Trending Book Cover Design Styles for 2025

“Never judge a book by its cover.” I have heard this phrase all my life. But let’s be honest, is it actually true? Do we not judge a book by its cover?

Putting an end to this debate with “Books that are visible on the front shelves of bookstores sell better (Holzmeier 56; Schneider 238).

People make their purchasing decisions based on the cover. So, yes, it’s vital to have a great cover that sets the right tone for a book.

Moreover, when deciding on a cover, you must keep two things in mind. 1. Adherence to the genre so readers could know it just by its cover. 2. Know what’s the trend and follow it to make a stand-out cover.

It’s a two-step thing however it can be really stressful for some people. Therefore, in this guide, we will discuss the top 10 trending book cover design styles for 2025. So, are you ready to find out? Let’s go.

Top 10 Book Cover Design Styles in 2025

Bright and Vibrant: Beyond Romance

Social media particularly, Instagram has set the trend of aesthetic, pastel-colored, and glossy looks for people across the world. In addition, it has also contributed to boosting the publishing industry as well.

Now, bright and bold colors are everywhere. Indeed, it all started with contemporary romance books as they seemed to be created in a candy shop. But it is not specified to this genre anymore! Now, it has invaded every other genre such as horror, thriller, mystery, etc.

Looking for a mystery or crime-based book? Tada! The cover has vibrant orange and navy blues in it. Let’s be honest, readers want their physical or eReading section to be colorful and lifeful rather than having a scenario of a funeral having blacks and whites!

Symbols speak louder than Characters

We all have seen weird, overly polished, and fake-giving-vibe book covers that have characters in them. For example, a couple leaning on each other in a romantic novel; a scenario of two enemies in a fight, etc.

This even sounds absurd to me! But now, the concept has significantly changed.

Why not use symbols or objects to express your genre? It will be much more convenient, more attractive, simple, and less time-consuming.

So, for a romance novel, two rings or some flowers will do the work. In addition, for a psychological disorder or serial killer story-based content, the key object can be used. For example, serial killers often use a certain way to kill someone which can be a hammer, knife, etc. Thus, creating a book cover with this object allows us to let readers know the important point.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to use the right color palette as it also plays a major role in shaping the right cover design. Also, you may connect with a book cover design agency in UK to get better ideas.

More Illustration and Less Photorealism

Who would want to have a poorly designed or awkward book cover design? Obviously, no one.

This is when it’s best to work with illustrations instead of using photos. Now, these professionals make hand-drawn images that perfectly fit with the content and genre. Also, it helps to stand out from this extensive book industry.

Thus, don’t be afraid to innovate or try something unique with your design. This allows illustrations to bring back the human touch and also create exceptional designs.

Large Fonts Leaving No Room to Whisper

Subtle typography? Nah, boring. In 2025, it’s all about large fonts and BOLD LETTERS. Thus, you can expect a cover to eat up 80% of the space with its title.

Typography has a major impact and role in describing the genre and setting the tone of the story (Source Researchgate).

Moreover, it’s suitable for those who are looking for a crystal clear title. If you’re one of them, good for you. But be ready to be judged in a café or coffee shop when the massive and bold book title says “THE NAKED LUNCH” because everyone will see it!

Simplicity with Small and Stunning Details

Personally, I’m in love with book cover designs that have minute detailing. Even a small line, the tiniest object or character brings life to a cover.

At first glance, you will find such covers simple and nice. But once you zoom in or look closely, you will find hidden details. You never know if there’s a secret message or something relevant to the plot of the novel. So, is it important to catch these details? In my perspective, yes.

However, before new authors publish my book, they often seek feedback from experts to ensure that their book cover design is good to go.

Animated Static Designs Bringing Life

Let’s step into eBooks and the digital era of publishing books. What could be better than a moving book cover design that also has animations? It’s perfect.

Looking for a sci-fi book? Expect a transition of worlds or time-lapse. Wow, this even sounds fun!

Retro and Pop Art

Guys, retro elements are coming back in book cover designs this year! With the right font and exclusively popping vibrant colors, these elements are making a new trend in this industry bringing back the old vibes from the previous decade. In addition, these covers scream individuality and a sense of reading vintage-related stories.

Gothic Art

Planning to get a book based on mystery or crime? If yes, you must expect a dark-themed, high contrast, and a “not-so-clear” book cover for it. In addition, it creates a sense of fear and a mysterious atmosphere to set the right tone for the story. These covers often use a grey or dull color palette with a touch of vibrant color for outlining the details.

Final Words

Book covers are the soul of a book that shares the genre in various ways. In this guide, we have discussed the top eight designs that are going to rock in 2025.

Moreover, each of them has certain elements that set them apart. For example, vibrant and bright colors, illustrations, large fonts, animation, and more.

Also, if you are a book publisher and are confused about picking one, make sure to get expert help and ease this process.