Design the book cover - then write

A 'killer cover' should precede a 'killer story'

That's right.

Don't write a word until you have your front cover tried and tested.

Try these simple steps:

1. Create the outline of a story 'in your mind'

   If using a graphic designer for your front cover (recommended), talk them through the basic idea for the story - characters, location, outline of the plot - and any significant event or detail that will define it that can be visualised effectively, and will sell the book.

   
   

   

   Other writers liked this cover design and it evokes the right reader expectations

   
   

   e.g. if the story takes place in a desert island featuring a shipwreck (what era? modern? 19th century?) and a young couple battling against adversaries (what kind? animal? human? mythical?) - then location, characters, and historical contexts can be visualised.

   
   

2. Make notes - create a written brief - for you to keep and your designer to use.

   
   

   Decide whether you want to 'call all the shots' by giving your designer precise instructions - e.g. use of photography? real images? or drawn 'artwork'? Will it rely on strong, even custom-made, typography?

   
   

   Or do you agree from the outset to share decisions on the above, creating a partnership with the designer? Creating the brief together? (Recommended)

   
   

3. Create a title for the market (the target reader) matching the brief.

   And vice versa.

   
   

   Some of you might expect to see this item first on the agenda. If so, that's fine. But you may wish to see what comes out of your descriptive brief, and the ddesign the book coveresigns that follow, then progress from a 'working title' to the final one to present to your agent.

   
   

4. Ideally - create at least three versions or ideas from which to choose your final draft.

5. Test them on prospective readers for opinion/feedback; like sandboxing before selecting the one that enjoys either a consensus, or strongest, vote.

   
   

6. The book cover is now your brief; write to it.

   Remember; first you design the book cover

   - then you write the story

   
   

7. But don't allow the book cover to restrict any part of your storytelling.

   
   

   Remember this is creative writing - not to be limited by too strong a plot outline, nor by characters not allowed to change or react to events within the unfolding plot.

   If you tend to write 'by the seat of your pants', you definitely don't need to be dictated to by a cover design 'set in stone'

   It isn't, and won't be, not until the first pressing. And if the cover design needs to be changed later to match how the story finally turns out, so be it.

   
   

8. Finish writing; go to copy-editing; include the draft front cover with the MS.

9. Be prepared to edit the design if the copy editor suggests valid amendments.

   
   

10. NEXT? How to choose the right agent for you.