“Never judge a book by its cover” might be one of the most reiterated statement but very few people actually practice this bit of advice while choosing a book. Every reader judges a book by looking at its cover, which makes a cover a vital part of book publishing. We have to get the design and visuals just right, for the best depiction of the story. For this purpose, it was pertinent that Austin Macauley Publishers reviews book cover design trends in the two biggest markets; the UK and the US.

We thought it would be best for our authors, and readers as well, that we share that review with them. You can find a significant difference in the covers for the same books in these two countries. Austin Macauley Publishers intends to review and point out those differences to portray a trend of colors, designs and visuals. If we analyze the difference in these book covers, we can deduce some general points about them.

Austin Macauley Reviews

Graphic and Color Comparison

According to our analysis, the book covers in the US are mostly based on pictures and photos of characters and things, giving a hint of the book’s story.

On the other hand, if we look at the book covers from the UK, we can find an artistic representation of the story, which is more abstract in nature and creates an essence of curiosity in the reader’s mind.

Secondly, if we look at the colors used in covers from UK, we find a generous use of bright colors and multiple shades.

Contrarily, the covers from US are darker in color and usually, the entire cover is created using two or three color tones. This makes the covers from US more striking and intense. The covers from US are more picturesque, whereas the UK covers are more imaginative and colorful.

Style and Trends

If we look at the fonts used on the covers from both countries, we can find a considerable difference in them as well.

The fonts used in the US covers are mostly elegant and sophisticated while the font on UK version of the covers is trendy.

The bold designs in the US versions are much more eye-catching than the UK covers.

The US covers contain embellishments at the edges which makes them attractive for the readers and the covers from the UK are more based on bright colors and illustrations. If we compare some of the historical covers from the UK and the US, the ones from US look more retro while giving a substance of romanticism.

While the covers from the UK are more graphic and expressive.

The old UK covers were more empathetic and imaginative while the US covers offer a more visual connection to the story.

A book cover’s purpose is to convey the basic information about the book to the reader. It sets up a reader’s expectation and psychologically pulls a reader towards it.

Some books tend to be more eye catching and graphic while others use covers that convey the quiddity of the book. Some people might not be interested in the covers but when an eye stops at a cover, a person should be reminded that the authors are not the only artists involved in book publishing. This makes us appreciate the effort of designers, illustrators and publishers who put their heart into bringing a cover to life.

For more blogs related to books, keep visiting Austin Macauley’s blog and learn more about your favorite books and authors.