How important are book covers to you? I’m wrapping up my month of how other arts influence writing with a look at books covers, which is an art in itself.

Because I’ve published with a small press, I have an unusual amount of input on my covers. I think the best things a book cover should convey to readers is the mood of the book and the genre. I want readers to glance at my cover and title and know it’s a mystery. I also want the cover to set the mood.

Most adult cozy mysteries have very bright, colorful, even whimsical, covers although the mysteries are never as light-hearted as the covers. Because my mysteries are for teens, I told my publishers those kinds of covers wouldn’t appeal to my target audience. So I went with more subdued colors. I also wanted to show the setting– A Shadow on the Snow takes place in rural Ohio from January through March. A Storm of Doubt is also set in Ohio from Memorial Day to Father’s Day.

What do you look for in book covers as a reader? If you’re a writer, what are the most important elements in the design?

For the rest of the tips and prompts from this month, click here.