The Best Book Covers of 2012

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Do you ever buy a book because you are attracted to its cover?

Admit it.  You’re walking past a row of books when something catches your attention.  You pause for a second, linger just a moment and, before you know it, you’re flipping through it and standing in line at a register.

Book covers can do that.  A well-designed book jacket invites you in.

Readers of this blog know that I love books and am surrounded by them.  Last year, my wife even surprised me with bookshelves in the last remaining room without them: our furnace room!  Yes, devices are terrific and mine get used plenty.  But, I love the feel of a real book and I enjoy the artistry of a good cover.

So, here is my list of best book covers for 2012.  (And, if you missed, here are the best book covers of 2011.) Let me know your favorite.  And, if you see a great one in 2013, leave a comment here so we can consider it for next year’s list.

(See also 5 Winning Lessons from Book Covers.)

Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel

 

underwaterdogs

 

What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

 

Whats Left of Me

 

The Selection by Kiera Cass

 

Selection

 

The Insurgent by Veronica Roth

 

InsurgentBC

 

The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus

 

FlameAlphabetBC

 

Privacy by Garret Keizer

 

privacybc

 

The Art of Pasta by Lucio Galletto and David Dale

 

pasta

 

Some Assembly Required by Anne & Sam Lamott

 

Anne Lamott

 

Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto

 

Eight Girls Taking Pictures

 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

(see my interview with John Green here)

tfios

 

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente

 

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland

 

Love Does by Bob Goff

 

lovedoes

 

Who Could That Be At This Hour? by Lemony Snicket

 

lemony

 

Building Stories by Chris Ware

 

Building Stories

 

The Broken Lands by Kate Milford

 

The Broken Lands

 

Bloodland by Alan Glynn

 

Bloodland

The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King

 

Stephen King

Have a favorite or least favorite? If you've read one of these books, does the cover match the story? Beyond 2012, what are your favorite book covers of all time? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • http://www.hensher.ca/brand-design Shaun Hensher

    Great list Skip. I’ve got some of the same ones in the rather large list I made here: http://www.hensher.ca/best-book-cover-designs-2012

  • http://twitter.com/ChristyRidTram CollideAScope

    I admit it – I have often bought books for their covers.  A book cover is a little like the subject line of the email blast – does it get the target to open it or not?

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      apt comparison.

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    A good book cover is essential. I find a lot of good books by scanning and looking at the book cover while at my local B&N. What a unique post topic. I thought Michael Hyatt’s book cover was well done.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I agree. I didn’t focus on the business books, or that would have been on the short list. Any you see for this year, let me know.

  • lhoenigsberg

    That was cool.  I fantasize about my own book cover.  I’ve seen some really uninspiring ones as well!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Yes, many business books end up with similar covers, too. I like the unique ones.

  • http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

    The other thing that I like about books is the way they feel in your hands.  I’ve read Love Does, and it matched perfectly.  In fact, when I think about the book I get several visuals, including the cover.  The book feels great too, a kind of soft cover that is unique.  It just begs you to hold it.

    It was  a lot fun to see the others.  I have to admit that Stephen King’s book cover grabbed my attention earlier in the year based completely on the cover.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Agree–another way to pull you in is a high quality material.

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  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    Great collection of covers, Skip. As far as books go that I would want to read, Bloodland looks interesting. As far as interesting niche’s go, The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and The Broken Lands look like they might be the next Harry Potter genre.

    As a Photoshop guy, I love great covers. Joel Friedlander has a great article on his blog about cover design and how they evolve from idea to finished work. If you are into graphic design, this is a great introduction to the craft. http://goals4u.us/UvQkdg

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Sure, I know Joel’s blog. That’s a great add, and I will go over there for a visit. Thanks, John.

    • Joel Friedlander

      Thanks for the mention, John. This is a great collection of covers and it’s hard to pick just one or two, but I was immediately drawn to Bloodland and Eight Girls Taking Pictures. It would be great to know the designers, too.

      • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

        Both of those caught my eye. I think a compelling title adds to the graphics and really pulls you in on both of those.

        • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

          I agree. Love Joel’s step by step example, too. I shared that with a few people and we agreed that the words/font made a huge difference.

  • Cat McMahon catsstories.com

    I’m impressed by the imaginative artwork and the clever creativity.  As an author, I pay attention to what appeals to potential buyers and publishers.  All the works you’ve presented are stunning.  Thank you for showing us what’s at the top of the market.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I’m so glad you enjoyed. One of the surprising secrets of publishing is that the author usually has little say in the cover. If you see a cover that you really like, I’d love to hear about it.

  • http://twitter.com/PennySadler Penny Sadler

    Love the cover of Jess Walter’s book, Beautiful Ruins.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I don’t know that one and appreciate the comment. Thanks.

  • http://sukofamily.org/ Caleb

    I’d vote for “Privacy”. Very eye catching!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      A great way to put it. “eye-catching”

  • http://www.lincolnparks.com Lincoln Parks

    Wow, I haven’t read any of these books but I have to say that Underwater Dogs is by far the tops for me here. Now, I have to read it.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Not sure who the photographer was, but it’s a great shot!

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    I’ve only read on e of the titles on this list, Love Does. The cover does make the book. Whimsical, fun, and engaging. 

    The other title on the list that grabbed my attention was Underwater Dogs. The book looks fun!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Haven’t read that one, but the cover is great. A Dr. Pate addition.

  • http://michaelhyatt.com/ Michael Hyatt

    Love this, Skip. It needs to be an annual tradition for you!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks, Michael. Consider it done.

  • VirginiaMargaret

    It was really hard to pick.  The ones I responded to most strongly tugged on old childhood fascinations. At first I thought my choice would be The Girl who Fell Beneath Fairyland based on my love of Alice in Wonderland. But Building Stories won out. I grew up in NYC and when I couldn’t sleep I like to gaze up at the windows of neighboring buildings and imagine what was going on behind those lighted windows.  
    Your post has inspired me to read at least those two, and maybe more of your nominees. Thanks for the awakening.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I’m so glad! I haven’t read all of these books, so I can’t vouch for them. But, if you do, drop back in and let us know your thoughts on the “inside”.

  • Steve Pate

    These are great book covers.  And I’ll now pay closer attention to the appeal of the book covers I see in 2013.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks! We will keep a running list.

  • http://www.michaelnichols.org/about Michael Nichols

    Interesting and entertaining. Thank for sharing!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks! It’s a fun annual post.