Let’s get real: giving feedback on a book cover is an art form in itself. Lets start from a common point. Cover art, in the end is, product packaging. It's commercial art. It's created with the sole purpose of attracting readers.
First off, feedback should always aim to improve the cover or in other words: make it more badass. So lets get constructive!
Constructive feedback is clear, specific, and gives actionable suggestions. You see something off? Cool, explain what it is and how to fix it. Don’t just throw random critiques that leave the designer scratching their head.
“I don’t like it.” “It’s missing something.” “Can you make it pop more?” Are all examples of unconstructive feedback. They can be a fine starting point for more detailed feedback but as and end all critique they don’t help the designer in any way.
Be wary of getting lost in details. Obsessing over tiny details that don’t move the needle is a waste of everyone’s time. “Can you make the background color just a tiny bit darker?” “Can you increase that castle tower by 10%?” If the book cover looks solid its fine. Getting lost in the details can be frustrating and pointless, and it can kill the creative vibe faster than a bad Amazon review. The designer isn’t your enemy—they’re your ally. So don’t bog them down with irrelevant tweaks.
Keep your feedback on how the cover can be improved. Harsh or negative feedback isn’t just unproductive—it’s demoralizing. “That face makes me want to puke,
” is a statement that doesn’t help the artist. It only makes them not want to work on the project. And yes, that is real feedback I’ve been given. Let’s be real, a beaten-down designer isn’t going to deliver their best work.
Keep the big picture in mind. Is this cover going to appeal to the target audience? Does it scream what your book is all about? Is it badass? Those are the questions you should be answering.
Badass bottom line: be constructive, not destructive. Feedback should help the designer create a cover that connects with readers in the market, does justice to your story and looks badass.
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