Photography Book Covers

Looking for inspiration for your book cover photo? Check out this collection of powerful book covers designed by professionals on Reedsy. See one you love? Hire that designer on our marketplace and get your own bespoke photo cover.

Just Nod If You Can Hear Me book cover, by Barış Ş.

Designer: Barış Ş.

Just Nod If You Can Hear Me

Rae Elle Riley

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Zephyr Trails book cover, by Danna Mathias S.

Designer: Danna Mathias S.

Zephyr Trails

Nicki Ehrlich

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"The book is a sequel to Ellis River, so I wanted to create a cohesive and branded look while still providing a unique and eye-catching image. The title reflects the gold of the grass, paired against the striking dark sky to help it pop at thumbnail size. "

Designer: Natàlia P.

Childless

Fabiana Formica

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“The cover was designed to evoke longing, identity, motherhood, and self-worth through a subtle, emotionally charged tone. A collage combining the author’s face with the subtitle near her womb symbolizes creation and absence, mirroring her unfulfilled desire for motherhood. This balance between presence and emptiness becomes a visual metaphor for self-realization and wholeness.”

A Girl and Her Dog and Me book cover, by Ian K.

Designer: Ian K.

A Girl and Her Dog and Me

Mike Stetz

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Living the Dream book cover, by Robert J.

Designer: Robert J.

Living the Dream

Jade Cameron

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"I wanted to avoid crime clichés and capture the real life of a trainee detective. The hand-painted style adds warmth and personality, matching the book’s tone. Showing the officer from behind—in a high-vis jacket and duty belt—hints at the gritty, unglamorous reality: more paperwork than drama. The handwritten title adds humor and energy. Overall, I aimed for something honest and relatable, yet still eye-catching on both bookshelves and digital screens."

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The SILO

Greg Heist

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"We went dark and atmospheric for this debut novel by a former police chief—a psychological literary thriller set in the American Midwest. The cover focuses on the silo at the story’s core, with a subtle blood pool in front as ominous foreshadowing. A large, readable sans-serif font was distressed for a grungy, rough feel, mirroring the novel’s events. The silo motif was repeated throughout the interior design of the book, which I also designed, in section breaks and half-title artwork."

Vivian In Red book cover, by Danna Mathias S.

Designer: Danna Mathias S.

Vivian In Red

Kristina Riggle

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"For this cover, we wanted to communicate the era (Jazz Age/Roaring Twenties) in New York City, a feeling of mystery with a touch of romance, and the underlying theme of musicals. I worked with the lush red and gold color palette to evoke warmth, lightly era-specific typography for the title, and framed the title with thematic elements to create a cohesive and clear message."

Designer: Ryan M.

Bad Dreams

Jenny Noa

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"From the start, I imagined an upside-down L.A. floating above a dreamer in free-fall—perfect for Jenny’s surreal, witty essays on trying to make it in the city. That image became the core: disorientation meets hope, with retro-minimal type, a pastel-violet sky, and a subtle rainbow nod. Jenny’s thoughtful input helped refine every detail into a cover that feels both current and unmistakably hers."

Fire and Fluorishing book cover, by Vanessa M.

Designer: Vanessa M.

Fire and Fluorishing

Kassi Wilson

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"I envisioned the cover as visually striking and meaningful, featuring an artistic arrangement of burned matches that gradually transition into a vibrant flower, symbolising resilience and rebirth. It serves as an invitation for readers to delve into a collection that celebrates the strength and beauty of healing and flourishing, even after life’s most challenging moments."

The Dark Side of the Mirror book cover, by Leah J.

Designer: Leah J.

The Dark Side of the Mirror

Christopher Murphy

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"This portrait-led cover draws readers’ focus to the main character, with shattered glass hinting that all may not be as it seems while subtly reinforcing the novel's title. We used a familiar thriller-style typography and color palette, combined with full-bleed portrait photography to make it eye-catching and unique. The shattered glass overlay, extending across the spine and back cover, acts as the cover’s main catalyst, distorting the character's eye and elements of the typography."

Designer: Richard L.

Wu Lou

by Xinhua Lu (Author), Capella Cao (Translator)

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"The book opens with a haunting scene in a secluded Cambodian jungle temple in the early 1970s. Tutu, a young woman, finds her fiancé, a Khmer Rouge officer, crushed beneath a Buddha statue, setting Wu Lou, the temple’s master monk, on a path of exile. The cover reflects this era and setting, with a "never-ending redness" of trees, leaves, and petals evoking beauty and bloodshed. Tutu is featured prominently but tightly cropped, with a subtle Cambodian landscape and temple in the foreground."

Designer: Diego S.

for love I will

C.D. Sterling

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The Lumberjills: Stronger Together book cover, by Richard L.

Designer: Richard L.

The Lumberjills: Stronger Together

Joanna Foat

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"This novel draws inspiration from the heroic true stories of the Women’s Timber Corps, a branch of the Women’s Land Army in the UK during WWII. Image research was challenging, but finding a great reenactment photo with playful, optimistic women’s gaits felt perfect. It captures camaraderie and warmth, true to the book’s spirit, while contrasting with the harder visual of crossed axes. The Union Jack takes center stage, adding a pop of color and almost becoming a character itself."

Designer: Ryan M.

Cairo

Kolton Lane

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"Here I aimed to capture themes of self-exploration and freedom. The silhouette looking upward reflects the author's personal journey, while the embedded cityscape shows how Cairo becomes part of his identity. I balanced originality with modern trends by using vibrant gradients for an ethereal feel, layering the city's urban lights within the figure for uniqueness. The design is intended to feel both intimate and expansive, inviting readers into the transformative journey within the book."

The Little Blue Door book cover, by Andrew D.

Designer: Andrew D.

The Little Blue Door

Francesca Catlow

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"As I discussed image options with Francesca, the idea of a close-up blue door quickly became the winning concept. Focusing on the door would make the cover stand out and establish a visual motif for future covers in the series—whether a door, window, or entrance, each featuring a zoomed-in arch."

Making Up Stories book cover, by Sarah L.

Designer: Sarah L.

Making Up Stories

Susan Myhre Hayes

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Designer: Christian R.

Stable

Emily Swisher

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"The photo (by Sinuhe Xavier) captures the atmosphere of the author's work with horses. I used colors, typography, and layout to firmly place the book in the memoir genre, drawing inspiration from memoirs in the fashion or cinema industries. This approach elevates the cover beyond the typical 'western' or 'country' categories, and conveys refined earthiness to match the story. The callout circle for the endorsement balances the negative space, adds visual interest, and a sense of authority."

The Countryside Orphanage book cover, by Joe M.

Designer: Joe M.

The Countryside Orphanage

D.M. Narok

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"The author wanted me to convey a complicated suspense/thriller story in a simple, elegant way — one that evoked a mood rather than telegraphed the plot line. That directive suited my style perfectly, because I tend to prefer captivating, moody images that draw the eye while offering subtle hints of what lies within. I feel like this has both a contemporary yet classic look; one that will look fresh ten years from now as it does today."

Designer: Vanessa M.

Be FINE

Lisa Leslie-Williams

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"I wanted the cover to capture the book’s vibrant and uplifting message. The cheerful colours reflect the Caribbean-inspired approach to health and wellness. Featuring the author, Dr Lisa Leslie-Williams, the design creates a sense of warmth and optimism, inviting readers to embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier life."

Designer: Steve K.

Shear Gifts

Christy Foldenauer

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Tunnel of Mirrors book cover, by Laura D.

Designer: Laura D.

Tunnel of Mirrors

Ferne Arfin

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"It was important that this beautiful novel have a beautiful, romantic cover without being trite. The story takes place in the 1900s and is about a young woman coming to New York from Ireland. The ocean is a big part of the story in various ways. The gull flying away from the other birds was inspired by the main character, a very independent, unique young woman. I wanted to add some interest by having the title look like it's sinking into the sea and being reflected like a mirror."

The Forest of Damned Souls book cover, by Rafal K.

Designer: Rafal K.

The Forest of Damned Souls

The Sinister Mind of Tully

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"It's a Scottish thriller featuring a fresh female constable solving mysterious crimes in the vast Scottish woods, blending thriller, fantasy, and a sci-fi twist. Scottish thrillers are often straightforward, with covers focusing on the main character or motifs. I wanted to go beyond that, highlighting the genre's greatest asset—mystery—without sacrificing artistic quality. The cover itself is a riddle, with the solution revealed only by reading the story, adding intrigue and depth."

Designer: Alejandro C.

Vow

Ms Katherine Bentley

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"For this cover, I proposed a clean, explicit focus on the main character, placing her within a characteristic yet mysterious Roman-era setting. The diaphanous, natural light combined with mist enhances the mystical and spiritual atmosphere. Strong or flashy colors were avoided to maintain subtlety. The three-letter title, with the 'O' in the center, provided the perfect opportunity to align the character with the title, creating a harmonious fusion where both elements enhance each other."

Designer: Hampton L.

The Terrorist

John Stimson

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Uncertain Justice book cover, by Nejc P.

Designer: Nejc P.

Uncertain Justice

K. Ryan Kerry

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"For Uncertain Justice, I designed a cover that reflects the novel’s blend of political intrigue, espionage, and legal suspense. The bold typography and striking composition give the cover a modern edge while staying true to the visual language of the legal thriller genre. Dramatic lighting and a tense color scheme help convey the book’s high stakes and complex themes, making it instantly recognizable to readers of the genre while still standing out on the shelf."

The Fruit You'll Never See book cover, by Vanessa M.

Designer: Vanessa M.

The Fruit You'll Never See

Gail Brenner Nastasia

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"The cover is a minimalist yet powerful design that reflects the book's themes of hidden pain and resilience. The image of two hands holding a delicate flower, partially obscured by darkness, symbolises the hidden secrets and emotions that the protagonist struggles to confront. The contrasting colours and stark typography create a sense of tension and mystery, inviting readers to delve deeper into the story."

Designer: Vanessa M.

Gingered

Ryan G. Murphy

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"I wanted the cover to really capture the book's fun and heart-warming vibe, reflecting the author's personal journey. The playful typography and bright colours create a sense of excitement, and the photo of the author as a ginger-haired kid sets the stage for the relatable and entertaining stories inside. Overall, the design invites readers to dive into his nostalgic and humorous adventures."

Dreamer's Folly book cover, by Alejandro C.

Designer: Alejandro C.

Dreamer's Folly

A. Samuel Bales

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"This cover invites readers to follow a child on his quest, encouraging discovery through the story. We walk with him through medieval streets filled with characters and background micro-stories. The street-level perspective draws us into his adventures. The dark tower in the distance, symbolizing danger, is strategically placed and interwoven with the title's letters, adding a hook to spark interest in the story."

The Wood and The Trees book cover, by Mark T.

Designer: Mark T.

The Wood and The Trees

P. G. Davies

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"The design was drawn from ideas of the UK’s corporate culture business and personal excesses of the mid 1980s. The imagery of a paint-daubed Neoclassical statue is a nod toward the financial market background of the main character. The rugby ball has ties to the same character’s sporting background. Basically: work hard, play hard. The typography is cool and considered. The green colour scheme has a playful Penguin-esque vibe."

Island of Gold book cover, by Patrick K.

Designer: Patrick K.

Island of Gold

Amy Maroney

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"This cover needed to feel lush and enticing while reflecting the historical period of the book. Gold border decorations and hand lettering were used to evoke a sense of a bygone era. Initially, the cover featured a hovering hawk, but we recently updated it to include the main protagonist with her hawk, aiming to appeal to a broader market and enhance its presence in the genre."

Rapture of the Deep book cover, by Nuno M.

Designer: Nuno M.

Rapture of the Deep

Christopher Dainton

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"This cover features a striking, minimalist design that captures the themes of dystopia and Afro-futurism. The contrast between the textured, cracked background and the smooth figure creates a tension that aligns with dystopian narratives. Sharp, geometric typography reinforces modernity and futurism, while the muted palette of reds, blacks, and grays enhances the bleak atmosphere. The overall composition is visually balanced but evokes a sense of unease and contemplation."

The Great Deception book cover, by Rafael A.

Designer: Rafael A.

The Great Deception

Hans-Dieter Schaede

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What You Meant to Me book cover, by Lynn A.

Designer: Lynn A.

What You Meant to Me

Darren Chitwood

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"The story begins and ends in a chapel at a cemetery. The author and I envisioned a winter scene with a chapel on a hill, trees, and Crocus flowers, symbolizing resilience for the main character, Shannon, after her friend's death. I also wanted to convey the struggling with God portion of the story, while not making the cover look super religious. The pop of color in the flowers adds life, drawing attention and making the cover stand out, even as a thumbnail."

How To Surive A Throat Punch book cover, by Devin W.

Designer: Devin W.

How To Surive A Throat Punch

Drew Ross

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"This is a serious yet hopeful memoir. The author provided a lot of incredible photos to incorporate into the design. I chose the ones the evoked the ideas of intensity but also hope for the cover. I used a film strip collage illustration style mixed with paper textures and a handwritten font to give the cover that personal memoir feel."

Designer: Christian R.

Beyond Pain

Maureen Pratt

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"Beyond Pain is about learning to thrive through chronic pain. I conveyed this with a narrow, difficult, yet hopeful path. While many books in this genre use soft lighting and photography, they often lack strong colors. I aimed to create something that stands out on Amazon or a bookshelf but still meets readers' visual expectations. The cover succeeds not only in concept but also through its colors and the way the lighting draws you in."

Designer: Nada B.

Daughters of Men

J. Martain

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"This book blends contemporary women’s fiction, literary, speculative fiction, with science fiction and paranormal elements. The author wanted an intriguing, modern, and fresh approach. I chose a quirky mix of photographic and illustrated images to highlight the surreal elements while grounding the story in a relatable world. I took an abstract approach, combining characters, places, and surreal elements to create an atmosphere that invites readers into the story's unique mood."

The Anxiety Lie book cover, by Vanessa M.

Designer: Vanessa M.

The Anxiety Lie

Ann-Louise Graham

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"The cover is a visually striking image that reflects the book's message of hope and freedom. The serene landscape, combined with the bold and uplifting typography, creates a sense of peace and tranquillity. The image of a path leading through a field of flowers symbolises the journey of overcoming anxiety and finding freedom."

Murder Between the Tides book cover, by Patrick K.

Designer: Patrick K.

Murder Between the Tides

Michael Campling

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"This was one of six murder mystery covers where a strong sense of place is central to the narrative. Each cover features a key landscape element and conveys a feeling of ominousness and foreboding. For this seaside hotel setting, I emphasized isolation by making the building small within the wild landscape. The birds add both perspective and drama, enhancing the eerie atmosphere."

Photography Book Covers

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Photography Book Covers

Just Nod If You Can Hear Me

Zephyr Trails

Childless

A Girl and Her Dog and Me

Living the Dream

The SILO

Vivian In Red

Bad Dreams

Fire and Fluorishing

The Dark Side of the Mirror

Wu Lou

for love I will

The Lumberjills: Stronger Together

Cairo

The Little Blue Door

Making Up Stories

Stable

The Countryside Orphanage

Be FINE

Shear Gifts

Tunnel of Mirrors

The Forest of Damned Souls

Vow

The Terrorist

Uncertain Justice

The Fruit You'll Never See

Gingered

Dreamer's Folly

The Wood and The Trees

Island of Gold

Rapture of the Deep

The Great Deception

What You Meant to Me

How To Surive A Throat Punch

Beyond Pain

Daughters of Men

The Anxiety Lie

Murder Between the Tides

reedsymarketplace

Find the right designer for your book

Why is a quality book cover so important?

What are the benefits of professionally designed book covers?

How do I find the right designer for me?

How much should I expect to pay?

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