Continuing the tradition at Literary Hub, I am delighted to showcase the best book covers of the year, as selected by some of the top book cover designers in the industry.
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This year, 54 designers were asked to share their favorite covers, resulting in a total of 167 covers (note: series concepts are counted as single covers for this list). These covers were created by 105 different designers for 83 different imprints, both domestically and internationally. Unlike previous years, there was less consensus this time, with the top choice receiving only 8 mentions compared to last year’s 12. Additionally, only 62 covers were selected by more than one designer, leaving over 100 covers chosen by only one designer. This ultimately means there are more diverse and exciting book covers to appreciate than ever before. Below, you will find all the designers’ picks and their comments.
But first, let’s look at the statistics.
The best book covers:
First place (8 mentions):
Jeff VanderMeer, The Southern Reach series (10th Anniversary redesign)
design by Pablo Delcan (Picador, July)
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Second place (tie–7 mentions each):
Kaveh Akbar, Martyr!
design by Linda Huang (Knopf, January)
Liz Moore, The God of the Woods
design by Grace Han (Riverhead, July)
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Third place (tie–6 mentions each):
Solvej Balle, tr. Barbara J. Haveland, On the Calculation of Volume (Books 1 & 2)
design by Matt Dorfman (New Directions, November)
‘Pemi Aguda, Ghostroots
design by Sarahmay Wilkinson, art by Day Briere (W.W. Norton, May)
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The presses with the most covers on the list:
First place:
New Directions (14 books)
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Second place:
Knopf (7 books)
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Third place (three-way tie):
Riverhead (6 books)
Astra House (6 books)
FSG (6 books)
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The designers with the most different covers on the list:
First place:
Alex Merto (6 covers)
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Second place (tie):
Luke Bird (5 covers)
Janet Hansen (5 covers)
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Third place (tie):
Tyler Comrie (4 covers)
Suzanne Dean (4 covers)
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The best month for book covers:
First place:
September (23 covers)
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Second place:
October (22 covers)
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Third place:
July (20 covers)
Jeff VanderMeer, The Southern Reach series (10th Anniversary redesign); cover designs by Pablo Delcan (Picador, July)
If you give Pablo Delcan a brief that mentions « biological contaminants, » « peculiar creatures, » and allows for holographic foil, you can expect a stellar result. These covers are truly unique and their unsettling beauty perfectly complements the writing.
–Jason Arias
The new cover and series redesign align perfectly with the books. The holographic foil and distorted animals are unforgettable.
–Jaya Nicely
This trilogy is a masterpiece. The cover is brilliant, beautiful, and chilling.
–Anna Morrison
These covers capture the essence of the contents perfectly, blending creepiness and beauty seamlessly.
–Dana Li
The use of foil enhances the theme and impact of the cover, making it truly striking.
–Joan Wong
This cover is wonderfully weird, a perfect match for the beautifully strange and enigmatic books in the series.
–Mark Abrams
With mesmerizing art, holographic foil, and sculpt emboss, this cover is a must-have for collectors.
–June Park
I’m envious of Pablo for designing this cover. It’s so good that I can’t help but be jealous.
–Erik Carter
Kaveh Akbar, Martyr!; cover design by Linda Huang (Knopf, January)
The addition of « New York Times bestseller » in a speech bubble elevated an already perfect design.
–Stephen Brayda
The clever use of negative space and the inclusion of a bestselling line make this cover stand out.
–Joan Wong
Eye-catching, minimal, and effective use of negative space.
–Vivian Lopez Rowe
This cover strikes a perfect balance between boldness and restraint, making it an instant classic.
–Devin Grosz
Iconic and memorable.
–Arsh Raziuddin
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar manages to make its 2-color palette feel rich and timeless. The oversized, condensed serifs and the negative space allow the main character and reader to delve into the story. The design feels both classic and modern, capturing the essence of the book perfectly.
–Charlotte Strick
Martyr! stood out as the most memorable cover of the year for me. It’s fun and flawless in every way.
–June Park
Liz Moore, The God of the Woods; cover design by Grace Han (Riverhead, July)
This cover has been a favorite in our cover meetings for good reason. The symbolism of the pink paint drip adds depth to the design.
–Cassie Gonzales Vu
After reading the book, I appreciate the subtlety and creepiness of the pink drip and its significance.
–Kelly Winton
This cover is likely to top many lists. The pink drip on the green painting is enigmatic and thought-provoking.
–Robin Bilardello
It manages to be atmospheric, tense, beautiful, ominous, and inviting all at once. A remarkable design.
–Lauren Peters-Collaer
The design effortlessly navigates the thriller and literary fiction genres, using typography and art to great effect.
–Nicole Caputo
The pink drip is a striking feature of this cover.
–Emily Mahon
Love the contrast and use of vertical space in this design.
I have never seen classical oil painting upcycled in such a satisfying and tactile way before. The design is truly unique and captivating.
The cover for Solvej Balle’s « On the Calculation of Volume » is the opposite of a typical 2024 book cover, yet it still evokes strong emotions. The colorful design with a squiggly thing and a ribbon of type is both awe-inspiring and heart-sinking.
The cover for ‘Pemi Aguda’s « Ghostroots » is reminiscent of a 90s album cover, with dark fairytale imagery and a block print border. The bold typography and pop of red in the artwork make it stand out as a favorite.
Robert Plunket’s « Love Junkie » cover is smart and cheeky, with a playful design that catches the eye. The pink background adds a perfect touch to the overall design.
Holly Wilson’s « Kittentits » cover has a gritty and fun tone, with irreverent imagery and a retro xerox/90s feel. The cat reference and restrained color palette make it a standout design.
Miranda July’s « All Fours » cover is captivating, with hand-made type and a classical painting that work together seamlessly. The design is balanced and eye-catching, making it a favorite among readers.
Kaliane Bradley’s « The Ministry of Time » cover uses typography to create movement and depth, with a clever mashup of time periods in the design. The 3-D type treatment floating in space adds a unique touch to the overall simplicity of the design.
Nam Le’s « 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem » cover is brave and brilliant, with oversized letterforms contrasting beautifully with the small, curvy title. The all-type cover is well-executed and communicates a powerful statement about identity.
Scott Guild’s « Plastic » cover is playful and well-executed, with chunky letterforms dancing around a plastic house. The concept is fresh and clever, making it a standout design.
Helen Oyeyemi’s « Parasol Against the Axe » cover is a sensory overload with optical art that draws the eye. The design is captivating and unforgettable, making it a favorite among readers. The cover of this book perfectly captures its kaleidoscopic premise, with a stunning color palette that catches the eye. It is a striking departure from the author’s previous works and stands out as one of the most unique covers of the year. The design, with its optical illusion, color palette, and geometric elements, is surprisingly likeable and intriguing. Each element, from the whimsical design to the use of color, adds to the overall appeal of the cover. It is a treat to behold in person and leaves a lasting impression. This article showcases various book covers that have captured the attention and admiration of different individuals. Each cover is praised for its unique and creative design elements. From playful objectification to stunning typography, the covers evoke different emotions and draw the viewers in. The designers are lauded for their talent in creating covers that are not only visually appealing but also perfectly encapsulate the essence of the books they represent. Each cover is a work of art in its own right, leaving a lasting impression on those who see it. The artwork on these book covers seems to be melting over the type in a mesmerizing way. Each cover design is unique and thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the book it represents. From vintage vibes to contemporary elegance, these covers strike a perfect balance between funny and intriguing. The use of color, typography, and imagery creates a visual feast for the eyes, drawing readers in and inviting them to explore the stories within. These covers are not just designs; they are works of art that enhance the reading experience and leave a lasting impression. The painting’s attitude, cropping, and nods to renaissance painting with Black subjects create a perfect blend, as noted by Jenni Surasky. The emotional pull of the jacket design, with its cropping and handlettered type, is undeniable, according to Alison Forner. Kate Sinclair’s cover design for Frankie Barnet’s « Mood Swings » is praised for its retro imagery and unique type, drawing readers in with its visual appeal.
The medieval playfulness and gorgeous typography of Zak Tebbal’s cover design for M.T. Anderson’s « Nicked » is highlighted, while the fantasy cover trope is turned upside down in a bold way by the designer. The cover for Salman Rushdie’s « Knife » is described as brilliant and striking, perfectly capturing the essence of the book.
Terri Nimmo’s design for Jenny Heijun Wills’ « Everything and Nothing at All » is noted for its weird yet beautifully balanced composition, with « Essays » standing out as the star of the show. The cover for Ottessa Moshfegh’s « McGlue » is praised for the tension between typography and painting, creating a stunning visual impact.
Ben Denzer’s smart cover design for Nadine M. Kalin and Rebekah Modrak’s « Trouble in Censorville » is highlighted for its cleverness. Eleanor Taylor’s illustration for Mary Shelley’s « The Last Man » adds dimension and lushness to the classic series design, perfectly capturing the essence of the climate action fiction.
Rasmus Pettersson’s brilliant cover design for George Orwell’s « 1984 » is commended for resisting the usual Orwellian tropes. Alex Merto’s cover design for Virginie Despentes’ « Dear Dickhead » is described as perfect, while Jamie Keenan’s design for Neal Cassidy’s « Schroeder » is noted for its creepy yet intriguing elements.
Alban Fischer’s cover design for Dobby Gibson’s « Hold Everything » is praised for its simplicity and impact, creating a sense of otherworldliness and familiarity. Joanne O’Neill’s design for Bryan VanDyke’s « In Our Likeness » is described as brilliant, with a tension between hot pink splotches and sparkle that hooks the viewer in.
Overall, the collection of cover designs mentioned showcases a wide range of styles and approaches, each capturing the essence of the respective books in unique and captivating ways. The combination of claustrophobia and minimalism in these book covers is truly exceptional. Each cover captures a unique essence that resonates with contemporary aesthetics while also exuding timeless elegance. The use of colors, illustrations, and design elements creates a perfect tone for each book, showcasing a great attention to detail and artistry. From ethereal and suspenseful to chaotic and considered, these covers are a true feast for the eyes. The masterful work of the designers and artists shines through, making these covers stand out in the world of book design. I chose this cover because I am eagerly anticipating reading it! Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors, and his work has a unique blend of Southern Gothic style with a Japanese perspective, reminiscent of a film directed by David Lynch. Chip Kidd, a beloved book cover designer known for his work on Jeopardy!, perfectly captures Murakami’s enigmatic yet relatable writing style.
Each of the other covers mentioned in this article also garnered praise for their unique and captivating designs. From Noémi Lefebvre’s Speak/Stop to August Thompson’s Anyone’s Ghost, each cover stood out for its originality and visual appeal. Whether it was the use of color, texture, or illustration style, these covers all succeeded in catching the eye and sparking interest in the books they represented.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of cover design in attracting readers and setting the tone for a book. Each cover mentioned was praised for its creativity, aesthetic appeal, and ability to convey the essence of the story within its pages. Another striking example of combining modern clean design with textured lush painting, creating a cover that is both tense and captivating. The juxtaposition of elements makes this design stand out and draw the viewer in.
The redesign of this paperback is truly eye-catching and stops you in your tracks with its unique composition.
The organic illustration and hand lettering on this cover work together harmoniously, enhanced by the limited color palette which makes it even more visually striking.
The composition and texture of this cover are both scary and beautiful, creating a unique and captivating design.
The shape-shifting sculpture on this cover is mesmerizing, giving the impression of being made of elements like air, water, or fire. It captures the collection’s theme in a poetic and memorable way.
The reverse contrast of the type against the white background, along with the severed finger, creates a brutal yet effective design.
The shimmering portal on this cover is intriguing and calls out to both designers and readers alike.
The vibrant colors, patterns, and movement on this cover make it truly captivating.
The bold and colorful covers in this series are all captivating and eye-catching.
The strong design of this cover, featuring three recognizable women and an evocative title, draws the viewer in and makes them curious about the story.
The striking design of this cover caught the eye of the viewer in a bookstore, showcasing the power of a visually impactful design.
The rainbow scratch art aesthetic of this cover is reminiscent of childhood memories and is visually appealing.
The stripped-back and minimal aesthetic of this cover design is refreshing and unique in an industry driven by sales.
The transcendent design of this cover goes beyond its main purpose, making it stand out and capture attention.
The restraint and beauty of this cover design make it visually appealing and captivating.
The dreamy and unique color palette of this cover design sets it apart and makes it visually striking.
The curved type on this cover design leads the viewer’s eyes across the entire design, creating a visually engaging experience.
The simplicity and beauty of this cover design make it subtly captivating.
The unique design of this cover, featuring horses and orange juice, caught the attention of a young reader, showcasing its appeal.
The comic book treatment and attention to detail on this cover design make it visually engaging and intriguing.
The masterful redesign of this book series is filled with intricate details that come together harmoniously, creating captivating and inviting designs.
The arts and crafts aesthetic of this cover design is charming and visually appealing.
The simplicity and clever title play on this cover design make it visually appealing and intriguing.
The creative execution of a silhouette on this cover design is innovative and visually striking.
Les couvertures de livres qui ont fait sensation cette année
Will a fait mouche!
–James Iacobelli
Alexandra Tanner, Worry; design de couverture par Alicia Tatone, peinture de Shannon Cartier Lucy (Scribner, Mars)
J’adore cette combinaison évocatrice d’image et de titre.
–Stephanie Ross
Georges Bataille, The Absence of Myth (réédition); design de couverture par Matt Dorfman (Verso, Novembre)
J’aime l’utilisation d’images clipart et de typographie ludique.
–Jaya Miceli
Cebo Campbell, Sky Full of Elephants; design de couverture par Tyler Comrie (Simon & Schuster, Septembre)
Une telle énergie! Tout dans cette couverture est audacieux et m’attire. Superbe palette de couleurs aussi.
–David Litman
Kōhei Saitō, trad. Brian Bergstrom, Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto; design de couverture par Ben Denzer (Astra House, Janvier)
Les livres sur les livres à l’infini sont si bien faits ici. Merveilleusement simple.
–Stephanie Ross
Mark Haddon, Dogs and Monsters; design de couverture par Suzanne Dean, illustration par Neue Gestaltung (Vintage UK, Août)
Si audacieux et frappant.
–Jaya Miceli
David McCloskey, The Seventh Floor; design de couverture par Pete Garceau (W.W. Norton, Octobre)
Ma couverture préférée de roman d’espionnage cette année. Pete a créé un look frais et simple pour la série!
–James Iacobelli
Nanae Aoyama, A Perfect Day to Be Alone; design de couverture par Jack Smyth (Quercus, Mai)
Ingénieux et chaleureux.
–Jaya Miceli
Prix de consolation ironique:
Melania Trump, Melania (Édition Collector) (250 $); design de couverture par ??? (Skyhorse, Octobre)
“Je reconnais que des points de vue différents sont un aspect naturel des relations humaines.”
–Mark Abrams
L’article traite de l’importance de l’exercice physique pour la santé et le bien-être. Il souligne les nombreux bienfaits de l’activité physique, tels que la réduction du risque de maladies cardiovasculaires, le renforcement des muscles et des os, ainsi que l’amélioration de l’humeur et de la qualité du sommeil. L’article met également en avant le fait que l’exercice régulier peut contribuer à la perte de poids et à la gestion du stress. En somme, il encourage les lecteurs à intégrer une activité physique dans leur quotidien pour améliorer leur santé globale. Le contenu de l’article doit être fourni pour que je puisse le réécrire. Le contenu de l’article doit être fourni pour que je puisse le réécrire. Pouvez-vous le copier et le coller ici s’il vous plaît ?
