As far as book sales go, what could be almost or maybe more important than the content of a book? 

THE COVER!

And that is why TEAM CHANTICLEER is offering the newest division of the CIBA’s

Chanticleer Cover Design Awards 

Powerful and captivating book cover designs compel potential readers to click on the buy link, pick up the book displayed at bookstores, attract readers at book fairs and events. (Blue Ribbons also do a great job attracting potential readers at book fairs!)

How do you make your book stand out in a sea of books? 

Kiffer’s photo of one of her many bookstore visits.

Village Books,  Bellingham, WA

FIRST, the COVER!

And, secondly, did you notice the little tags called Shelf Talkers that are located under some books but not all books? Chanticleer Shelf Talkers are available to everyone who has had a book reviewed by Chanticleer or has placed in the advance Levels of Achievement of the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards. We send a set of four physical Shelf Talkers as well as a digital version that authors can easily print. Bookstores love these personal touches, and we’re always happy to update the design if they ask for something a little different. Most places even welcome using gentle adhesive tape to hang your Shelf Talker below where your books are shelved.

Chanticleer Shelf Talkers

Studies have shown that book buyers make their decision to look at a book with more interest by looking at the cover for three seconds or less.

Your book cover has three seconds to attract its reader. Three Seconds!

How do do you make your book standout in a sea of books?

• Click here for link to an article on the FIVE ESSENTIAL BOOK COVER ELEMENTS. 
• And here is a second article: What is the Single Most Important Publishing Tool for Authors?  
• Bookseller Confidential  (This is what Paul Hanson, owner of Village Books said about the article: ““Kiffer, your Bookseller Confidential article is SPOT ON. Thank you for spreading good and accurate information!”  Best, Paul Hanson, Village Books

Whether the work is fiction or non-fiction, book covers should convey emotion first. The cover should have a visual impact that grabs the potential reader and makes him/her want to know more about what is inside. The cover must be enticing!

Your book’s cover design will (or should) influence your marketing materials and promotion strategies.

Perhaps you have attended one of Chanticleer’s annual authors conferences or have attended one of  my presentations  (c’est moi, Kiffer Brown) presentations on cover design. If you have, you will note how strongly I promote the advantages of effective book cover design.

That is why we decided to offer the Chanticleer Book Cover Design Awards in Fiction and Non-Fiction.

The first awards will be announced at the 2024 CIBA Ceremony and Banquet that will hosted on Saturday, April 5th, at the 2025 Chanticleer Authors Conference.

Click here for more information on the COVER DESIGN AWARDS for NON-FICTION works.

Click here for more information on the COVER DESIGN AWARDS for FICTION works.

Click here for more information about the Chanticleer International Book Awards program.

As always, please email info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions or suggestions!