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Writer's pictureThe Fiction Fox

Judge a book by it's cover: some of the best coverdesigns out there.

Updated: Oct 27, 2019

Today's post is a little different from what I usually write, as it focusses not on what is inside a book, but on what’s on the outside: coverdesign. We have all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, and because of that, there almost seems to be a taboo on appreciating coverart. In reality, we all judge books by there covers, whether we are aware of it or not. When browsing the shelves in your library or bookstore, what is it that makes you pick up one book to read the backflap, but not the other. Most likely, it’s a combination of cover and title. A good coverdesign therefore draws in your eye, but also reflects the atmosphere or content of the book. Consider this a homage to some of the books that got that completely right.



The Mistborn Series, UK editions Coverart by Sam Green, for Orion Books UK


The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan Coverillustration by Filicita Sala for Harvill Secker Publishing


The Nevernight Chronicles, UK editions Coverart by Kerby Rosanes, Design by Micaela Alcaino, for Harper Collins UK



The Storm Crow - Kalyn Josephson Coverart by Tran Nguyen, for Source Books Fire, USA

Eleanor - Jason Gurley Cover by Mike Topping and Eva Creel, for Harper Collins Publishing



Wild Beauty by Anna Marie McLemora Coverdesign by Danielle Mazzella di Bosco and Gary Spector, for Feiwel and Friends


Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Cover by Rich Deas, for Pan MacMillan


Sadie by Courtney Summers Cover illustration by Agata Wierzbicka, Cover design by Kerri Resnick for Wednesday Books

Everything Under - Daisy Johnson Coverart by Kustaa Saksi, Coverdesign by Suzanne Dean for Jonathan Cape UK

The Ocean at the End of the Lane- Neil Gaiman Christmas Edition by Headline Publishing Artist unknown


We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen Coverdesign by Suzanne Dean for Vintage Books

THe Bone Houses - Emily Lloyd-Jones Little Brown Publishing


Whilst doing my research for this post, I noticed one name coming up many times, as I seem to have a favorite cover-designer. David Mann, working for Bloomsbury UK does some of the best cover-design work, in my opinion. He has a recognizable style that always catches my eye, yet also manages to reflect the atmosphere of the novel beautifully. Following are a few examples of this, and linked below is his website, in case you’d like to admire more of his work. Special credits also go to the designers at Harper Collins UK for being frequently featured here.


Designs by David Mann


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