Author Involvement in Book Cover Design During Traditional Publishing

When authors submit their stories for traditional publishing, one crucial yet often overlooked aspect is the design of the book cover. Every publisher aims to present the very best product possible to attract readers and potentially secure a five-star review. This article explores the level of author involvement in the cover design process and the balance between creativity and commercial success.

Minimal Author Control

Unless you're a household name like J.K. Rowling, you have no control over the cover design process. The cover is usually created by a cover designer and artist selected by the publisher, based on directions from the marketing department and possibly the book’s editing team. Authors often do not see or hear about the cover until sample versions are distributed, and significant changes are rarely possible once the covers are in production. There are some rare exceptions, as discussed below.

Common Practices in Cover Design

Generally, the marketing team and some input from the squiring editor are responsible for the cover's design. They work to create a cover that will draw potential readers to the book and entice them to purchase and read it. For many authors, this process aligns with their goals; the cover's primary function is to attract readers, not to illustrate the book’s content accurately. This approach is viewed positively by the publishing industry, as it often results in more effective marketing materials. Some authors have even publicly stated that they are okay with this approach, as it serves its intended purpose.

Exceptions and Potential for Author Control

There are cases where a particular author can advocate for more involvement or even gain control over the cover design. For example, Stephen King, a prolific and influential author, might receive cover design control due to his high value to the publishing house. Additionally, prominent or particularly creative authors can sometimes influence their cover design through persistence and negotiation. Stephan King's thoughts on cover design can be found here and here. A collection of amusing “joke” covers for books he never wrote is available here.

Case Studies

Consider David Drake’s Slammers series. While the published covers do not show the SF tanks as described in the text, they still effectively attract readers who enjoy the genre. In contrast, Eric Flint’s first novel, Mother of Demons, received a cover that may have detracted from the book's appeal. The cover accurately illustrated a significant scene from the book but suggested a horror novel rather than an alien-based science fiction work. This cover likely alienated potential readers who might have enjoyed the book, while possibly discouraging existing fans.

Conclusion

The level of author involvement in the design of book covers during traditional publishing is notably low. While most authors have little to no control over the final product, some high-value or influential authors might negotiate more control. For the majority, the focus is on creating a cover that will attract readers and drive sales, rather than accurately representing the book's content. Self-publishing offers authors more control over all aspects of the book, including the cover design, which can be both an advantage and a challenge.