“She is the embodiment of a bad decision. The twin of danger and desire. The fine line between deadly and divine. And I can feel myself drowning” – From Powerless. 

“My smell. Do I smell like…?” 
“Mine.” It’s a rumble in his throat. “You smell like you’re mine, Misery.” – From Bride.  

Tell us honestly—wouldn’t you blush or at least giggle when a line like that jumps off the page? 

And honestly, isn’t that exactly why we reach for romantic fantasy? Authors, this is for you: you know the impact these lines have on readers, right? We also know that the reactions from readers make you happy.  

But what if we told you that those impactful lines might not reach your audience if they don’t pick up your book? 

So why wouldn’t they pick up your book? Despite its spicy content, the cover may fall flat and look dull. So, while you are putting efforts in writing the content, do not forget about making the best romantasy book cover for your novel as well.  

Why Does the Book Cover Matter? 

This shouldn’t be a question. If, as an author, you are asking why people put so much emphasis on the book covers rather than just reading my book, well, you must know that people are visual learners. They look for genre and story clues in the book cover, and if they can’t find it, they will NOT pick up your book.  

So, if you find someone saying “people don’t judge a book by its cover,” umm, we advise you to just smile at them and run in the opposite direction. According to a survey, around 57% of Americans have bought or read a book based solely on its cover.  

And remember that this isn’t a niche anymore. TikTok’s #romantasy tag has millions of views. Pinterest boards are packed with moody castles, glowing swords, and slow-burn longing. 

That’s why thinking twice about hiring custom book cover design services isn’t optional anymore. It is an important tool for signaling genre and tone. 

Take Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Its colorful wings, gentle lighting, and sparkling background let you know what to expect: dragons, excitement, and passion. Your custom book cover illustrations need to communicate this clearly and quickly. 

Why the Audience Wants Painted Magic on Romantasy Book Covers 

People notice that there are more illustrated covers on BookTok than in other genres. Readers aren’t just looking around—they’re searching for a particular feeling. And a painted cover really captures that feeling well. 

Immersion  

Romantasy is different from other genres because it really makes you feel like you’re in another world. Readers want to be drawn in right from the start. Illustrated covers help with this—they create excitement.  

Imagine making a misty scene with a shining sword, a brave heroine in a dark forest, or two lovers reaching for each other with a strong energy between them. This makes people feel intrigued.  

People Know the Difference Between Custom and Generic 

Audience appreciates custom illustrations on romantasy book covers. These stories have passion, romance, magical elements, and an immersive world. People look forward to seeing these things on the cover as well. A simple, generic, or stick picture would not be able to communicate that.  

Also, these stories are emotional fantasies. This is why readers crave that sweet spot between visual softness and narrative intensity that only a top-rated custom book cover service can bring. 

The Collector Instinct  

Let’s not forget about the collector’s instinct. Many readers enjoy having books on their shelves that reflect the stories they love. A beautifully illustrated cover for a romantasy book makes it feel special. It’s not just a story anymore; it becomes a statement piece. 

How To Design the Best Romantasy Book Covers  

Romantic fantasy stories often contain a lot of drama, side characters, multiple storylines, and various tropes. However, this doesn’t mean you should overcrowd the book cover with every single element. As an author, it might be tempting to showcase everything, but it’s important to leave enough mystery to spark curiosity. 

Here, we have broken down the visual ingredients that you need to make a magical book cover that meets the romance audience’s needs.  

The Character(s) 

In romantasy, characters are an essential part of the story. Whether it’s a fae prince with a troubled past or a flamboyant warlock of Brooklyn like the iconic Magnus Bane, how you show your characters can influence a reader’s first impression. 

This is important because romantasy fans want to feel a connection (which should be instant). A well-designed character gives a hint of emotional depth and makes the story feel focused. 

Here are some key visual details to include: 

Emotions on their faces—like longing, intensity, pain, defiance, or tenderness 

Body movements—poses ready for action, defensive stances, or showing vulnerability 

Clothing and accessories—like cloaks, corsets, armor, magical jewelry, or royal symbols 

For example, in “The Serpent & the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent, the strong female lead has wings, weapons, and blood-red details, which set the tone for a harsh romantic fantasy world right from the start. 

The Magic Needs to Be Displayed, Not Just Hinted 

Always remember that when you are making romantasy book covers, you are tackling romance and the element of magic. So, if your cover cannot put the magical point across through illustration, the cover will fall flat. But again, that does not mean that you draw exactly what’s in the book.  

This is why custom book cover design services lean so heavily towards symbolism and dropping subtle visual clues to hint at the magical system. This not only creates curiosity but also guarantees that the story meets what readers expect from its genre. 

What Elements Can You Show Through Symbolism? 

Glowing runes or sigils 

Elemental energy (e.g., flames flickering from fingertips, ice crystals surrounding a blade) 

Floating or dreamlike scenery (e.g., levitating ruins, floating castles, moonlit forests) 

Pro tip: If your world includes magical tattoos, cursed objects (you know like horcruxes from Harry Potter), or ancient portals—show them subtly.  

Romantic Tension Without Cheesiness 

Nobody, and we mean nobody, wants to see the main characters kissing on the cover. Romantasy audience runs on yearning, sexual tension, and high stakes of whether they will end up together or not – this is why the audience simply wants slow burn covers.  

They do not want overt romantic imagery on romantasy book covers. A kiss on the cover can make it less interesting; a glance, a pose, or a near-touch can say a lot. 

So, to display the romantic tension in visuals, make sure you use these strategies:  

• Close-but-not-touching poses – tension in proximity 

• Shared weapons or symbolic items – a metaphor for entanglement 

• Intense or sidelong gazes – emotion without overt romance 

• Magical bonds – like glowing threads, entwined roots, or shadowy connections 

Also, if you are directly putting characters on the cover, make sure they evoke such questions in the minds of readers:  

• Who are they to each other? 

• Why are they on opposite sides?  

• Are they allies, enemies, or both? 

Typography That Fits the Fantasy 

Great artwork is important, but if the text looks dull, hard to read, or out of place, it can ruin the whole design. The font not only shows the title but also gives hints about the story’s genre, mood, and feel. 

For a romantasy book cover, it’s common to use fancy or serif fonts paired with soft lighting, shadows, or shiny textures. These elements help mix the feelings of beauty and danger. 

Here are some tips for good typography: 

• Use serif, calligraphy, or custom fonts – they feel more classic and magical. 

• Stay away from modern or futuristic fonts unless you want to mix styles intentionally. 

• Make sure the text is easy to read – check how it looks as a small thumbnail (150–200 pixels). 

• Blend the text with the image – let titles intertwine with vines, dance with the wind, or appear from magic. 

Color Palette 

Colors can quickly convey feelings and ideas. Before someone even looks at words or symbols, their mind notices the colors. The colors can set the mood for the story they are about to read.  

Darker colors can suggest danger, secrets, or romance, while lighter colors often represent hope, playfulness, and clear emotions. A mix of dark backgrounds with bright highlights can indicate a complicated story, which is often seen in romantic fantasy tales. 

Here are some common color meanings: 

Dark colors (like black, navy, and charcoal): suggest spooky themes, forbidden love, or rebellion. 

Purples and deep reds represent passion, struggles for power, and mystery. 

Golds and creams: symbolize royalty, magic, and heritage. 

Pastels (like soft pink, light blue, and sage): indicate connection to nature, gentle emotions, and fairy influences. 

High-contrast colors (like black with shiny metallics): show excitement, dramatic stories, and themes of love between enemies. 

Layout Balance 

A romantasy book cover must do more than throw everything onto one page. When designing or placing a custom book cover illustration on the cover, make sure you are mindful of two things: Focal Point and World Detail.  

Achieving the perfect and delicate balance between focusing the eye and building an immersive frame is really important.  

When cover designs are poorly balanced, they can seem chaotic or confusing. In contrast, well-balanced covers guide the viewer’s attention through the story, starting with the main character or symbol and then expanding into the surrounding world. 

Tips for layout composition: 

• Use central framing for character-driven stories. 

• Include layered depth with foreground/midground/background to suggest world-building. 

• Let the edges breathe – cluttered corners distract from the emotional focus. 

Special Effects: Foil, Texture, and Collectability 

These features are more important for print books, but they still influence how readers think, even those who read digitally. Decorative touches like painted edges, gold foil, and textured hardcovers make a book feel special and valuable.  

For fans of romantasy, having a beautiful book feels like owning a piece of the magical world they’ve read about.  

Here are some common ones:   

• Foil stamping – shiny titles or symbols in metallic colors   

• Sprayed or painted edges – colors that match the book cover   

• Spot gloss – shiny parts that highlight magical features (like sparkles on wings or weapons)   

• Custom chapter headers inside – keeping the magic going beyond the cover into the reading experience. 

Final Touch 

Every romantasy book cover is a silent contract. It tells readers: “This story will enchant you. It will break your heart, squish it, stomp on it, will make you cry, but in the end it will remake your heart, or it might not ???👀” 

And frankly, people also look for covers that are attractive and feel connected to them. We hope that if you are an author and have been ignoring book covers all along, you will start thinking about them. Your cover will bridge visual storytelling with emotional resonance, so yes, give them the painted cover that helps them feel the magic, tension, and heartache. 

FAQ’s 

Can I use AI-generated art for my romantasy book cover? 

You can, but proceed carefully. AI art may violate usage rights depending on how it’s generated. Readers are also becoming more savvy—they can often tell the difference. 

Should I include my series name on the cover? 

Yes, especially if it’s a series. Include the series title and number (e.g., Book One of the Stormblood Saga) subtly, so it’s clear for returning readers without overwhelming the design. 

Can I redesign my romantasy cover after publishing? 

Absolutely. Many indie authors do. If your sales are slow or readers seem confused by your cover, a rebrand can breathe new life into your launch.