Judging a Book by its Cover

Before I get too far, this was not my original intent when I sat down to write today’s blog post. I had intended to discuss the Arkansas Literary Festival that starts today in Little Rock. Then explain how these types of festivals offer great learning opportunities and provide the chance to make connections with other authors.

I was also going to mention (brag) that I get to have lunch with Sylvia Day on Saturday before she leaves town – me and the fabulous ladies of my RWA chapter group, that is (shout out to the Diamond State Romance Authors – woot woot!).

Don’t worry, if history holds true, the luncheon will sport its own hashtag and we will all tweet the out-of-context, totally inappropriate things said at the table. I’m not sure even Sylvia Day could tame this group…but Saturday (and Twitter) will tell the tale.

BUT, as I said, I want to talk about something else. Something I knew was happening, but was powerless to stop. My Nook…my Kindle. My iPad, for chrissake. None of them were safe.  

Someone please tell me…what the fuck is up with this new trend in book covers?

Well, someone had to say it! You know y’all are thinkin’ it!

This is especially annoying now that I have an iPad. You see, I enjoy looking through my Kindle and Nook libraries. The level of book cover hotness is (was) astounding. Seeing those covers in HD on my iPad gave me a happy, tingly feeling as I remembered the story…or anticipated one yet to be read.  

So, imagine my surprise when, one-by-one, my library of sexy book covers turned into…wait for it…fruit. Or dog tags. Or sunglasses. Or flowers. (I could go on and on). Take your pick. Bottom line –  a large percentage of my naked torsos and rock hard biceps are gone.

Seriously though, these new-trend book covers are beautifully done by talented artists. Artists who work hard and deserve loads of praise for the work they do.

For me, personally, I want a cover that screams “I’m a romance filled with hot sex and hotter men!” and “Look at me! I’m a proud, sexy book!”  I’m not sure what a pear screams…but I’m pretty sure it isn’t “open me because there’s smokin’ hot ménage sex on my pages.” (No offense to the fabulous author of this pear covered smokin’ hot ménage story).

My point is this – the covers on the books I bought were sexy. Some are gone now…I get that. But what does this trend say about the future of publishing and for the individuality of the author and their story?

I saw a cover the other day and I immediately identified its style to one I had purchased before. I thought…yay! Another book in the series. Only it wasn’t. It was the same style cover – exactly the same – only it was different author. So, in this case, the publisher is recognizable by the cover instead of the author. Let me say that another way. The author had no brand of their own. Hmm.

It’s not my intention to start a riot or ruffle feathers. This is basically me complaining that my hot covers are gone. I’ll get over it. Maybe. 😉

I’m the perfect example of a consumer that will buy a book for its cover. I’ve done it. I’ll do it again. It’s just the way of things.

How do you feel about book covers? Do you prefer handcuffs or hot male flesh? Sexy guy(s), sexy gal(s)? Does it matter to you?

Until next time…