By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

You’re excited about your upcoming book release and now you have to pick a cover. As you narrow down your options, you wonder if you’ve found the right design to catch the readers’ attention.

I’m honored to judge several Christian contests. I don’t take this assignment lightly. I pray over every book. My heart broke several times because an author lost a major award due to the cover.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#Writing #Writinglife #BRMCWC”]Writer, You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover by @bisbanowrites on @BRMCWC [/tweet_box]

When it comes to awards, first impressions count. The cover serves as the book’s introduction. If the cover does not capture attention or has nothing to do with the contents of the manuscript, you lose points.

Here is an overview of what we look for in a cover.

• Genre Fit – Does the cover indicate the book’s genre?
• First Impression – Is it eye-catching and captures attention at first glance?
• Readability – Are the title, subtitle, and author name easy to read?
• Professional Quality – Does it present a polished, industry-standard appearance?
• Creativity & Originality – Does the design stand out while still appealing to the target audience?
• Balance & Composition – Are text, images, and spacing visually balanced?
• Typography Choice – Are fonts clear, appropriate, and consistent with the mood of the book?
• Color Scheme – Do colors enhance readability and emotion, and fit the book’s theme?
• Emotional Appeal – Does the cover evoke curiosity, excitement, or the right feeling for the book?
• Consistency with Content – Does the cover accurately reflect the tone, themes, or message of the manuscript?
• Back Cover & Spine Design – Are the blurb, barcode, and layout professional and attractive?
• Series Branding (if applicable) – If part of a series, does it maintain a cohesive look?

I know, it can be overwhelming. I suggest scanning Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, or going to your local bookstore to see what catches your eye.

Let’s be confident when someone judges our book by its cover.

What about a cover intrigues you? Join the conversation.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is a coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team.

As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.