How important are book covers? The old saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' certainly doesn't ring true for me. I am a visual person and when selecting books, my imagination goes into over-drive when looking at a cover. In May 2016, I wrote a blog, Judging Books By Covers, and eleven people commented. Most agreed with me that together with reading the blurb on the back of the book, covers can influence you whether or not to select a book. As I said in that post, I like to make up my own mind about what characters are like through reading but the mood of a story can be suggested by the colours and atmosphere suggested in an image. I hope you agree that Ruby Fiction has done that with my cover, especially when you read the blurb. I love it.
The blurb on Amazon says:
It's 1969 and free-spirited Elin Morgan has left Wales for a sun-drenched Greek island. As she makes new friends and enjoys the laidback lifestyle, she writes all about it in her diary. But Elin's summer of love doesn't last long, and her island experience ultimately leaves her with a shocking secret.
Twenty-two years later, Elin's daughter Alexandra has inherited the diary and is reeling from its revelations. The discovery compels Alexandra to make her own journey to the same island, following in her mother's footsteps. Once there, she sets about uncovering what really happened to Elin in that summer of '69.
- cover alone
- cover and blurb
- blurb only
- word of mouth
I'd love it if you shared your thoughts. Thank you
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I think people definitely choose a book by its cover. It's part of that subliminal marketing concept that we've come to recognise. dark colours for deep, pschological thrillers, and bright colours for cheerful contemporary novels.Back in the old days when books didn't have dust jackets, I wonder how people chose? Congratulations re 'Her Mother's Secret'! Can't wait to read it! XX
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. Publication date is getting very close now and the cover reveal this week has made it all very real for me. Yes, I agree with you. When I look at some old books with just a block coloured cover, there is no inkling about the story or its genre.
DeleteHere is a comment from my author friend, Susanna Bavin, who was unable to post on the blog:
ReplyDeleteWell, we all love a gorgeous cover, don't we?! And you are very lucky to have such an appealing illustration for your first published novel, Jan. A good cover makes people pick up the book (or click on it), but blurbs are important too. I also like to read the first page or so. I know someone who reads the ending first - can't imagine why! Sending you very best wishes at this exciting time xx
Thank you, Sue. I am fascinated by book covers and am in full admiration for the designs that cover designer come up with. The image can tell a story without the need for words very often. I'm with you that a choice is made usually as a combination of the looking at the cover and reading the blurb. Like you, I couldn't read the ending first. That would completely spoil the book for me and I'd miss all those clever twists that often come in the last few pages.
DeleteYour cover is perfect, Jan! Congratulations! I absolutely judge books by their covers, which is sometimes unfair as not every writer is fortunate enough to have a great one. (I've been delighted by all of mine.) I read blurbs too & make another level of judgement based on them. And sometimes I go by word of mouth, but still, the cover has to entice me. My copy of Her Mother's Secret is pre-ordered! xXx
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous cover, Jan - it's so evocative it's making me long for sunny times. I'm sure it'll be a wonderful success. All the very best xxx
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