The Cover That Sells

The Cover That Sells: What Most Authors Get Wrong 7 Book Cover Design Mistakes That Kill Sales (And How To Fix Them)

Your book cover has one job, stop the scroll and get the click. If it doesn’t, everything you wrote gets ignored. In this quick-hit guide, you’ll discover 7 insider tips to create a book cover that grabs attention, builds credibility, and drives sales. Whether you’re launching your first book or fixing one that’s not performing this free resource shows you what most authors miss, and how to get it right.

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The Cover That Sells

Why This Book?

This isn’t just another generic book about book cover design. It’s a straight-talking, step-by-step guide packed with real-world insights and practical tips you can use immediately to make your book cover stand out. Whether you’re a first-time author, self-publisher, or entrepreneur with a message to share, this book shows you how to turn your cover into a powerful marketing tool that grabs attention, builds trust, and gets results.

Here’s Why You Should Grab Your Copy Today:

1. No More Guessing, Get the Proven Cover Design Framework

Tired of wondering why your book isn’t selling like it should? You’re not alone—and it’s not your writing. Most authors miss a few key things about their cover that quietly kill sales. In this book, you’ll get a crystal-clear, step-by-step blueprint to design a book cover that grabs attention and gets results. These are the same principles used on multiple #1 bestsellers—and now, they’re yours.

2. Practical, Actionable Tips You Can Use Right Away

This isn’t fluff. The Cover That Sells delivers real advice you can apply before your next book launch—or use to rescue an existing cover that’s falling flat. From layout strategies to font choices, from color psychology to positioning your subtitle, this book gives you the tools to create a cover that works harder than your marketing budget.

3. Learn from a Cover Design Pro Who’s Been There

Frank Deardurff aka “That One Web Guy” has created covers for bestselling authors across multiple genres. With over two decades of experience in digital design and marketing, he’s helped countless authors and entrepreneurs bring their message to life with eye-catching, high-converting visuals. He knows what works, and what doesn’t, and how to bridge the gap between creative vision and marketing impact.

4. Make Your Cover Convert Like a Sales Page

A great book cover isn’t just eye candy—it’s your first sales tool. In this guide, you’ll learn how to design your cover to do its job: stop the scroll, spark curiosity, and make readers click or pick it up. You’ll discover how to visually guide the reader’s attention so they naturally move from the title to the subtitle to the buy button.

5. Identify (and Fix) the Silent Cover Killers

Maybe your font is too thin. Maybe your title gets lost at thumbnail size. Maybe your spine is unreadable, or your color scheme says “romance” when you’re writing business. Whatever it is, this book will help you spot and fix the hidden design flaws that cost you sales without you even knowing it.

6. Stop Losing Sales Before Readers Even Look Inside

Your book cover is your first impression. If it doesn’t look professional, readers assume the writing isn’t either. They scroll on. Meanwhile, your competitors, many with weaker content are winning attention with better covers. Don’t let your book get overlooked. This guide helps you reclaim the sale before it slips away.

7. For Authors at Any Level (No Design Skills Needed)

Whether you're just starting out or you’ve published a dozen books, The Cover That Sells gives you clear, jargon-free advice you can use even if you’ve never touched Photoshop or Canva. You’ll learn what to do, what to avoid, and how to confidently communicate your vision to a professional designer (or tackle it yourself the right way).


What You’ll Learn:

  • How to craft a scroll-stopping title that instantly grabs attention

  • When and how to use a subtitle that sells

  • The difference between designing for print vs. digital

  • How spine width and resolution make or break your print cover

  • The “3-Foot Test” for standing out in a crowded marketplace

  • The secret to making your cover match your reader not just your taste

  • How to test your cover for real-world results before you publish

Start Creating Covers That Sell Today

If your cover doesn’t make people stop and look, your book won’t sell no matter how good it is. Don’t let poor design keep your message from being heard. The Cover That Sells gives you the tools to finally create a cover that pulls its weight and moves books.

Frank Deardurff
Frank Deardurff - Author of The Cover That Sells

About the Author: Frank E. Deardurff III

Frank E. Deardurff III, also known as "That One Web Guy," is a seasoned web developer, marketer, and online business coach with over two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs succeed in the digital world. As the go-to guy for website optimization, Frank has worked with some of the biggest names in online marketing, refining strategies that drive traffic, increase conversions, and boost profits.

Frank’s passion for web development goes beyond just building websites—he’s all about creating high-converting websites that truly work for businesses. He’s known for taking complex technical topics and breaking them down into simple, actionable steps that anyone can follow, making him a trusted resource for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals alike.

Through his career, Frank has built, reviewed, and improved countless websites, uncovering the hidden keys that can make all the difference between a site that just sits there and a site that pulls in leads and sales. His direct response background, combined with his hands-on approach, makes him uniquely qualified to share the 15 overlooked elements every small business owner should know.

In addition to his expertise in website development, Frank is the author of “50 Biggest Website Mistakes” and has been a featured speaker at numerous marketing and business events. When Frank’s not working on the web, he’s coaching entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses online with clarity and confidence.

With "Unlocking Website Profits," Frank brings his years of hard-earned knowledge to help small business owners get the most out of their websites, turning overlooked details into real-world results.