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Your book is judged by it's cover- a handy guide to avoiding AI.

  • papertalesshop
  • Feb 26
  • 2 min read

The Stats:


A 2024 report from Design Intelligence reveals that 60% of publishers have incorporated AI tools into various stages of book production, with 35% using them specifically for cover design. In addition, a survey by BookTech showed that 70% of self-published authors experimented with AI-powered design tools in 2023, a significant increase from 45% in 2020.


AI isn't going away, and can actually be a very useful assistive tool, but are we too quick to use generative AI before exploring other options?


Why are some Indie Authors using AI?


Most obviously, cost is a huge consideration when self-publishing a book and cover design can be a huge expense. There are lots of competing financial priorities including but not limited to: printing, editing, ARC copies (often given for free), marketing and other fees. This all often needs to be paid upfront before any book sales, if any!!


Another factor is speed and ease. Generative AI is quick to create and relatively simple to use- authors are able to use it themselves without needing an art background.


Author views:


We reached out to multiple Bristol-based authors about their experiences with creating book covers and to get their opinion on using AI to do this. All the responses we received were strongly opposed to the use of AI for cover art with some noting they specifically asked their designers not to use it.


One author stated that there is a need for artists to stand together- their writing is human made, so their cover should reflect that too. This in turn supports a different faction of the creative community.


Another author reflected that although they personally wouldn't ever use AI, they recognise they come from a position of privilege and are lucky to have design skills as well as writing skills. They suggested that a skills swap might be beneficial, exchanging skills like editing and design to keep costs down between authors.


Alternatives:


Our favourite part of opening this conversation up with our Authors was finding out all the fantastic alternatives to AI there are out there. Of course, being such a creative bunch, there were some really unique methods involved! Here is a summary of the different ways book covers have been made by the Authors we stock:


  • Stock photos and Canva

  • Own photography

  • Children's drawings

  • Hired designers

  • Friends and family

  • Traditional publishing routes (publisher sources designs)

  • Free online book cover catalogues

  • Artist or designer back catalogues or cheaper pre-made designs


With so many low cost or free options available- there's a lot to love about human-made cover art!


Side note: I was also signposted to a really fun website that hosts a book cover tournament- giving lesser known books an opportunity for the spotlight! https://bookjacketbracket.com/


List of Resources:




 
 
 

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