This is not the first time I have talked about cover art on my blog, nor will it likely be the last. As book lovers, many of us will be the first to admit that we do judge books by their covers. While my decision to buy or read a book is not generally based on the cover alone, the reality is that I am more likely to take a closer look at a book if I find the cover art appealing. So, first impressions do matter.
A beautiful cover.
It is said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What might catch my eye, might turn up your nose. That being said, certain covers are sure to grab my attention. I admit I am kind of all over the place in what I find attractive in a cover. I love partial portraits, forest scenes, landscapes, water related images including rain, cats, birds, flowers . . . and the list could go on forever.
The iconic cover.
It is pretty clear what type of book I am going to be reading by the look of certain covers. I may blush at the cover with a half naked man with a wolf over his shoulder on the front, but I know that if I am in the mood for a paranormal romance, that might be a good choice.
I am especially drawn to cozy mystery covers that feature cats or dogs (don't most of them?) and/or books. And what of those gorgeous historical fiction covers with the woman or man dressed in period style clothes? That hat may be a dead give away. The outline of a dead body on the cover or a knife dripping in blood? I love a good mystery and may just have to take a closer look at a book with a cover like that.
Typography.
Layout, font and size of a title and the author's name can also attract me to a book. Sometimes simple is best. And there are quite a few covers that incorporate the title in the artwork in a creative and appealing way.
Colors.
Colors do matter. I am not a huge fan of single bold colors on covers like neon green or bright pink. I do tend to like muted darker colors, especially blues and greens and purples. Sometimes it is simply the contrast in the colors that appeals to me.
Illustrations versus photographs.
I have no talent when it comes to drawing or painting, much unlike my daughter and husband. I can take a decent photograph--but only because I have learned to take many at a time and hope at least one or two comes out well. I admire artists who have a gift with a pen, brush or camera. Some amazing covers have been created from their work.
These are just some of the ways a cover might catch my attention. Many of these covers could fit into any of the categories I mention, as you can see. Do any of these covers tempt you to take a closer look?
- What qualities do you find appealing in a book cover?
- What book covers do you find yourself attracted to?
- Do you have a favorite?
Linking up to the Blog All About It Challenge, hosted by Anna from Herding Cats and Burning Soup
and the Discussion Challenge hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight.
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What lovely covers! Although we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I've to admit an eye-catching cover has a higher chance for me to pick up the book than others. But of course ultimately it's always the story that counts the most. :)
ReplyDeleteMelody - It's hard not to be drawn to an attractive cover, isn't it? Like you, I am more likely to take a closer look at a book with a cover that does appeal to me.
DeleteI'm not sure what qualities I find appealing but do know a good cover can draw me to a book. After I look it over, I might not read it but I will at least give it a chance.
ReplyDeleteKathy - I had a hard time narrowing it down to a few categories. I just know what I like. :-) But, yes, I agree. Even an attractive cover won't completely sell me on a book if the content doesn't interest me.
DeleteYes, definitely influenced to take a closer look if I like the cover. By the same token, if I dislike a cover, I'm less likely to look further.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - Yes, same here!
DeleteI'm often drawn to book covers and am more likely to read a book with an attractive cover, but have never thought about the features which attract me. Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - It was hard narrowing it down. So many different things draw me to a cover--and what may attract me to one cover might deter me in another, depending on how it is presented.
DeleteGreat blog! I always look at books with covers that feature wolves or interesting eyes.
ReplyDeleteT.W. - Thank you! Wolf eyes are cool. Depending on the eye though, I might have to turn the cover upside down if I'm reading a book with an eye on cover. LOL
DeleteCovers and titles mean SO much! I know I mentioned a couple the last time you brought this up, and the same ones come to mind though I know there are many! If the coloring or image turns me off, I won't even give the book a second look unless it was highly recommended.I'm typically much more drawn to well done illustration than photos unless the photo is done really well and artistically. I also prefer not seeing the woman or man's face because I don't want the cover dictating the look of the main character so I prefer profiles or backs when adults are in the pictures. I don't mind so much if they are younger, though I'm still drawn to art more than photo. You have some beauties here!
ReplyDeleteDonna Marie - I tend to prefer illustrations to photographs as well, but it depends on how it is done. And I'm definitely with you about faces. I prefer not to see an entire face, except maybe in profile. I like to create the details of what they look like in my own mind.
DeleteI agree that there are so many different things that make a cover appealing. Out of these, I especially love Girl in Disguise, The Reader's of Broken World, A Curious Beginning (love the typography), Witch's Reign (I agree that it's perfect for the genre), The Night Parade and Practical Magic (I agree about the colors).
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Nicole - Those are beautiful covers you mentioned!
DeleteThis is a fantastic post! I hate to say it, especially since you're not supposed to, but I totally judge a book by it's cover. I'm kind of a cover snob actually. When I'm browsing book selections, unless it's been suggested to me, the cover is the first thing I see, so if it doesn't draw my attention, then chances are, I'll pass it over for one that does. That being said, I love different kinds of covers. Style, text, image, art, color.. whatever it is, it still needs to be done with care. I love your picks. They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHazel - Thank you! I know we aren't supposed to judge books by their covers, but first impressions can make a difference. You aren't alone!
DeleteSo many gorgeous covers here! I find I enjoy the really atmospheric covers where there's mist or someone with the back to the reader looking out towards the woods or sea. And I love cozy covers - especially if they're not cartoony. What I don't like on a cover is faces of people if it doesn't look like a painting and I HATE clinch covers!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Thank you! I had so much fun looking for covers to share. I think I went overboard. LOL
DeleteOne of my favorite book covers is All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood. I love the perspective of the shot, of lying down in a tall field of grass and looking up at the starry sky.
ReplyDeleteVisting from Blog All About It.
Ericka - I love that cover too!
DeleteGood choices! So many I can't pick my favorite!
ReplyDeleteCarole Rae - Thank you! I don't think I could either.
DeleteI agree, I won't necessarily read a book just because of a cover but a cover is one of the first things I'm attracted to. You showed us several which I love!
ReplyDeleteIliana - An attractive cover certainly has an influence on us, even if not the reason for our final decision. It sure doesn't hurt though.
DeleteLOVED Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. And love Beth Hoffman (platonically, of course).
ReplyDeleteBook Sage - Saving CeeCee Honeycutt was a wonderful book!
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