Book Covers through a Reviewer’s Eye

The wonderful authors at "The LadyKillers" invited me to join their conversation on book covers.  I was very flattered and pleased to contribute the following article:

A confession must be made; I rarely see the cover of a book prior to my receiving it.  My days spent perusing the mystery aisles of bookstores are many years in the past; and this may be more common than suspected.

Online shopping and e-books have changed the world for the writer, publisher and reader.  Access to online groups and reviews, blogs, social media and, my particular favorite, the sites and catalogues of genre-specialized, respected booksellers provide a plethora of ways in which to discover new authors and read opinions on their latest work without ever seeing the physical book.   The combination of these elements is the reason for my not viewing the covers of my prospective reads. 

As a collector of signed, first editions, I rely on independent booksellers throughout the US, Canada and UK to feed my need.  One bookseller, in particular, provides an excellent newsletter for collectors that not only provides each book’s plot summary, but often includes a very brief comment from a member of the store’s staff as to their feeling about the book.  This has both introduced me to authors whose books I’ve enjoyed that I may otherwise have never read and steered me away from those whose books I most probably would not enjoyed. Their printed newsletter, which I received, is devoid of pictures.  

As a reviewer, I am able to request the advanced reader’s copy of books, usually by author’s whose work I know.  Again, it is usually through a list I receive via email in which there is no pictures. 

None of this, however, diminishes the importance of a book’s cover and the elements at which I look when viewing them.  After all, many people still often judge a book by that first impression.

Cover art:  I’ve worked in marketing for a great many years so packaging is something of which I am very aware.  Although I first see the covers most often after having received the book, I do take notice.   Cover art that catches my eye, expresses the period and mood and theme of the story is wonderful.  When a cover is poorly done, doesn’t convey anything about the book, and/or particularly when it’s an historical novel and the period costume is inaccurate, it doesn’t affect my reading, but does put into question the professionalism and commitment of both the author and the publisher. 

The covers I most remember are very graphic, such as those for Edward Marston’s and Ann Parker’s books.  Mr. Marston writes several series.  The cover art is both attractive and provides a clear indication as to which series each book belongs and in which period it is set, not only through the art but, in the first four instances, through the title font used. 

Ms. Parker’s books are set in Colorado at the turn of the century; again both aspects being immediately conveyed to the prospective reader.

Some might feel it is easier illustrating covers for mysteries set in an historical timeframe. A few examples of contemporary mysteries whose covers I particularly like are from Tarquin Hall, Jack Fredrickson and Donna Leon:

It is my understanding that many authors don’t have control of their covers and, thanks to my marketing background, I certainly understand how difficult it is to create a cover representative of the book.  Considering how significant is the cover, an approval clause by the author in their contract might be beneficial. 

Story summary:  Even with the rise in e-books—yes, I am an e-book reader having been an early adopter of the Kindle--and/or whether one sees the cover, the story summary is critical as it appears not only on the cover, but as the product description for on-line booksellers.  I understand author’s often don’t write the summaries themselves.   This is another area in which a contractual clause, giving the author review and approval permission, might be wise. 

An ideal story summary:

• Must be accurate and not contain any spoilers - There is nothing more annoying than to be told what is going to happen before you even start the book or finding a part of the story isn’t as was advertised. 
• Should be short and sweet - In fact, I find most story descriptions too long.
• Should include the essentials - Things I want to know are the timeframe and location in which the story is set, the principal characters and the basics of the puzzle. 

Author biography and photograph:  Yes, I do want to know how you look and about your background.  As a reader, I become invested in your characters so I have an interest in learning about you as the creator.  It is nice if the photograph has been updated within the past couple of years; okay, within the past five years for those of us who hate having photos taken.

Cover elements about which I don’t personally care are:

Award mentions:  It is wonderful when an author’s work is recognized by having been nominated and/or having won an award.  Yes, it should be noted on the book.  However, as frequently as I’ve disagreed with some of these selections, I take that information with a definite grain of salt for it doesn’t necessarily mean the book is one which will appeal to me.

Blurbs and review excerpts:  Sorry, I rarely read them.  It is only reasonable they would be positive, if not effusive, or why would they be there.  No publisher is going to include a negative blurb such as the classic quote from Gore Vidal on Herman Wouk’s Winds of War, “This is not at all bad, except as prose.” 

One of the great regrets I have about e-books is the inability to see what others are reading.  When out in public, it’s great fun seeing the books being read by those around me.  I even wrote about it and suggested a solution at “Excuse me…What are you reading?”.

A wonderful book cover can never excuse a poorly written book but book covers, as such, are wonderful things.  Even though they may not influence my buying decisions, except for that all-important story summary, those which enfold the approximately 6,000 books in my home are enjoyed and appreciated.

Please let me know what you think?  What elements of covers are important to you?  Do covers influence your buying decisions?