T. R. Robinson Publications

Like it or not, book covers DO matter. In truth it really should be more the blurb and other descriptions that catch potential readers attentions however, it is a fact many are initially persuaded by the cover image. This is even to the extent that if the cover does not appeal to them straight away they will not bother to consider the book further; will not read the blurb; or bother to look up any description or review. It is therefore worth an author’s time and energy to see what the covers of other books in their genre look like.

To assist with this, Jess Peter (unknown to the writer) has put together an interactive collection of eleven years of best selling book covers (five thousand!). Use the following link to access the collection.

11 Years of Top-Selling Book Covers, Arranged by Visual Similarity

Note: This is interactive by fact of placing the cursor in any segment of the image and then scrolling to enlarge that section.

It is remarkable how similar many of the covers are within genres. The theory is, a specific style will immediately let potential readers know if the book falls within a genre they enjoy or have an interest in.

Of course, it is not necessary for an author to follow any trend: they may wish to be unique with their covers. Nevertheless, it makes sense to note what is catching reader attentions.

Disclaimer: Neither T. R. Robinson Publications nor T. R. Robinson have any affiliation with Jess Peter or pudding.cool, which published the article. Nor do either receive any remuneration for publishing the information or for referring to the individual or organisation.