By Akanksha Arora

Copyright timesnownews

Every reader will be able to relate with this: Imagine walking into a bookstore or scrolling endlessly through an online library – rows and rows of books staring back at you. Some titles catch your eye but more often than not, it is the cover that makes you pause. It could be the bold color or the illustration or a mysterious graphic, or simply the way the font promises you of a good story inside. Whether we realise it or not, book covers hold great sense of power when it comes to choosing. Yes, we do like to say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but in reality, most of us do that. And there is no shame in admitting that. In fact, we have to do it. A bookstore or digital catalog gives us just a few seconds with each book, and the cover is often the first — and sometimes the only thing we notice. The psychology behind the book cover is an attractive mix of art, marketing and subconscious effects. According to research, people often change their mindset in just a few seconds after seeing attractive book covers. The color, typography and illustrations on a book cover all play a role in how we see the story inside. Bright colors can indicate lighthearted romance or adventure, while dark tones may indicate mystery or thriller. We spontaneously link the stage to emotions, without even realising. Publishers understand this psychology very well. They don’t just design covers to look “pretty.” They design them to position the book in your mind before you have read a single line. Fonts Tell A StoryFonts might seem like a tiny detail but they play a huge role. Okay think of it this way: A horror novel with curly, princess-style letters on the cover. It would feel odd, right? Therefore, the typography is chosen to echo the tone of the book. Big, blocky fonts suggest confidence and boldness, which is why they are common in non-fiction and business books, while hand-written, delicate scripts give off a personal and emotional vibe (often seen in contemporary romances). The Role of TrendsJust like fashion, book cover designs also follow trends. Few years ago, illustrated covers for romance and contemporary fiction were a big thing. Before that, photography-based covers dominated the entire scene. These shifts take place because readers subconsciously associate certain styles with “what is in” or “what is worth reading.” If you think about all of it, you may recall picking up a book just because it “looked like” another bestseller you enjoyed. And no, this is not a coincidence, this happened because the publishers intentionally designed the cover that ride on the success of popular trends. So, Should We Really Judge A Book By Its Cover?The answer to this is: yes and no. A good cover can definitely point towards the quality, effort and professionalism. It is a hint that the publisher and author cared enough to package the story well. However, at the end of the day, the real magic lies inside. Some amazing books hide behind unassuming covers. And also, some flashy covers oversell mediocre stories. That is why, while it is okay to let a cover guide your interest, it is always worth reading the skimming reviews, or even flipping through the first few pages before making your choice.