You’ve probably opened a beautiful-looking book only to be disappointed by its content. I know that I have. And, that’s why we’re warned, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
But, let’s face it: Readers DO judge books by their covers. In fact, it’s often the first impression created by a cover that determines whether a book even gets picked up at all.
So, while you may not be able to judge a book’s content by its cover, a visually appealing cover continues to be a significant motivator for readers to pick up a book, catalog or magazine in the first place.
Shane Hutson, Walsworth’s Marceline Bindery Manager, believes covers are critical to a publication’s success. Hutson would like to see every publication’s cover accent and enhance its content.
Given his 28 years of bindery experience and degrees in industrial management and business administration, Hutson knows his craft.
Because of this, he wishes more customers would request a cover consultation to ensure that their book’s cover is eye-catching, durable and cost effective.
In addition, Hutson believes that cover consultations are beneficial to everyone because:
- Cover consultations help Walsworth understand the customer’s vision and expectations.
- Cover consultations help the customer understand cover material options and cover treatment options that fit their budget and vision.
- Cover consultations give Walsworth the opportunity to offer cover options that the customer may not have considered because they didn’t know they were possible or available.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to binding style options and cover substrate and component options. Spot UV coating can make cover images and text stand out visually, and soft touch lamination can evoke feelings of warmth and richness when handled by a reader.
Hutson recalls a linen-covered cookbook that made him think of a fall day with apple pie every time he looked at it. And that assured him that they had gotten the cover just right.
“I like traditional cover treatments such as embossing and stamping, especially because they give books a refined look at costs that are often less than people realize,” says Hutson. “But I also get excited about creating unique covers for customers that require innovative manufacturing processes to bring them to life.”
Do you want your next publication to stand out in a way that motivates people to pick it up and read it? If so, please contact Walsworth to learn how we can help.
Hutson adds, “Walsworth specializes in innovation and creativity. If you can envision it, we’re going to figure out how to do it.”
