that for you.

That means a lot is riding on creating the perfect back cover. But not to worry, we’ve compiled a beginner’s guide to creating a back cover of a book that wows. And we’ve included 16 examples to show how successful ones are done. 

Importance of The Back Cover of a Book

The back of a book cover can make the difference between increasing book sales and losing the reader’s interest.

Your back book cover together with the front cover must make a convincing sales pitch to the reader.

The front cover or the spine of the book must attract the reader. Once you have their attention, they’ll flip over the book and that’s your chance to persuade them to buy it.

To get the reader to buy your book, or at least open it to chapter one, your book’s back cover needs to tell a story:

• What the book is about (using a book blurb)
• Why it’s worth reading (using book reviews)
• Why this reader in particular will want to read it (using enticing copy and targeted keywords)

This is a book promotion tool that’s as important as author newsletters , your social media posts, or book trailers .

What Goes on The Back of a Book

The back cover usually has the elements listed below. Some elements may be omitted based on what you want to convey about your book. 

Once you understand the roles each of these components plays, you’ll have a better idea of what serves the best purpose on the back cover of your book.

Book Reviews

Awards and past work, isbn and barcode.

• Publisher Details 

This is a one-liner that stands out the most on the back of a book. This appears at the top, ensuring that it’s the first thing the reader sees.

The tagline is usually written differently to make it pop. For example, it could be bolded, a different color, larger in size, or italics.

Examples of a tagline:

Descriptive

A brief descriptive sentence that teases at the main theme, conflict, or (in the case of non-fiction) problems being solved by the book.

For example:

“No one’s ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine.” Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

A brief line that uses keywords from the genre to target ideal fans.

“Lethal. Loyal. Legendary.” Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

A quote from a professional book review that will intrigue the reader while explaining the book’s hook.

“The greatest romance story of this decade. –Entertainment Weekly” Fault in Our Stars by John Green

From a Scene

A line from the book that makes the reader feel as if they’re dropped right into the action.

“He needs my help, but he’ll be my downfall.” A Prince So Cruel by Ingrid Seymour

Note: The tagline can be between 5 to 50 words, so use them wisely!

This is a description that tells the reader what the book is about without summarizing the plot or giving away any spoilers.

It lets the reader know what to expect.

Your book blurb is kind of like the text version of a book trailer. Just like a trailer, it will highlight the compelling parts of your story.

The best way to go about writing your book blurb is to keep the target reader at the front of your mind. Consider what the reader will be excited to see from your book.

If you need tips on writing a book blurb, check out our blog: How To Write a Compelling Book Blurb (+15 Examples) .

Readers are more likely to believe that your book is good if someone noteworthy praises it.

Pick a stellar testimonial from another author (preferably from your genre) or a publication to give your book credibility.

Avoid adding reviews that say, “I loved it!”

Rather choose reviews that praise a specific part of your book like your writing capability, the characters, the premise, etc.

Take a review on the cover of All the Broken Places by John Boyne for example: 

“Exceptional, layered and compelling…This book moves like a freight train.” Review by Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love

The number of reviews you use will depend on what you want the back cover of your book to convey. Some back covers only use reviews, while some have it in the tagline or at the end of the blurb.

But if you don’t have a publication or notable author to turn to, you can use your best customer review.

If you want to know more about getting endorsements, check out our blog: Professional Book Review: The Ultimate Guide .

Your book’s back cover can also mention any awards and achievements you’ve received that add credibility to your book. You could even include if your books have only been nominated.

Also, add any previously published work. The reader may notice a previous title making them lean towards getting your new release.

Adding your past work will also signal that you have staying power as an author.

Sometimes the back cover of a book will include an author bio, and for some authors, this can seem like the hardest thing to write.

While you don’t need to share your favorite color or that you like long walks on the beach, you do need to let the reader get to know you a bit.

Your author bio shares the credentials, writer’s journey, other works, etc. And it is way more streamlined than something you’d find on the author’s website .

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But does every author need one for their book?

Not necessarily.

If you write fiction, it won’t be the end of the world if you don’t add it. But if you write non-fiction including a bio can help build trust with the reader.

In that case, a bio will show why you are qualified or have the experience to have written your book.

Note: When adding your author photo alongside your bio, make sure it both matches your personality and your book’s genre. Be sure to use a professional photo that has been taken more recently.

Your book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a number that is used to identify your book. The accompanying barcode is the scannable version of this number.

They’re created by the publishing or self-publishing company. Unless you’re using Amazon, you may have to pay for it in the case of self-publishing.

Note: When getting your book printed, the printing company will have a set requirement for where this number and barcode will go, so keep that in mind when arranging the elements on the back cover of your book.

Publisher Details

The reader won’t be eagerly flipping over your book in search of the publisher’s information, but it needs to be on the back cover of your book nonetheless.

Note: The publisher’s information and logo are low priority so make sure they’re in smaller text.

Tips For Designing Your Book’s Back Cover

Follow the below tips to level up your book back cover design:

Do some research

We recommend doing research in your genre to see what unique styles you could try for your own back cover design.

When analyzing the covers, look at the positioning of the blurbs and reviews, and take note of how a story is told from the front cover to the back. 

Keeping both covers consistent will make your book tell a complete story without the reader even reading a word.

Prioritize layout

It may sound fun to create a wacky book cover, but you could end up creating a confusing mess that’s hard to decipher.

It’s okay to color out of the lines a tad bit, but don’t go overboard! The goal is to avoid a cluttered book back cover and ensure the text is easy to read.

You can achieve this by using clear fonts, an uncomplicated color scheme, and giving the content sufficient space to breathe.

The reader should be able to grasp some information at a single glance. After that glance, if they’re interested, they’ll keep reading.

Use style to tell a story

Your front and back covers don’t need to be designed the same to be cohesive. The front and back covers are not twins, they’re sisters.

For starters, you could use similar borders or related elements. For example, if you’ve written a mystery novel you could have one big puddle of blood on the front and smaller splatters on the back.

Consider the atmosphere and tone that you want the reader to feel and use the appropriate fonts, colors, and design elements to communicate that.

Use copy to sell the book

What you can’t say through design, you’ll say through words.

There’s an art to writing copy that compels a reader to open your book. You have to say a lot in as few words as possible.

Make sure each piece (your blurb, reviews, and bio) serves a purpose that discusses something different from the last. The reader should come away with an understanding of the premise and excitement to keep reading.

DIY – Doing It Yourself

When self-publishing, you can get templates from book cover printers to insert your designs into or you can use software like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to design the back cover of your book.

Hire somebody

If you lack the time or design prowess to create a back cover for your book, you can simply hire a professional.

It will save you a lot of time and effort, just be sure to research which designer meets your budget and needs.

Don’t forget the book’s spine

When a reader is browsing a bookstore or library, they’ll most likely see the spine of your book first.

Therefore, the spine of your book needs to continue the same story as the rest of your book cover.

Your spine should include the same color scheme, fonts, and design elements as your cover. Everything will be minimized and sideways, so make sure it is easy to read from an angle.

Here’s the information that could be found on your book spine:

• Title of the book.
• Full Author name (If the book is long enough, the author’s first and last name), or
• Shortened Author name (If the author’s name is too long, the spine will have an initial and the last name).
• Publisher’s logo.
• Book series number.

Back Cover Of A Book Examples

As promised, below are 16 examples you can use as reference when designing the back cover of your own book. 

We’ve included the front cover too so you can see the full design story!

1. Romance Genre

Icebreaker by hannah grace.

Curvy fonts and cool colors create the right atmosphere in this Romance example. 

Text is given plenty of room to tell its story with the use of adequate spacing, plus the artwork of the main characters breaks up the pattern of the text too.

With a few pops of orange and bolder text, the back cover draws the reader’s eyes from one point to the next. The author bio is the last thing the reader will notice, as intended by the designer of this book’s back cover.

2. Non-Fiction Genre

Stop overthinking by nick trenton.

This book’s back cover follows the theme of this book, practicing what it preaches. It avoids clutter and uses text that is super clear to read.

It’s easy to start skimming through the content because of this, and only one point is highlighted on the back cover, “Stop Overthinking,” which reiterates the topic of the book.

3. Thriller Genre

The new couple by alison james.

We love this back book cover because the blurb is written from the main character’s perspective. It immediately pulls the reader into the story.

The tagline appears on both the front and back cover of the book, but it serves to cement the premise of the book making sure the reader won’t forget it.

Lastly, the yellow text at the bottom continues speaking directly to the target reader, mentioning other popular books in the sub-genre similar to this one. If a reader has loved those books, they will be more likely to buy this one.

4. Sci-Fi Genre

Recruitment by k. a. riley.

Streamlined is the name of the game for the back cover of this book.

Targeting Sci-Fi lovers is the main aim here, so the tagline just states the year the book is set in.

Although it doesn’t tease the story, it’s still effective in attracting the reader because the blurb is short and discusses the premise in enough detail.

5. All in one (Fantasy Genre)

A court of thorns and roses by sarah j. maas.

This fantasy example has it all: the accolade in the tagline, the well-written blurb, the decorated author bio, and the enthusiastic endorsements.

The back cover of this book is stacked with information yet it all feels easy to skim read because the content is sectioned off.

The back cover cleverly mentioned the author’s name and credibility multiple times. It clearly aims to promote the book using the author’s name. It’s trying to say: 

“If you’ve heard of her, you should definitely check this book out!”

6. Children’s Genre

Children who dance in the rain by susan justice .

We love the design of this example. Since it’s a children’s book, it sells the art style first and foremost and gets creative with the design of the text.

Although the reviews are on top of white backgrounds, the text doesn’t look out of place and rather just adds to the innovative nature of the cover.

Endorsements are highlighted from the front to the back cover, showing parents that this book is worth reading since it is worthy of awards!

7. Consider the Reader

The clockmaker’s daughter by kate morton.

The layout of this cover considers the target readers in every decision made.

Equal importance is given to each component, enticing the reader to read all of it from top to bottom.

The tagline reveals the setting and genre efficiently, and the praises for the author solidify it.

Although the front and back covers don’t share a similar background, the font and leaf design elements are used to connect the experience.

8. Use endorsements

None of this is true by lisa jewell .

Lisa Jewell’s back cover aims to convince readers to buy the book through reviews by respected authors.

It leaves the reader thinking, “Well if they couldn’t put this book down, then maybe I wouldn’t be able to either.”

The names of the authors are contrasted to the reviews using a slightly different font and yellow text. 

And it also has the largest review near the top, with varying sizes as the reader’s eyes go down the cover. This keeps the cover from being dull and hard to skim through.

9. Taglines

The only woman in the room by marie benedict .

In the above example, the tagline is split up and integrated into the blurb but if it’s all read together, it tells the story briefly for anyone skimming the back cover of the book.

The taglines are capped by reviews to complete the experience.

Not to forget the addition of Marie Benedict’s past works at the bottom left of the book’s back cover. It reminds readers of her other popular novels.

10. Past works

November 9 by colleen hoover.

A total of 3 font colors are used for the back cover of this book, yet it doesn’t look busy or cluttered.

The lighter colors surround the blurb, keeping it the center focus. This encourages the reader to read the taglines and still be interested in reading the blurb and author bio.

Speaking of Colleen Hoover’s author bio. It lists so many popular past books for fans and newcomers to be impressed by.

We love this addition because if a fan forgot that you’re the one who wrote a book they loved, they’ll be reminded. This will increase your chances of selling your new release. 

11. Continue the Style Story

Lightlark by alex aster.

With an entertaining front cover, it can be hard to decide what to do with the back cover.

Lightlark shows us that with the same font, colors, and a recurring design element, it can be done!

This book’s back cover continues the story by using the same border, but flipping it so it doesn’t look exactly the same as the front.

The fades from tinged-orange to yellow-gold on top of a sleek black background keep the front and back covers connected.

The cover has 2 taglines large and in charge of drawing the reader in. What seals the deal is the mention of the second book in the series, making the reader aware that there’s more to come.

12. About The Author Example

Self-love workbook for women by megan logan .

We love how fun and colorful this cover is – and it fits the book’s theme so well!

Highlighter-like taglines and bullet points give this back cover even more spunk. This highlighting style makes it feel like it’s the reader’s notebook, emphasizing that the book is about working on one’s self.

But what gives this book an extra edge is the authority the author has in her field. The author bio showcases the author’s expertise, letting the reader know that if there was anyone they should listen to about self-love, it’s this author.

13. Author Branding

The gifts of imperfection: 10th anniversary edition by brené brown.

This is the 10th-anniversary edition of this book, so that means it was pretty well received.

But there are 8 billion people in the world, so not everyone would’ve heard of this book – and the covers try to make up that ground.

The back cover of this book uses the author’s branding to sell the book. Even though the author bio is at the bottom, it feels as if we’re being told about Brene Brown’s efforts for this book at every turn.

But the author’s bio reveals more about her decorated past than the blurb, discussing her achievements, past works in other industries, and experiences.

14. Minimalism

The food lab by j. kenji lópez-alt.

Plain doesn’t have to mean boring. 

There’s a lot of content on this page which would otherwise be overwhelming. But with the use of bronze borders, content is neatly sectioned and given space. 

Instead of a tagline, at the top lies the blurb in a newspaper or magazine type of column. The main selling point is centered within a box: the reviews. This is a great way for the author to build trust with the reader.

15. Artwork

The zen monkey and the lotus flower by tenpa yeshe.

Text is simple, big, and bold on this back cover. But the main attraction is the art.

The artwork of this book reiterates the title, reinforcing it in the reader’s mind.

The balance of artwork and text upholds the book’s theme too. And the art is a great feature of the book, making it hard for a reader to look away.

16. Creative Layout

The science of spice by dr. stuart farrimond .

You can use your book’s genre and theme to come up with unique ideas for the back cover of your book. 

Above is a fantastic example of how to do this.

Ingredients sit within boxes labeled by chemistry-like symbols. The text on the back cover of the book uses copywriting techniques to call out to the reader and persuade them that this book is for them.

Back Cover Of A Book Template

Follow any one of these templates below to craft your dream back cover for your book.

Promotion Doesn’t Stop There

Creating the perfect back cover of a book doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing from there.

If only it was as simple as publishing your book and watching the sales come in. That’s the dream, right?

Life isn’t that simple, so book promotion isn’t that simple. 

You need everyone and their mothers to hear about your book, and in today’s digital world, the best way to do that is by spreading the word online.

If you’re looking to improve your online presence you need an author website. An author website helps readers, publishers, and other industry professionals find you easily online.

We love working with authors, so fill in this inquiry form and we’ll see how we can help you.

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Finding The Perfect Alpha Reader for Writers (Plus Template)

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Cover Design

Starting from your choice of three original, custom-designed concepts, your designer will create a beautiful cover tailored to your book and your tastes.

Cover Design Services

Beautiful book covers, effortlessly.

When it comes to books, we’ve got you covered—literally! No matter your book’s genre or audience, your cover is your most valuable marketing tool. A professionally designed cover can make the difference between blending in and standing out. Our experienced graphic designers use their deep genre and industry expertise to create a cover design that captures the spirit of your book and the attention of your readers.

Cover Design Examples

We custom match you with a designer experienced in your genre to create a captivating cover that both you and your readers will love.

How does it work?

Kirkus' cover design service turns your vision for your book into a reality, producing a cover that’s both elegant and technically sound. You’ll start by answering a few questions and sharing inspiration, and you’ll end with final cover files perfectly prepared for each book format you select and the publishing platform you’ve chosen. Make your book shine with a professional, eye-catching design.

You share your vision: tell us about your book, upload inspiration, and describe your tastes, all guided by our friendly questionnaire.

You get three original, custom-designed cover concepts for your review.

You select a concept and submit up to three rounds of feedback.

Your professional designer refines and perfects your cover.

You receive clean final files that are fully proofed, quality-checked, and ready for publication.

What’s Included?

Whether you’re publishing a simple e-book or going all out on paperback and hardcover, our cover design packages are high caliber and always an excellent value. Starting from $699, our cover design packages include everything you need to publish your book successfully. Mix and match formats and available premium options to meet your goals and your budget.

Every Kirkus cover design package comes standard with top-of-the-line design work plus much more!

• Three original, custom-designed concepts
• Three rounds of revision to your selected concept
• Clean final cover files ready for publication
• Licensing fees for standard images included
• Full technical and editorial proofing for every format
• Copyediting, proofreading, and finalization of your cover copy
• Technical integrity guaranteed

Get started today with a fast, free, and accurate quote!

Why kirkus, we vet and vouch for every designer.

Our graphic designers are professionals with years of experience and robust portfolios. We’ve hand-picked the best designers available; plus your book always receives a dedicated production editor who’ll support you and your designer every step of the way.

We care about your whole cover

An arresting front cover will take you only so far if your copy is compromised by errors or your file suffers from technical malfunctions. Our full editorial review and proofing of your complete cover—for every format you publish—ensure you can take your cover to press with confidence in every word, graphic, and measurement.

We know books

We’ve been a respected player in the publishing industry for more than 85 years. Every day, both independent authors and traditional publishers count on our expertise to produce books that are professional, accurate, and beautiful. We know books, and we know how to help you publish a book you can be proud of.

Customer Reviews

Excellent work by Kirkus on my book’s interior formatting and cover design—I will request their services for my second book!

Since I am somewhat technically challenged and do not want to invest in a variety of software products, I gave the job of formatting and cover design to Kirkus. . . . Everyone was pleasant and easy to work with and kept me in the loop. My novel looks professional and was easy to upload. . . . I am very pleased with Kirkus Editorial and will use them again.

Kirkus was indispensable to the design of our book cover. Their professional advice and genuine commitment to our project was outstanding. We will seek out Kirkus Editorial for all our future projects.

Need your book edited before you publish?

Hire an editor from one of the nation’s top publishing houses!

Readers won’t judge your book only by its cover. Wow them with what’s inside, too. A professional edit ensures you’ll put your best foot forward.

You can add our customer-acclaimed editing services to your cover design order in one easy transaction.

• Custom-matched, fully vetted editors
• Unparalleled expertise
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Need your book formatted?

Let Kirkus prep your final manuscript for publication!

You’ve come this far; don’t let technical obstacles keep you from reaching your publishing goals. No matter the publishing platform you’ve chosen, Kirkus can format and design your final manuscript to their specifications so you can publish quickly, easily, and frustration-free.

Add our comprehensive formatting services to your cover design package for a streamlined publishing experience.

• Works for all formats and platforms
• Two workflows and budgets to choose from

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of books can you design covers for.

All of them! Our designers create covers for books ranging from science fiction to memoir to business—and everything in between. They have proven experience designing for every mood, aesthetic, and genre.

How do you match me with a designer?

We consider both the genre/subject matter of your book and the preferences you’ve communicated. We then pair you with someone who has both appropriate experience for your book and sensitivity to your book’s unique needs. We work as a team to ensure that every book goes to a qualified designer with a track record of excellent work.

How do I know I’ll like the cover my designer creates?

Before work on your book begins, we ask you to complete a fun and friendly questionnaire to help us understand your book, your aesthetic vision, and your goals. We’ll prompt you for inspiration in the form of photos, colors, moods, and even other book covers you love. With your collaborative effort and our designers’ keen eyes—plus up to three rounds of revision—we’re confident you’ll end up with a cover you adore.

How long does it take to get my cover?

The initial design concept phase typically takes two weeks; after that, your timeline will vary depending on how the number of rounds of revision. From start to finish, most cover design services take four weeks.

What are “premium options” and why might I want them for my cover?

Every cover design package includes licensing fees for a catalog of standard images, which are right for most books. You can request that your designer also consider premium images—such as famous photos, artwork, or photos from high-end photo services—which will usually incur additional licensing fees. You can also request that your designer create a custom illustration for your cover, which will incur additional design fees. These options might be right for you if your preferences, your book’s genre, or your marketing plans demand a more exclusive book cover.

Can I submit my own image for the designer to use?

Absolutely. Your designer can work with any image you supply—but bear in mind that you’ll be responsible for securing permission for the use and paying any image licensing fees yourself. Your designer will still create three initial cover concepts for your review, any or all of which will use the image(s) you submit, according to your preferences and instructions.

What other benefits do I get with a Kirkus cover design package?

Aside from first-rate design work, you’ll get full editorial review of your copy and thorough proofing of your final cover files. Trade publishers rely on their editors to ensure that book covers are correct, polished, and technically sound. With Kirkus, you can rely on our editors to do the same, so you can go to press with confidence in every comma.

Contact us: 888-407-4474 or email [email protected] .

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Test Your Book Cover! · Review with AI In Seconds (For Fiction Covers)

Try the free joelbooks' fiction book cover review tool. get a glimpse into the power of ai, test your fresh cover design.

Certainty 100%

Select minimum 224×224 pixel size cover image. Amazon thumbnail works perfectly.

How attractive is your book cover for Amazon visitors?

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Do you think that book cover quality is subjective .

Some book covers perform better, hence quality is subjective, modern AI models are capable to find objective attributes of covers that could decide whether the cover will sell or not. Literarily they are able to do a book cover test. 

We created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool that is capable to decide whether a fiction cover image (for example the one that is available on Amazon) is High quality and will sell on Amazon or Low quality and requires further work to make it compelling. 

Our tool is capable to test your cover design in several seconds and it's completely free! 

But cover is only one part of the many elements that will define your book's sales numbers. If you want to learn more on how to improve your sales read our Sell More Books Guide  in Authors' Corner .

What Kind of Covers Can The AI Test?

At the moment the AI model is capable to do a book cover review on fiction books . We trained the AI model with 650+ fiction covers in genres sci-fi, fantasy, literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers and mystery (see a sample image of our cover set below). 

You can test children's books or non-fiction books, but these book genres require other AI models. We will working on these models in the future. 

How Does The AI Book Cover Review Work?

The application uses state of the art Machine Learning AI technique, specifically Google's Tensorflow to classify images. The tool uses a pre-trained model against the uploaded cover image and evaluates it. 

How Accurate Is the Book Cover Review or AI Test?

The Cover Reviewer is able to determine whether a cover is High or Low quality in 90% of cases . Which means that in one case out of ten the model will return false positive result, and have absolutely no idea, whether the cover is High or Low quality (regardless the calculated certainty level). In nine cases, the model can actually calculate it's own certainty level (showed in the left bottom grey box). The more closer it is to 100% the more accurate the evaluation is. 

How We Define High or Low Quality Book Cover?

These are subjective measures right? They are. But we all agree that there are book covers that are compelling and attractive and there are covers, where we feel that “it could be much better”. We selected only covers where the jury (one book marketer and two book cover designers) were able to put the cover definitely in High or Low quality bracket. 

Low quality cover samples

High quality cover samples

Is the Cover AI Reviewer Able to Tell What Is Wrong With The Cover?

Since it's a classification AI tool, it isn't capable of reasoning. The model is looking for certain patterns on covers, which it identified on the training set. It could be colors, contrast, font quality, title readability, special hidden patterns.

What Happens With The Cover I Upload? Do You Save Images?

Absolutely not. For GDPR and data security reasons we won't save any images you are testing with our tool. This book cover test runs ultimately in your browser and don't send any images to our server. 

Why A Book Cover Is Important?

The saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” may apply in some areas of life, and it's true to some point, but truth be told. Most readers do not entirely go by this idiom. They judge a book based on the cover that adorns it almost all the time. Yes, a book is an extensive and detailed work, and the surface may not give it enough justice. But, the cover is like a billboard that suggests and tells more about a book.

For readers, all the contents of a book cover are driving factors on whether to pick or leave a book- the font(s) used, illustrations, and color schemes. That is why it is common to find redesigned and reprinted book covers and this is why a book cover review may help in this respect.

It is the First Sales Pitch

There are millions of readers, and your book cover is your book’s first selling point. A book’s cover is a prerequisite that differentiates it from many other books of the same genre. For it to draw enough attention, it has to be striking enough. Otherwise, readers will just walk past your book to find something with a more exciting cover. Even ebooks need a clear online thumbnail to entice a potential reader.

If you have a book on a particular site, there are qualities you need to meet. The print needs to match screen brightness for a reader, and aspects like white-out text are vital. Sloppy, illegible, and unappealing fonts or unclear texts are judged as unprofessional and turn off readers. Covers tell a reader that they can love a book’s genre and trust the author with their limited and valuable reading time.

A book cover is what speaks to a reader’s emotions even before they can pick a book. That is how they then get to engage on a deeper level and decide whether they will like the book or not.

 It Tells the Book’s Story

In a sense, a book’s cover narrates the initial story of the content. It communicates to a potential reader a bit of the story’s style and mood. It also creates a perception in a reader's mind about how the characters in the book are potentially developed.

The artwork in a book’s cover reinforces the themes of the book. For example, a very dark cover may imply horror. A philosophical or older book may have more abstract cover art. There is a reason erotica and romantic book covers are different from motivational books. Covers for the former are usually adorned with appealing models to entice readers as they will possibly entice each other in the story.

The cover is subjective, and what works for a particular reader may not work for another. A reading experience that is different from the book’s cover is disappointing, and that is why authors must create covers that are true to the book.

It Communicates Professionalism and Assures the Reader

A book cover communicates to the target audience the professionalism put into the book. A quality cover somehow assures a reader that they will be reading a good quality book. It says that the content and its delivery is excellent. The surface lures or captivates a potential reader. A poorly put together cover suggests to a reader that the book’s interior will be equally bad. This may not always be true, but it is immensely impactful.

A poorly produced design creates a preconceived idea in a reader’s mind. It sets them in a critical or judgmental mode rather than an enjoyment mode. Having their attention already drawn to the mistakes and sloppiness, even if they pick the book, they might intentionally look for and spot more errors in the text. Possibly, they can be unforgiving to any typos than they would a book with a more professional or well-executed cover.

It Speaks Uniquely to Cultures

A book’s cover is tailored to captivate different audiences. That is why book covers are created differently for different markets. Design principles are different worldwide; you may find simpler designs for UK book covers and more detailed ones for US book covers. These are ways to potentially speak to people of different regions or cultures based on their perceptions.

Authors change titles on book covers due to the variance in word meanings across different regions. For example, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the US. This was because the word “philosopher” had different magic connotations there from the UK. The author also changed the cover’s artwork, font, and magical themes.

Know if your Book has a Quality Cover

Doing a book cover review and carrying out a book cover test are helpful ways authors can create high-quality covers or improve low-quality ones. Joel’s book’s Artificial Intelligence Reviewer tool is an excellent way to test the quality of your book’s cover image. It evaluates fiction covers for genres like fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and thrillers. It can also assess literary and historical fiction. It classifies images using the Machine Learning AI technique. The AI Reviewer tool will not tell what’s wrong with a cover. However, it analyzes specific patterns on book covers like color, the quality of the used font, contrast, title alignment, and unique hidden designs, then classifies the cover in the High or Low-Quality category.

Final Thoughts on Our Free Book Cover Review

A great book cover design draws readers' attention to engage them emotionally and suggests what the book is about. It also showcases the quality of a book and informs the tone, style, and character development within the text. It must achieve all these considering the readers' cultural expectations, perceptions, or beliefs.

A book cover can go a long way in deciding whether a book becomes a best seller or not. Authors and publishers must therefore take the necessary steps to execute the best cover designs. A book cover may be an author’s decision, but authors must also beware of the psychological and philosophical effects on a reader.

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to write a book review- a step by step guide.

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

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Minority Rule review: rich history of America’s undemocratic democracy

From an absurd Senate where California and Wyoming are equal, to Republican voter suppression, Ari Berman covers it all

A ri Berman’s new book is a rich history of America’s ambivalent attitude toward majority rule. The founding document declared “all men are created equal”, but by the time a constitution was drafted 11 years later, there was already a severe backlash to that revolutionary assertion.

To prevent the union from disintegrating, free states and big states repeatedly gave in to slave states and small states, producing a constitution that would be adopted by the majority.

The first and worst decision was to give each state two senators regardless of population. Virginia had 12 times the population of Delaware. Today, the situation is vastly worse: California is 63 times bigger than Wyoming. By 2040, Berman writes, “roughly 70% of Americans will live in 15 states with 30 senators, while the other 30%, who are whiter, older and more rural … will elect 70 senators”.

The filibuster, a delaying tactic that led to most legislation requiring 60 votes to pass the Senate – but which has no basis in the constitution – makes the country even more undemocratic. Forty Republican senators representing just 21% of the population have blocked bills on abortion rights, voting rights and gun control supported by big majorities.

The House of Representatives was supposed to be closer to the people than the Senate, which wasn’t even elected by voters when first created. But when the free states placated the slave states by allowing them to count every enslaved Black person as three-fifths of a human being, for the purposes of representation, that increased how many representatives slave states sent to the House.

To Berman, it was “a fundamental contradiction that the nation’s most important democratic document was intended to make the country less democratic”. As the New Yorker Melancton Smith noted at the time, the constitution represented a “transfer of power from the many to the few”.

The national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones, Berman also offers a horrific description of the hundreds of millions of dollars being spent by modern-day oligarchs to make America even more undemocratic. In just six years, the Federalist Society raised an astonishing $580m “through a shadowy network of a dozen dark money nonprofit groups” to put its “preferred judges on the bench”. The society has gotten a huge bang for its buck – more than 500 judges appointed by both Bushes and 226 appointed by Donald Trump were endorsed by the Federalists.

The worst results of this hammerlock on judicial appointments are at the very top of the pyramid: “For the first time in US history, five of six conservative justices on the supreme court have been appointed by Republican presidents who initially lost the popular vote and confirmed by senators representing a minority of Americans.”

And what is the “signature project” of these justices? The dismantling of the civil rights laws that are the greatest legacy of the 1960s.

Federalist Society judges worked in lockstep with the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, whose priority has been to end all effective limits on who can spend how much in every election.

“I never would have been able to win my race if there had been a limit on the amount of money I could raise and spend,” McConnell wrote of his first race, in 1984. Eighteen years later, the Republican John McCain and Democrat Russ Feingold managed to ban unlimited donations. Their law survived McConnell’s first lawsuit to undo it, on a 5-4 supreme court vote. But four years later, after the extremist Samuel Alito replaced the moderate Sandra Day O’Connor, the court gutted the law, allowing unlimited corporate expenditure as long as ads “didn’t explicitly” endorse a candidate.

“Thus began a trend,” Berman explains. “GOP-appointed judges reliably supported Republican efforts to tilt the rules and institutions of democracy in their favor … which in turn helped Republicans win more elections and appoint more judges, with one undemocratic feature of the system augmenting the other.”

As the country’s founders adopted a constitution that disenfranchised all Black people and all women, modern conservatives do all they can to keep the voting rolls as unrepresentative as possible, particularly as people of color become the majority in the US. Racism remains the strongest fuel for efforts to make it as hard as possible for Black and younger voters to exercise their franchise.

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The worst recent example of this was the failure of a narrowly Democratic Senate to adopt a voting rights act in 2021. It failed when Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, both Democrats then, refused to alter the filibuster rule. Manchin supported the bill, then reversed with a specious explanation: while the right to vote was “fundamental to American democracy … protecting that right … should never be done in a partisan manner”

Berman’s book ends on a more hopeful note, with descriptions of Democratic victories in Michigan and Wisconsin.

In Michigan, a 29-year-old activist, Katie Fahey, figured out she could end the gerrymandering which had let the Republicans dominate her state by putting a ballot initiative before the voters. She needed 315,000 signatures. In one of the few good news stories about social media, she was able to use Facebook to gather 410,000 signatures in 110 days without any paid staff. In 2018, the reform won with an amazing 61% of the vote. Another initiative that dramatically expanded voter access through automatic and election-day access passed by 66%.

The end of gerrymandering enabled Democrats to flip both houses in Michigan in 2022, “giving them control of state politics for the first time in 40 years”. And in Wisconsin, the election of an additional liberal justice to the state supreme court finally ended Republicans’ domination of the state government.

The hopeful message is clear: despite massive Republican efforts to suppress liberal votes, it is still possible for a well-organized grassroots campaign to overcome the millions of dollars spent every year to prevent the triumph of true democracy.

Minority Rule is published in the US by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

• US politics
• US voting rights
• US Congress
• House of Representatives
• Republicans

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Peacock’s ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ Is a Gruesome and Grueling Holocaust-Set Love Story: TV Review

By Amber Dowling

Amber Dowling

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Specific images of the Holocaust have endlessly punctuated the film and TV landscape: The barbed wire of a concentration camp. Naked bodies rendered to skin and bone, tossed in discarded piles. Gleeful abuse and random killings by evil Nazis. Hollywood has repeatedly ingrained that imagery when presenting this horrific time in history, so to continue conjuring it adds to the collective trauma of an entire people.

Yet all these displays and more are the Sky Studios and Peacock co-production “ The Tattooist of Auschwitz .” That makes it a challenging show to sit through, let alone binge six episodes of, when the event series drops on Peacock on May 2.

Popular on Variety

The book, and now the show, tells Lali’s story from his arrival at the camp in 1942 to his escape in 1945. While there, he met a woman named Gita Furman while tattooing an identification number into her flesh. It was love at first sight, and the pair found ways to communicate and meet while at the camp. Eventually, after many close calls and gruesome encounters, Furman also escaped. The two reunited, married, moved to Australia and had a son. 

The gist of the story happened in real life, but the book was published as fiction. Still, historians and scholars questioned the details, claiming the book contains misrepresentations and errors. Some of the big ones were the description of the camp and its layout, the train route characters took, and the number Sokolov tattooed onto his eventual wife’s arm. For her part, Morris maintains she wrote a work of fiction and told Sokolov’s version of events, not the version of events that happened.

Even with the best intentions of showing the perseverance of the human spirit and how love finds a way, these were highly upsetting events that led to massive generational trauma. It’s essential to know the history and hear the stories, but in recreating those events for a viewing audience, you need to figure out what you’re adding to the landscape that is helpful and not harmful. Over six episodes, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” does both.

Director and co-executive producer Tali Shalom-Ezer and the rest of the crew attempted to address the book’s criticisms as carefully as possible, hiring consultants and ensuring everyone had access to counseling. They also changed Gita’s number from 34902 (what Lali remembered in the book) to 4562, which Gita confirmed before her death. Story-wise, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” acknowledges this is a retelling by having an aged Lali (Harvey Keitel) recount his experiences to a first-time author named Heather (Melanie Lynskey).

Through that retelling and flashbacks, viewers meet 25-year-old Lali, played by Jonah Hauer-King. It’s a heavy lift for the actor, whose most recognizable role to-date is Prince Eric in the live-action “The Little Mermaid.” Lali is a complex and haunted character, and Hauer-King throws himself into the role with aplomb. This is a man who ultimately does what it takes to survive, and he internalizes the pain that his involvement and complicity causes to heartbreaking effect.

As a tattooist, Lali inks identification numbers onto prisoners’ arms to take advantage of the better sleeping arrangements and more food. But he apologizes with each prick of the needle and later shares those extra rations with fellow prisoners. In small ways, he gives back, trying to balance the scales.

It’s fathomable that Lali’s position would grant him certain advantages, but the general tolerance he receives is inconsistent compared to the treatment of those around him. He’s able to fight back and question guards without significant repercussions, all while those same guards are quick to shoot others in the head for stumbling or using the latrine at night. 

Lali’s ability to maneuver around the camp also separates him from others. He evades guards and bribes others to visit the eternal optimist Gita (played by Anna Próchniak with a memorable spark in her eye). In one scene, Lali interacts at Auschwitz with Dr. Schumann, selling a piece of his soul in exchange for an antibacterial that will save Gita’s life. (This scene in the book drew criticism: Gita was given penicillin, which wasn’t widely available at the time. The series has corrected this anachronism.)

What’s harder to watch are the random acts of violence shown in full detail: Men picked off in front of a firing squad. A woman shot in the head after begging for help. Lali called in to identify two bodies, and the guards joking he was the only Jew to ever walk out of the chamber alive. Sick, naked women shoved outside to freeze overnight and free up the beds. “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”is full of such unnecessarily harrowing moments.

They’re enough to make the present-day narrative breaks a needed reprieve. That mental load is mirrored onscreen as Heather grapples with secondary trauma from what she’s learning. Meanwhile, the series also uses those moments to address historical inaccuracies and Lali’s ability to remember correctly. Lali is haunted by the ghosts of his past and frequently interacts with them, sometimes in Heather’s presence. There are also hints that he may sometimes be embellishing to forgive himself for participating in it all.

The idea is that the truth lies somewhere between recollection and reality, and one man’s experience isn’t necessarily universal. Knowing and sharing his story is important, but with the appropriate context. At the end of the day, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” puts the dichotomy of the human spirit on full display, showing the possibility of love and the unimaginable monstrosity that hatred can bring.

Or at least it does if you can watch it all the way through.

All six episodes of “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” are now streaming on Peacock.  Editor’s note: The original version of this review mischaracterized the scene in which Lali makes a deal with the Auschwitz doctor in exchange for medicine for Gita.

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