Today at io9.com, Orbit Creative Director Lauren Panepinto provides a fine introduction and overview of what makes an unforgettable cover unforgettable, be it for a work of epic fantasy, space opera, urban fantasy or steampunk/cyberpunk.

There are two simple rules for creating an image that won’t be easily forgotten. So if you want to know what they are — head on over and see if you agree, or disagree.