An interactive book cover from Canongate and Big Active

The book is being published next month and is being released simultaneously as an ebook, audio download, hardback and paperback, and physical copies will feature an interactive cover, which uses Blippar technology.

When viewing the cover through a smartphone or tablet, readers will be able to see an animated cover, and will also be linked to additional material such as author interviews and social media conversations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7vpb7UPK6E

Canongate and Blippar say this is the first time the technology has been used to create a fully interactive book jacket.

Cate Cannon, head of marketing at Canongate, says, ‘The animation and design translates across our digital outdoor advertising, our website and all our editions, creating a brand identity for this novel that is enriching, engaging and progressive.’

The project saw Canongate art director Rafi Romaya work with Big Active, which has a lot of experience designing for the music industry.

Romaya says, ‘The multiple format release model recalled the experimentation which has taken place in the music industry in recent years, while publishing is working through equivalent changes.

‘We wanted to collaborate with a team that would be experienced.’

Gerard Saint, creative director at Big Active, says, ‘We wanted to create a solution that is beautiful not only in terms of being a piece of artwork, but also as a concept that works equally well for physical product and handheld devices, online animation, interactive digital access and the wider integrated marketing campaign.’

A Tale for the Time Being is published on 11 March.