Kindle Price: $4.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Derek Murphy
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Book Cover Design Secrets You Can Use to Sell More Books Kindle Edition

by Derek Murphy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 162 ratings
See all formats and editions
The best book marketing is a great cover.

Want to double book sales and cut your marketing budget in half? Through rigorous testing and market research, Derek Murphy has discovered what colors, fonts, images and themes connect with readers from each specific genre. Improving your book cover even a little can make a huge impact on your book's success. Discover how to make your cover stand out and capture readers' heads and hearts.

The #1 thing authors get wrong...
Self-publishing and indie authors are at a huge disadvantage, but not for what you'd expect. Trad pubbed authors don't get a vote in the cover design process, because they're on board with whatever cover brings in the most readers. But creative writers love playing around or dreaming up book cover ideas - even if they're a terrible idea (and they probably are).

After working with hundreds of bestselling authors, I've learned most of them want something "different" that "pops" and focus on specific scenes, details or characters for the book cover. Instead you need a cover that communicates feeling, and is very clear on matching genre-expectations so readers can identify your book at a glance, without needing to look closer and figure it out (they won't).

If you don't buy this book, at least listen carefully when a cover designer politely suggests something more marketable. If you do buy this book, you'll have better results and a book cover that converts, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    129 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    September 8, 2014
  5. File size
    10407 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next page
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MT9QYCI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Creativindie (September 8, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 8, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 10407 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 129 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 162 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Derek Murphy

Derek Murphy

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Click "follow" to be notified about new releases!

✪✪✊☕⚡✪✪✪⚡☕✊✪✪

Derek Murphy is a starving artist turned professor of literature. As a book designer and guerrilla marketing expert, Derek has helped tens of thousands of authors finally realize their dream of publishing a book (and launching to #1 bestseller). With his support, authors have been featured everywhere from Oprah Magazine, the NYT and USA Today Bestseller lists, and he’s personally been featured in Forbes, CNN and the Wall Street Journal.

These days, Derek is mostly focused on building up a creative empire and exploring new ways to Create Good Work – he makes DIY publishing solutions for indie authors and occasionally works with authors directly through private masterminds and coaching. He dreams of castles, cabins, cats and coffee, and someday plans to build a wilderness commune of creative geniuses in the Pacific Northwest.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
162 global ratings
Missing All Photos
1 Star
Missing All Photos
The book is broken and all the example photos are gone.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Dianne Greenlay
5.0 out of 5 stars Do not decide on a book cover until you have read this book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
I cannot believe you can get all of this information for less than two bucks! The single most important factor in order of importance is a book's cover. Yes, the other stuff - professional formatting and perfect grammar, no typos, and a gripping story - these are "must have's" as well, but the COVER is the first hook to getting a sale.

Derek Murphy's BOOK COVER DESIGN SECRETS should be mandatory reading for any writer who is on the verge of publishing, whether the writer intends to make their own cover or hire it done. This book is packed with information - he includes advice on everything from common mistakes made in cover design that inhibit sales, to the color combo's that are most effective, font choices, as well as title and image placements that are pleasing to the eye and brain. More than just listing the do's and dont's of effective covers, (read: those details that catch a reader's eye and COMPEL them to buy), Derek explains WHY these choices should be made and gives cover examples throughout his book. Also included are tidbits such as: the difference between cover elements that sell YA and those used to sell in adult genres; the digital requirements for best image sizes for tablets vs cellphones; and situations when cover feedback IS and IS NOT useful and why.

Derek is an extremely skilled cover designer himself, yet he shares his in depth knowledge in this book so that any one wishing to design their own cover will have the best shot at producing one that is eye-catching and compelling. However, for those of us never intending to make our own covers, it is also a fantastic collection of points and details to consider when discussing one's book cover with a designer, saving you both time and aggravation.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
DOC SHADOW
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Worth Reading for his particular point of view -- whether here or on his web site. Mr. Murphy appears knowledgeable and sincere and generous with what he has learned.
Helpful
 Report
J. H. Capron
5.0 out of 5 stars Sound Advice for the Indie Book Cover DIY'er
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
For the "indie" who is into creating their own book covers, this book is a worthwhile read. The advice is sound.
Helpful
 Report
Bertrand Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars Cover designs makes a difference of successfuly marketing your book
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2014
Verified Purchase
Want to immediately attract readers to your book? In Mr. Murphy’s book building book covers he uncovers secrets about how to create book designs that will entice readers to want to read your book. I like his idea that design, color and text are some applications contained in a book design; however the real secrete is to, in fiction for instance, stir the emotion of potential buyers. On the other hand a non-fiction book must attract attention to reality. Covers must also convey a message of what is inside a book not only by title, but what the image on the cover represents.
I am an author and have designed my own covers a time or two; I actually believed that my covers were enough. Reading Mr. Murphy’s book has enabled me to critically look at my own cover designs; I am, indeed, committed to use his secretes to attract readers to want to read my books. If we cannot succeed with your own designs we may have to swallow our pride and take his advice and pay for a professional designer to help sell your work. As authors we are in the business of selling books and I have learned by reading his book that cover does, indeed, makes a difference.
Helpful
 Report
Jeremy Ray Stories
5.0 out of 5 stars "Illuminating"
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyable read. I love how to-the-point Derek Murphy is with his information on book covers. His book taught me a ton about what I should be looking for in a book cover. The main takeaway is that it's not about the book cover I want but the book cover that will sell. I will definitely use this book as a resource in finding the right cover designer. I also plan on reading more of Derek Murphy's books on publishing in the future. I recommend this book for any indie authors who are just starting out.

***I read a lot of books but only post the five-star ones I recommend. Check out my reviews for more five-star recommendations. Agree, disagree with this review? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
An Avid Reader
3.0 out of 5 stars Where are the covers?
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
My beef with this book is that Derek discusses covers without always having the covers there to look at. I get that the ebook size is larger with pictures included, but as a reader, I shouldn't expect to have to flip to his website for necessary content. What advice I could glean was good and solid, but the back and forth from ebook to the internet and back was exceedingly annoying.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jerry Johnson
4.0 out of 5 stars Great info but jeez the typos!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Great information! The author is clearly knowledgeable about his subject matter but the typos are distracting. On the one hand Murphy argues for professional design (important), listening to his advice and not trusting your indie senses regarding design (important)...but all this advice stands in vivid contrast with the apparent lack of hiring a proofreader!
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
ms. a
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
Derek, your book is easy to read and the photos made it easier to understand. I am a new author so maybe I can hire you in the future. Sharon Adams
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Ajris Maksud
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful
Reviewed in Italy on March 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
Very detailed and insightful! It has a ton of advice and gives a better overall understanding of how the publishing space works.
Report
Anon
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this before you attempt to design your own cover.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
As a new writer I am thinking about my book title and cover before finishing my manuscript. Thank god I found this book before I invested anymore time trying to create my own masterpiece. I had a cover all ready to use for my pride and joy...and friends said it looked great. After reading this book I attempted another cover and sent to the same people. They couldn't understand how I went a completely different direction until I asked them one question "which genre does this fall into" without hesitation they all said the same thing. That is what counts. Getting your book noticed in the correct genre is number 1. It makes sense after you read this book. Since reading this one I have downloaded the next one and can't wait to read and learn tricks of the trade.
Report
Matthias J. Diaz
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Basics
Reviewed in Germany on September 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
A conscise overwiew of necessary basics and many misconceptions that I would have fallen into had I not read this book.
Report
Nirm
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2015
Verified Purchase
I think the essential point he makes is that book cover design is a language, a formalism with its own rules, conventions and expectations, and the best cover is not necessarily a work of art, but something that conveys the right message.

After playing around with a book cover design or two, I've got to agree. There's more to it than just great artistic or design skills. It's a "learned medium."

Yep, thx, Derek....
Report
Irene Cuffe.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Eye-Opener for non- artistic souls.
Reviewed in Australia on November 9, 2014
Verified Purchase
Knowing absolutely nothing about art or cover design, I bought this book to discover how to choose a design for my own books. there is a great deal to learn and Derek Murphy explained his decision-making process in choosing the individual art pieces to create a theme which depicts the story within the book content. I know when I see a cover I really like, but I don't know why I like it in preference to other covers.

This book explains the pictures behind the words. The way colour influences mood, how to choose them dependant on your theme for est effect. I will never be an artist, but at least I will know when a cover design denotes what my wors are trying to portray to the reader, and after all that is the object of the cover. To encouage the reader to buy your book. In that it excels.

As a form of expression of ideas inexpressible by words alone, art complements a story and instils the desire in a reader to buy your book. By reading this book, it has given me an insight about whether a cover fits my book content or not, both aesthetically and monetarily, I highly recommend it.

Regards,
Irene Cuffe.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report