Why would an author use a number in their book’s title? In fiction, numbers in titles evoke curiosity and create a sense of specificity or urgency, enticing potential readers with a clear concept. With nonfiction books, numbers convey a sense of order, structure, or quantifiable information, adding depth to the book’s thesis. Here are 20 book covers that use numbers in their titles. Explore the tag “numbers” for other examples.
*If you’re able to provide any missing design credits, please write us at ineedabookcover.site@gmail.com. Blog post cover image © Mel Bochner
One Day by Gene Weingarten
Two Nurses, Smoking by David Means
Designer: Alex Merto
Three Fires by Denise Mina
Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain
Designer: Kishan Rajani
Five Tuesdays in Winter by A.K. Blakemore
Designer: Kelly Winton
The Six by Sarah Rose Etter
Designer: Natalia Olbinski
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
Eight Bears by Gloria Dickie
Designer: Pete Garceau
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt by Brontez Purnell
Designer: Na Kim
Station Eleven by Mona Simpson
Designer: Abby Weintraub
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
Thirteen Tunnels by Suzanne Samples
Fourteen Days edited by Margaret Atwood
Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan
Seventeen by Hideo Yokoyama
Designer: Alex Merto
Eighteen by Alice Loxton
Nineteen Claws And A Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica
The Twenty by Sam Holland
5 Tips to Follow When Coming Up With A Number-Forward Book Title
- Be specific and relevant: Ensure that the number you use in the title accurately represents the content of your book. Whether it’s a specific number of tips, steps, years, or examples, make sure it aligns with the main theme or concept of your book.
- Keep it simple: Stick to single digits or straightforward numerical sequences that are easy to understand at a glance.
- Use odd numbers: Research suggests that odd numbers tend to be more attention-grabbing and memorable than even numbers. Consider using odd numbers in your title to make it stand out and pique curiosity.
- Consider symbolism: Certain numbers may carry symbolic significance, so consider incorporating numbers that hold relevance to your book’s subject matter or target audience. For example, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People uses the number seven to imply completeness or perfection.
- Avoid overusing clichés: While numbers can add intrigue to a title, be cautious not to rely too heavily on clichéd phrases or formulas (e.g., “101 Ways to…”). Instead, strive for creativity and originality to make your title stand out in a crowded market.
Finding A Professional Cover Designer for Your Numerical Book Cover
When you’re ready to bring on a book cover designer, a professional will pay attention to how the number is visually presented in your title. An experienced pro will experiment with different fonts, sizes, and styles to ensure that the number enhances the overall design and aesthetic appeal of your book cover. Trust a design expert to effectively incorporate numbers into your book title to make it more engaging, memorable, and reflective of your book’s content. Platforms like the “I Need A Book Cover” Job Board have made it easier for authors to find and collaborate with talented, professional designers like the ones listed in this article. Find your cover designer today!
