Orbit’s Guide to Creating an Awesome Dragon Cover

Dragons are meant to be scary. This is just common sense, right? We’re talking about DRAGONS here – terrifying creatures of legend that are top of the food chain. They should look ferocious. So make sure your dragon looks like an alpha predator and less like…this. Probably best to avoid semi-naked dudes as well. 

In fact, if you’re going to include people at all then they need to look the part. We’re talking shiny, impressive armour, or – even better – the time-honoured hooded figure. Cloaks never get old, kids. Whatever you do, avoid making the same mistake as this particular example. You do NOT want this guy riding your dragon. 

Come to think of it, having someone riding your dragon isn’t the best way to demonstrate your dragon’s ferocious power and superiority to human kind. No, what you need is a show of strength! Your dragon should tower above any puny human on the cover (and for bonus points, leave them cowering on the floor). If it helps, have your dragon fight a giant sandworm at the same time.

If your dragon still isn’t quite delivering in the terrifying alpha predator stakes, consider unleashing its not-so-secret weapon: flame-breath that can turn humans and horses into chargrilled treats inside ten seconds (as this cover demonstrates). It’s also been scientifically proven that covers featuring something that’s been set on fire are 15% more awesome than those that don’t, so talk about a double win. 

You want another scientific fact? Ok, try this one: everything is cooler in black. Why do you think in online RPGs the black clothes are always the rarest/most expensive/most annoying to obtain? Because they make your character look like a badass, that’s why. And guess what? The same is true for dragons. Dragons obviously come in a variety of colours, but the black ones are the best. No one messes with a black dragon. Why do you think one of the most fearsome dragons in the history of George R. R. Martin’s world was called Balerion the Black Dread? Exactly. 

five simple steps to ensuring awesome dragon covers for everyone. Just try not to set anything on fire while you’re putting this advice into practice.

Dragons have been strangely absent from Orbit books in recent years, but as you can see below, they’re now back with a fiery vengeance! Vote for your favourite cover, and click the links below to read some awesome first chapters. 

The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan chapter one
The Dragon Lords: Fool's Gold by Jon Hollins chapter one
Chasing Embers by James Bennett chapter one