For example, I was in the library yesterday browsing new audiobooks for my husband's commute and this YA cover jumped out at me
by Sohpie Flack
Maybe it caught my eye because I was a dancer for 13 years. Maybe it stood out because of the discontinuity of the beauty of the dancers coupled with the not-so-graceful word "Bunheads". But I picked it up. Out of around fifty books being featured, this is the one I grabbed. That, my friends, is the point. For publishing houses, booksellers, writers, artists, and what will hopefully be a satisfied reader.
Are book covers important to you?
Which covers stand out as particularly provcative, pleasing, eye-catching?
What makes a great book cover?
17 comments:
I don't set much store by covers. There have been too many instances when stunning covers have graced horrible books and vice versa. Also, I am aware that for the most part, no author gets a say in their cover. The publisher designs the cover and all too often, the cover doesn't really reflect the work inside. It takes a lot more to attract me than a pretty picture.
What I love most are book covers that have a classic look to them. For example I love the covers of books from the Collector's Library. (http://quicksmartweb.info/best-reviews-jane-eyre-collectors-library/) Hardcover, pocket sized, and with a not too exuberant illustration on the front.
I wouldn't say I only go for books looking like that, my shelves consist of a variety of books in all sorts and sizes. But those books from the Collector's Library are definitely my favourite.
Sarah, I agree that there are times when the cover doesn't do justice to the writing. And it is true, the author has no say which means it might not match up with what the author envisions for his or her work. I am speaking to those times when it is the cover that sells it or when the cover is so great that it really does match the writing. Those times, when it aligns, feels magical.
Thanks, Sabrina! I will have to check out that link! So glad you stopped by!!
There's a book on my shelves that I bought based solely on it's cover. And two that I've bought based on the title alone. With all three, it was only while I was on the bus home that I opened them up to read the first few lines.
I have no idea what draws me to these books, though - perhaps they just suit the mood I'm in at the time.
I love covers. I have bought or borrowed from the library quite a lot of books based on the cover alone. :)
I wouldn't choose a book solely on the cover, but I might pick up an eye catching one to investigate further.
I have picked up books solely because their cover tugged at my curiosity. So when I self-published, I kept that in mind. I liked the cover to my THE LEGEND OF VICTOR STANDISH so much that I made it the header to my blog. Great post, Roland
Annalisa, bus rides are great for reading!!
I agree, Sarah. The cover of a book might be what gets me to initially pick it up. The dustjacket is the next ting I look at.
Ronald, now I have to hop over and take a look!
Although a book might catch my eye with a particular design or color scheme, I don't really decide on which book to read just by its cover.
I usually like to read the synopsis on the back or on the inside flap- that's what would catch my interest.
I confess that cover art is the first thing I look at. I read science fiction and fantasy, so a really great cover is a necessity. If it doesn't draw me in, then I don't even bother reading the book's synopsis.
I do the same thing, Cynthia. So glad you stopped by!!!
Alex, I tend to not read these genres. But since my husband does, I have become a fan of John Jude Palencar's work. Thanks for stopping by. Gearing up for A to Z!
Sure, if I'm browsing to find something new, an interesting cover (as well as an intriguing title) will attract me every time.
A cover might get me to pick something up but I read before I buy so the words better be pretty, too.
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