The text and photos that are used to create your book covers is to get the arrangement just perfect, I think about the single message you want to convey with your cover design. What is the one emotion or concept you'd like to convey? I make sure that every element, from color and image to typography and text, supports the message you've chosen.
I consider how you can best communicate your message once you've figured out what it is. If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, the key design element should be a double-meaning image. If you're going for mystery, your witty title should take center stage, with a hazy, murky image supporting it (but not overshadow it). My designs are simple and I think outside the box.