Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover:
Winter Splinter Anthology By William Mays Publishing
Let's face it: not every writer is a graphic designer, and hiring one can be expensive. So, while the saying goes "don’t judge a book by its cover," we all know we do it anyway. Why? Because humans are wired to make quick judgments based on visual cues. A book's cover is the first interaction we have with it, giving an immediate impression.
Visuals are powerful; they evoke emotions, set the tone, and create expectations for the reading experience. So yes, a cover does matter. It’s rooted in our need for quick, efficient decision-making.
I recently submitted my poem to an anthology by a local publisher.
Winter Splinter By William Mays Publishing
Why This Anthology?
I chose this book for two reasons:
First, I was featured in this anthology.
Second, I think the book cover design is basic and I dont feel like it really says what it is, which is an anthology of poems and short stories.
Redesigning the Cover
I’m new to designing book covers, but here’s my take:
Highlighting A Winter Scene
I ended up using imagery, typography, and color to create a compelling and thematically relevant design. I feel with this cover’s atmospheric and nature element it is likely to capture the attention of its target audience and encourage them to read the book. I think with this design, It’s a strong visual representation of the themes of winter.
Color Palette: The dominant black and white (achromatic) palette creates a stark, dramatic, and serious tone. I wanted it to scream depth and introspection, aligning with the themes of an anthology exploring winter and its metaphorical “splinters”
About the Title:
- Contrast: The white title stands out sharply against the dark background, ensuring readability and visual impact.
- Placement: The title is centrally placed and balanced, creating a focal point and sense of stability despite the unsettling imagery.
- Font Choice: The font’s gothic or blackletter influence adds a touch of classic formality while still feeling unique and intriguing.
I thought it was important to note that this is an anthology so I included that under the title.
With this cover it’s likely to appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction, poetry, or works that explore darker themes with emotional depth and introspection.
