Book Makeovers
Everyone loves a good makeover. It’s fun to see something go from less-than-great to “wow.” Many times, an author doesn’t realize what they could have until they see it. We think these examples will help you quickly see the difference in designs created by a novice or non-book specialist in comparison to a seasoned, professional book designer. Hiring a professional from the start can save you a lot of money and heartache, as most of these authors had to pay for design twice and lost a lot of time and opportunities through the delay in their schedules. That breaks our hearts.
Now…what not to wear, if you’re a book!
Cover Makeovers
While the title is bold, the cover doesn't instantly speak to this memoir's sport-oriented audience. The references are too subtle.
The updated cover gets the attention of its audience instantly with the image of the basketball and player. The title is still bold enough to stand out, even as a thumbnail image.
This book was redesigned several times and was published by a big-name publisher.
The author was disappointed in sales, so bought back the rights and turned it into a NYT Bestseller with its new and unique design.
While the family did take their RV from Texas to Panama, the RV isn't the most central part of the book.
The redesign reflects the culture, people, and nature this extraordinary couple encountered on their journey.
This book had done well over the years, but when the publisher updated the content and released a 10th Anniversary Edition, they knew it was time to update the look.
The redesigned edition saw a sales increase of 97%.
A very popular book in binder format from the days when full-color was prohibitively expensive.
The redesign was created in full color throughout and shows some of the food featured inside.
This was created by a vanity press. It looks too formal and literary for this adventurous novel.
The redesign hints at several story lines and the intrigue found within.
Though a striking photo, this girl almost looks dead!
The redesign is much more approachable and gets away from the "little girl" pink to reach an older audience.
This author knew when she was ready to take her book to a wider audience, a redesign would make it more salesworthy.
This book isn’t selling the author and she’s not a celebrity.
The redesign better fits its genre, has a bold title, and provides valuable information. It also shows you a glimpse of the life you could have if you follow her principles.
This example proves that a great illustration does not equal a great cover. It's simply text dropped onto the illustration.
The final cover has a softer, branded title that's as magical as the picture.
The interior of “Clara’s Magic Garden,” this text is disjointed and the page is uninteresting.
The final interior of “Clara’s Magic Garden” has text that emphasizes the excitement and a background to enhance the little growing bush.
This is the second in a series that needed rebranding.
The author didn't want to lose everything about the original, so we gave the title a series brand, labeled the book as a number in the series, and pumped up the colors.
This book has nice art, but the title was getting lost.
The final cover’s title now stands out nicely and incorporates a shape that we also used inside the book.
Interior Makeovers
Vogel and the White Bull, from a vanity press. Margins are too small and a chapter opening page should not include a running head.
Novels don't have to be boring! Give readers a visual reward for getting to a new chapter.
Beautiful illustrations don't = a beautiful layout.
A gorgeous design delivers the content and frames those beautiful illustrations.
If you're going to pay for full color, you want to use it wisely.
This is a beautiful presentation for a worldy family memoir.
This chapter opening page almost looks like a sidebar—and includes a running head that shouldn't be there.
The redesigned chapter opening page reflects the cover's design and brings a personal touch to the story by featuring each girl with her chapter.
The chapter opening page should make the new chapter obvious and reflect the branding of the book's cover.
Illustration quality is (almost) everything with picture books.
Hiring a new illustrator and giving the pages and text coordinating design makes this book much more salable.
The book was nearly ready for press when its author took a class by TLC.
She hired TLC to upgrade its design and won awards with the finished book.
This page looks formidable and uninviting, but the narrative is anything but.
Reflecting the contents of the chapter, this layout invites you into the authors' journey.
The author began this as a full-color book, inviting kids to write poetry.
The interior didn't need color—which increases the cost—but a fun, inviting design!
This layout doesn't reflect the beautiful nature of this baby gift book.
Using two ink colors on cream paper plus lovely graphics present the reader with a special and memorable book.