Despite that old adage, we all judge a book by its cover. Publishers in particular know that cover design is crucial to marketing and can influence sales if done right. Sometimes a particular cover can act as a shorthand to the contents within (pastel colours and cutesy illustration for romance; dark and earthy tones and big fonts for crime fiction).
Indeed, the Australian book design awards 2023 shortlist has recently been announced, showcasing some innovative and interesting cover artwork, designed not only as an exemplar of beauty but, critically, to also pique potential readers’ attention. In fact, so influential can covers be, that the Stella judges had to read submitted entries on e-devices, lest they be unfairly swayed by the aesthetic appeal (or lack thereof) of the books in contention.
