Using the Visuals in Your Book to Further Your Creative Vision
When you write a book, the finished product is always going to be a combination of text and visuals. If you are publishing an audiobook, there is even an additional audio element. No two books are the same, and your book’s visuals will complete your vision.
The type and extent of your visuals vary based on your creative vision. Nothing is set in stone until your book hits the shelves, so you can always adjust your visual palette. The most important thing about your book’s visuals is that they reflect your writing and creativity. Always stay involved in the creation of your book’s visuals. This article will review some of the factors to consider during the publication process.
Your Book’s Eye-Catching Cover Art
No matter where your reader or listener buys your book or audiobook, the cover will be their first exposure. It can make or break your book’s entire legacy. The saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover,” but that is not often the case. Some classic books are remembered for their covers just as much as they are for their prose.
Your book’s front cover will be the very first impression your reader makes of your book. Nothing can ever change a first impression, so make sure you leave a positive one. Most front covers convey the most important information of the book. Specifically, the front cover includes the title, author, and some cover art. The visuals of your cover should, at the very least, convey the tone of your book. It can be hand illustrated or feature real-life photographs. You control the creative direction of your cover, so make sure it suits your book, whether bold or more subdued.
Your book’s back cover is the other external element your audience will see. After the front cover attracts someone, they will turn it over for more information. Often, back covers will include your book’s blurb or quotes from praising reviews. This will be your chance to fully hook your new reader. The visual design will complement the front cover, whether literally or conceptually.
The Images Inside Your Book
Your cover is only the first impression a reader will make of your book. What’s inside comes next, completing the visual design of your book. Some books use full-page or otherwise significant illustrations or photographs to tell their full story. When telling a story through visuals, there are some specific factors to consider.
For books, often aimed at children, that are nearly entirely illustrated, the quality of the illustrations is crucial. The illustrations in a picture book should work hand in hand with the writing to tell the story. As such, the words should work with the drawings, and neither should clash with the other. Your youngest audiences will either be new readers or those being read to. No matter how they are reading your story, the drawings should engage them. High-quality illustrations will compel readers to come back to your story time and time again.
Other books might be art books that showcase real-life photographs. The process of compiling these pictures is different than with illustrations. Primarily, you will likely enter the publication process with the photographs already; no independent illustrator is needed. As the author, you will arrange and compile the pictures as you see fit, including any accompanying text. Your creativity will guide how your reader will process your book.
Limited Illustrations Specific to Your Book
There are also ways to incorporate visuals into books in which the images are not at the forefront. While the text is the driving force here, there are still unique ways to incorporate visuals.
Including illustrations should be based on the specific book and what would be appropriate to include. One common type of limited illustration is a small picture at the start of each chapter. This could be a small symbol that ties into the narrative or a sneak peek of what the chapter contains. Another option is to include a relevant graphic at the beginning of the book. For example, you could include a map of a fantasy world to keep readers oriented during your book.
All the elements above apply to print books, but that is not where your story’s journey ends. When you release an audiobook with Cloverly Audiobook, our team will help you prepare for release from start to finish.
