Honey House Press

What Makes a Great Book Cover? Tips for Indie Authors

We’ve all heard it—that common phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

But let’s be honest: readers do it all the time.

Especially online, your cover is the very first impression your book makes. So how do you make sure it’s a good one?

At Honey House Press, we help authors navigate these kinds of decisions every day.

Here are some essential tips we share with our clients when creating a standout book cover.

1. Know Your Genre

Each genre has its own visual language. Romance readers expect something different from horror fans or business book buyers. Study the top-selling books in your category. What colors, fonts, and imagery do they use? Your goal isn’t to copy—but to fit in while standing out.

2. Keep It Clean

A cluttered cover is hard to read at thumbnail size, especially on platforms like Amazon or Kindle. Stick to one or two focal elements and a bold, legible title. If readers can’t read your title at a glance, you’ve lost them.

3. Choose Quality Typography

Fonts carry emotion and tone. The right font says “literary,” “lighthearted,” or “thriller”—sometimes all by itself. The wrong font? It can make even a brilliant book look amateur. We guide authors toward fonts that match their message and their market.

4. Use Contrast Wisely

Contrast helps important elements pop. A light font on a dark background (or vice versa) grabs attention. But too much contrast—or colors that clash—can hurt the eye. It’s all about balance.

5. Make Sure the Cover Reflects the Book’s Content

This sounds obvious, but we’ve seen covers that mislead readers. A whimsical illustration for a heartbreaking memoir, or a sleek minimalist design for an epic fantasy. Your cover should set accurate expectations—so your readers come back for more.

What Turns Readers Away?

Just as a great cover can draw readers in, a poorly designed one can push them away. Common turn-offs include:

Overly cluttered designs that feel chaotic or hard to decipher at thumbnail size. Inconsistent fonts or type that’s hard to read, especially on mobile screens. Low-resolution images or graphics that look outdated or unprofessional. Genre confusion, where the cover doesn’t match the tone or content of the book.

Readers make snap judgments—don’t give them a reason to scroll past your work. A clear, compelling, and genre-appropriate cover gives your story the best possible chance to be seen and read.

Need Help Designing Yours?

We offer cover design guidance and collaborate with talented designers who understand indie publishing. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine an existing cover, we’re here to help.

Let’s make sure your book gets the attention it deserves.