The Basics of Building the Visual Elements of Your Book
To some degree, all books are a mixture of writing and visuals. Some books are all visuals, others lean heavier on the writing. Each book is unique with its combination, relying on the author’s creative intuition and intention.
Depending on the type of book you are writing, the finished product can change during the publication process. That is a normal part of publishing a book. Unexpected ideas come up that can change your whole perspective of your book. The most important thing is that you are in control of the creative process.
There are several factors to consider when planning your book’s visual elements. This article will take you through several components to consider.
The Cover Art
The first thing any reader will see of your book is its cover, front and back. That applies to both in-person bookstores and online retailers. The cover of any book creates the first impression that people will remember and associate with it. A book’s iconic cover can become its main identifying figure in culture. With compelling cover art, a potential reader will be more likely to want to learn more about the book.
The front cover of your book will likely include the title, the author’s name, and some visual element. That leaves a lot of room for imagination, especially visually. Your cover can feature a full hand-drawn illustration, or it can feature a photograph. Maybe you would prefer a bolder choice, such as an abstract visual concept.
The back cover will likely contain your book’s blurb. That will be where potential readers go to learn more about the book, making it equally important. This will be a continuation of the front cover, in a way, just simpler. As the second point of contact, the potential reader does not need further enticing. Just make sure everything is legible.
The ultimate designs of your front and back covers are up to your creative discretion. At Cloverly Children’s, we will work with you to create the perfect cover to your book.
Prominent Illustrations and Photographs in the Book
Books in which the visual components are the most important are illustrated and photography books. Both of these types of books are primarily focused on the visuals. Full-page illustrations are often used in children’s picture books, while photographs are typically in art books. Instead of using the text to tell the full story, these books use the images. These will be books in which the visuals are of the most importance, and they will make or break it.
When publishing a children’s picture book, you want illustrations that will engage young readers. That is important whether they are independent readers or being read to by an adult. The words will be relatively minimal, and their eyes will be drawn to the pictures to immerse them. The professional artists who work at Cloverly Children’s will collaborate with you every step of the way. You will have final approval over every illustration in your book. They will never use artificial intelligence to create your book’s visuals, keeping humanity in the artistry.
Publishing an art book featuring photography is similar, but simpler in many ways. The art is already created when you enter the publishing process. Your work becomes arranging and formatting it in ways that fit with your creative vision. You can choose to write text to accompany the photos or let the images speak for themselves.
Book-Specific Graphic Designs
Some books use their visuals in more subtle or minimal ways. Not every story needs full illustrations, and featuring a few impactful ones can be more powerful. These are completely optional and only include them if they add to your book’s themes.
One example is a non-fiction book featuring photos of the subjects or significant locations. This can be an especially strong tool for memoirs, biographies, or other historical books to orient the reader. Visual flair for a fictional book can include a map of a mystic land or an in-text drawing. This can help immerse the reader in the world of the story and allow them to keep track of novel elements. Another option is including small pictures at the beginning of each chapter to preview what is to come.
Every book can use visuals in a different way. It is up to you to let your creativity guide the process.
