Have you ever bought a book just because you liked the cover? Maybe it wrapped you in its magic and walked you to the check-out counter. Maybe it called your name and the next thing you knew you were hitting “Buy now with 1-click.”
As a reader, I have done just that. For example, one cover that captured me was this classic cover of The Great Gatsby.
I’ve had readers tell me they bought The Cavanaugh House because of the cover. My husband Rich created that cover from a photograph he took of the actual Cavanaugh House . . . or at least it’s the actual one to me. That house came to us in a weirdly serendipitous way. I talk about it in this blog post.
There are many aspects to a cover that most people never think of. Some of the basics:
- Is the title legible (especially in a small thumbprint image on an Amazon page)?
- Is the author’s name clear?
- Which should be most prominent, the title or the author’s name. (Think James Patterson books.)
- Is the cover attractive and appealing?
But there are more subtle considerations.
- Does the cover reflect the story?
- Will readers want to buy it?
- When they buy it, will the story deliver what the cover promises?
- If the book is in a series, is the brand consistent? For example, will readers know whether they’re buying one of my mysteries or one of my historical romances?
- What kinds of covers are currently selling? Books displaying bare-chested men with six-packs are flying off the shelf right now.
I decided to change the cover of Love’s Courage. Why? For a few reasons.
I want to emphasize that I like the first cover, and the cover artist did a wonderful job with the restrictions Boris Publishing placed on him. Trying to meet those restrictions was like tipping a line of dominoes.
We were trying to brand Love’s Courage to the cover of The Brentwood Saga. That meant similar people, colors, and the gold arc at the bottom with my name. The last element, the gold arc, was an attempt to link The Brentwood Saga to the gold oval on Love’s Destiny and Love’s Spirit.
I think with the original cover of Love’s Courage, we tried too hard at brand and lost the promise of the story.
My husband Rich had taken hundreds of promotional photos for Love’s Courage. One of these photos contained the essence of the story: a secret message and a scarf that thrust Jenny into the spy ring. I loved that photo, and I wanted it for my cover.
So, in addition to loving Rich’s photo, here are more reasons why I changed it:
- The new cover reflects the story better. It’s considered a historical saga with strong romantic elements. But technically it’s not a romance.
- Love’s Courage doesn’t follow the “beats” or conventions of a typical romance. Jenny and Andrew already know each other, they’ve already fallen in love, but this isn’t a second-chance-at-romance trope. They’re parted for reasons outside their relationship.
- The first cover promises a romance—and while there is plenty of romance in the story—serious romance readers might not be happy. The story didn’t deliver what the first cover promised.
- The Andrew on the cover was not my Andrew in the story. I have distinct images of what my characters look like, and this man was not my Andrew. For that reason, the first cover didn’t work for me. (N.B. I picked him out, not the cover artist. I picked him because he was the only colonial guy with that color hair that I could find. Again, not the cover artist’s fault; he did everything I asked and did it beautifully).
- Every item on the new cover plays a role in the plot.
- I think this cover is more intriguing, and my story is about a spy ring. Which I find intriguing.
Will it make a difference to readers? I hope so. I guess the sales figures will prove it one way or another. But that doesn’t matter to me. I have a visceral relationship with my book covers, and I know what’s right for my story.
Don’t be looking for bare-chested men with six-packs on my covers very soon.
I see many of the comments are from *long ago* This is new to me, so I will comment. On a Kindle, the cover is seldom the first thing to pop up. I have to go back to see the cover. And mine is in B&W. (I don’t have a fancy phone to read on!) If I order from Amazon or another, then I see the cover. I find the lighter-colored covers show up better in B&W. There are times the author’s name and the title are lost in the graphics. I don’t choose a book by its cover. I don’t read reviews, too many spoilers. I go by the author. New ones, their newsletters. Once I have read an author, I like to read their bio. I always read the author’s notes. I learn a lot that way. Covers are important, but they aren’t a deciding factor. Titles are more of an indicator for me.
Deb, I’m so happy that you read author notes and bios!! That’s wonderful. I’m also glad you don’t judge a book by its cover. You’re correct, on a Kindle you don’t see the cover first. Since titles are more of an indicator for you, I will continue to search for a different title for EXPOSED LOL.
The second cover is lovely and does make you wonder what role the objects play in the story. Very subtle and yet, as you said, intriguing. And how nice that Rich is part of creating your covers!
Thanks, Lucy. Rich is wonderful to work with. He has a great eye for design and the patience of a saint lol
I love the new cover! I always “no people” on my covers because it’s SO difficult to find stock images that match the people in my mind. This way, you can focus on the important elements in the story. Great post.
Thanks, Patricia. I have to say the people on The Brentwood Saga matched my H/H perfectly, and that cover made me swoon (yes, I said swoon). I love the cover Rich created – perfect for my story.
Good advice on what to aim for in a cover, and yes, I like the new cover much better. The new cover gives a real “feel” for the story.
Thanks, Maris. I love the intriguing atmosphere of Rich’s cover.
A cover will draw me in. I’ll read the blurb (or back cover) to decide if I want to buy the book. You give so many great pieces of advice on covers. One thing I don’t like is when I can’t read the title and/or the author’s name. I notice this esp. when there are cover contests. I like your new cover.
Thanks, Diane. Sometimes a cover looks great on a large screen, but the small image on the retail sight isn’t as clear. That’s a do-over.
Interesting read. One reader group on FB is not liking my mystery covers because they are photos (not illustrated), and I guess that’s what cozies are “supposed” to have now. That said, mine are not as “fluffy” as those readers seem to want, although they will remain without serious romance or gore. So, maybe my books are leaning into the “traditional” range.
The cozy mystery subgenre has very specific requirements, doesn’t it, Joan? I requested a review for The Cavanaugh House and the reviewer asked if there was a dog in the story. I said “No.” A cat? “No.” Did I own a dog or cat? “No, I’m allergic to them.” Then she could not review my mystery. No pet – no cozy. LOL I’ve noticed their covers are very stylized, too. As you said, illustrated, not photos.