“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Describe the purpose of a book cover and its parts
- Apply basic cover design principles
- Choose between hiring a designer and using templates
- Use only images you have the right to use
Lesson Notes
What a Cover Does
God looks on the heart, but readers first see the cover. A cover's job is to tell a reader, in a glance, what kind of book this is and whether it is for her. It is a promise about what is inside.
A print cover has three parts: the front cover, the spine, and the back cover. An ebook needs only the front cover image. The spine width depends on page count and paper type; platforms provide calculators or templates.
Design Principles
- Readable title: large enough to read as a small thumbnail image online.
- One strong image or idea: not a collage of many things.
- Genre fit: look at covers of similar books so readers recognize the kind of book.
- Limited fonts and colors: usually one or two fonts and a small color palette.
- Contrast: light text on a dark area or dark text on a light area.
- Back cover: book description, short author bio (optional), and space for the barcode.
Designer or Template?
A professional cover designer knows genre, typography, and printing requirements. Get a written agreement that states the price, what files you receive, how many revisions are included, and that you may use the cover for the book in all formats. Ask to see previous work.
Templates and design tools (some platforms offer a free cover creator) can work for a modest budget. Keep it simple. Ask several people who read your genre for honest feedback before you decide.
Image Licensing
Finding an image online does not mean you may use it. Photos, artwork, and fonts are usually owned by someone. Use images you created, images you have licensed from a stock image site under terms that allow book covers, or images clearly marked for free commercial use. Read the license and keep a copy.
Avoid photos of real people unless you have their written permission, and never use photos of other residents, staff, or anyone connected to a case.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Spine | The narrow edge of a print book that shows on a shelf |
| Thumbnail | A small image of the cover shown online |
| Contrast | Difference between light and dark that makes text readable |
| License | Written permission that states how an image or font may be used |
In-Class Activities
Cover Critique
Look at six book covers (printed by your instructor). For each, write what kind of book you think it is and rate how readable the title is from across the room. Choose one cover that works well and explain why.
Thumbnail Sketches
Sketch four small (two-inch) cover ideas for your book in pencil. Each should have a different main image or idea. Hold them at arm's length. Which title is still readable?
Assignment: Cover Concept Sketch
Create a full-size cover concept for your book (pencil and colored pencils on paper, or a simple digital mock-up):
- Front cover with title, subtitle, and author name.
- Back cover with your book description and a marked space for the barcode.
- A spine labeled with title and author.
- A note explaining your main image, fonts, and colors, and where any image would come from (your own, licensed, or a designer's).
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
First Samuel 16:7 says the LORD looks on the heart. How have people judged you by outward appearance? How does it feel to know God sees your heart? How can your cover honestly reflect what is inside your book?
Prayer focus: Thank God that He sees your heart, and ask Him to help your book present its message honestly and beautifully.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
The Outside and the Heart
When Samuel looked at Jesse's sons, he judged by appearance. God corrected him: man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Many of us have been judged by outward things. It hurts.
Book covers live in that tension. Readers do judge by appearance, so a cover matters. But the cover's job is to honestly point to what is inside. A good cover is not a disguise; it is a true signpost.
Simple covers work best: a readable title, one strong image or idea, and colors and fonts that fit the kind of book you wrote. When in doubt, take something away. Ask readers in your genre what they think.
Remember that images belong to someone. Use your own artwork or photos, licensed images, or a designer's work under a written agreement. Respecting other people's creative work is part of integrity.
Think About It
- How have you been judged by outward appearance? ______________________
- What image or idea best represents your book? ______________________
- What would make your cover honest? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 5
The LORD Looketh on the Heart
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.— 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
God sees past appearances to the heart. You are fully seen and fully known.
Reflect: How does it feel to be seen by God?
Pray: Lord, thank You for seeing my heart.
Do: Sketch one cover idea that reflects the heart of your book.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.— 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV)
The cover is the vessel. The treasure is what God has done.
Reflect: What treasure does your book carry?
Pray: Lord, let Your power be seen, not mine.
Do: Write one sentence about the treasure in your book.
Whatsoever Things Are Lovely
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Beauty and truth belong together. A cover can be both lovely and honest.
Reflect: What lovely thing have you noticed today?
Pray: Lord, fill my mind with what is true and lovely.
Do: Choose two colors for your cover.
Honor to Whom Honor
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.— Romans 13:7 (KJV)
Using images rightly honors the people who created them.
Reflect: Whose work do you want to honor?
Pray: Lord, help me respect others' work.
Do: Note where each cover image will come from.
Beautiful in His Time
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV)
Your cover sketch is a beginning. God makes things beautiful in His time.
Reflect: What in your life is becoming beautiful?
Pray: Lord, make my life and work beautiful in Your time.
Do: Show your sketch to someone and ask for honest feedback.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Why must a cover title be readable as a thumbnail?
- 2.
You may use an image on your cover when:
- 3.
A print cover includes:
- 4.
A written agreement with a cover designer should state what files you receive and how you may use the cover.
- 5.
List three cover design principles.