JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
I am sure everyone has heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The logic behind this theory makes perfect sense. Although often beautiful to look at, the book cover has very little to do with the story itself. However, being such a visually oriented person, I am ashamed to say that it tends to be easier said than done. Even after reading the catchy blurb and back cover synopsis, it is often the cover that sells me on a book. I know that statement alone will make many of my fellow writers cringe, but being visually oriented is not a choice.
Anyone who has seen my Facebook page would know I use images for inspiration. While being visual is a great benefit when it comes to reading and writing, it often causes problems in my everyday life. For example, if I read a passage where a hot guy steps out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist, I can visually put myself in the moment with a big grin on my face. Why? Because I can envision every detail described to me. Along the same lines, if I hear someone coughing up phlegm, my stomach churns because I cannot stop myself from picturing that as well. Add to that a photographic memory and the possibilities for embarrassing situations are endless.
Have I been disappointed by judging books based solely on their covers? Absolutely, but no more than I would be if I purchased a book based solely on a synopsis that did not pan out. Will I continue to do it? Without a doubt. Striking book covers will stop me in my tracks every time. Case in point, the cover for book one of J.S. Chancellor’s, Guardians of Legend drew me like a moth to the proverbial flame. Backed by an altogether amazing story, judging a book by its cover is not always such a bad thing.
Candace Bowen Early
January 29, 2011
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I know what you mean. Covers draw me in too. I hope mine is attractive enough to draw readers. I mean, there are flames, and a half-naked fellow with a bow…
I’m pretty visual too. I love a story that’s detailed enough to make me see what’s happening in my head but not bog me down with TOO many details. It’s a fine balance. Your novel succeeded in that. Good luck with the next one~
Thank you, Mysti. I really appreciate you commenting.
I’ve seen your amazing cover on Facebook for A Ranger’s Tale. It is definitely an eye catcher and I look forward to reading it.
I wish you all the very best for its success.
Hi! New follower thanks to Michelle Argyle. I’m a visual person as well and understand completely what you are saying. I’m drawn to beautiful, unique, imaginative covers. One blogger I know came up with a challenge to judge a book by its cover and read it based solely on the cover. Definitely hard to do since I’m one of those that reads the back cover, then the first page to see if it captures my attention, then random pages to see if the book is one I really want to buy. So I’ve challenged myself and have read some interesting books. No, the story doesn’t always match up with the cover and you sit there rubbing your chin, saying hmmm! I have agree with you. Judging a book by it’s cover, isn’t a bad thing.
Thanks for commenting, Robin. It’s a wonderful thing to know I’m not alone.
I completely agree, Candace, and I have often bought, or indeed rejected, a book simply because of it’s cover. If I’m browsing for a new book, first I pick up the ones with covers that draw me. Only then do I read the back cover. Once those are exhausted, I pick up books with covers that leave me feeling neutral. Hardly ever do I pick up a book whose cover I really don’t like. Have I missed out on some good reads because of this? Very probably. But we humans are visual creatures by nature so it’s not altogether surprising that we’re so influenced by attractive book covers. It’s one of the reasons I found designing the cover for my own book so hard!
More about this when the cover is released on 1st February.
Thank you, Cas. I’m so happy to see that I’m not alone. After reading so many articles against, it definitely makes me feel better!