






Think it’s not that bad? Try the Amazon.com-sized thumbnail directly below it. A little crowded, yes?

If you’re selling your book primarily or exclusively online, like most independently published authors, the thumbnail is the first glimpse your readers will get. It is this image that compels them to look closer … or look elsewhere.

As much as you like your original idea, maybe you should think of scaling back. Simplifying. How about QWERTY: A History of Keyboard Interface?

Ta da! Witty! Pretty!

Again, you can really see what a difference this makes for the thumbnail version.
When the elements on the tiny image have room to breathe, the image as a whole becomes more accessible. Without knowing why, your potential readers will feel more inclined to click on it and take a closer look.

Which is exactly what you want them to do.