Something to think about

Whether a book is on the library shelf or the bookstoreshelf or an on-line book seller, the first thing someone usually does is gothe genre section or favorite author he/she is interested in and unconsciously rendersan opinion of the cover while reading the title.
It’s all about a first impression. People willwonder if the writing is the same quality as the cover and title. The cover andthe title serve to introduce the tone of the story and the author’s voice. Thesetwo items can be an author’s best start and best shot at gaining a reader’sattention. A writer’s target audience also considers a book’s overallappearance. In addition to cover art and titles, even the quality of the paper ina hardcover or paperback can affect a reader’s choice of books.
Quoting a Facebook post commenting on anauthor’s cover reveal: “Congrats. Awesome title and cover. Can’t wait toread.”
Conversely, another post read: “I love coverart that looks professionally done. I am not attracted by a book with a coverthat looks amateurish….”
Granted, traditionally published authors don’tusually have the same control over the cover art that self-published authorsdo. The publisher may or may not work with the author to develop the final coverart. But for self-published writers who do have control over the cover art, ifyou’re not a professional illustrator or art design expert, consider hiring oneof those to create the cover art. Which iswhat Rebecca Barrett Author did for her novel, “The Rat Catcher.”

Embedded in an eye-catching cover is aneye-catching title. Getting a buyer/reader’s attention is Marketing 101 for anykind of sales, and for authors, that’s why there is such a big to-do over coverreveals.
A traditional publisher has a say, usuallythe final decision, on the title they want to publish. They can choose to refineor reject an author’s favorite.
On the other hand, the autonomous self-publishedauthor has the final say-so. Google searches or visiting the local library’sshelves can help inspire an initial idea. (I’m often inspired by a narrative ordialogue line from somewhere in the middle or end of my story.) Caveat: Thefinal decision on a title should include considering the comments of editors, critique partners, and fellow members of writing organizations.
That all-important first line, first page,and first chapter enter the decision to buy or not to buy after the reader isattracted enough to pick up the book and scan through it.
First and ultimately, covers and titles are invitations to read.
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On Jane Friedman’s blog, editor Tiffany YatesMartin offers some thoughts on Why Your Flashbacks Aren’t Working | JaneFriedman
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“I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. It'sbecause of them I'm doing it myself.” ― Albert Einstein
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Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:

Beach? Mountains? StayCay? Getting to be time to plan forthose holiday and summer vacation downtime moments when you can lose yourself in abook.
My novels, THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced,thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a touch of Jane Bond romance.The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer andbookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on . . . ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Published on April 28, 2024 02:00
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Book launch scheduled
DEADLY STAR is scheduled to launch on Feb. 18. You can't tell from this type font, but I'm excited!
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common DEADLY STAR is scheduled to launch on Feb. 18. You can't tell from this type font, but I'm excited!
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common ground in their love for each other. I hope the reader will find that as enjoyable to read as I did to write. Mirabel Campbell, the protagonist, might be called a nerd, but she's also sassy and determined. Robert (Sully) O'Sullivan is a ruggedly handsome CIA agent. On the flip side, he’s a bit of a bad boy and a liar.
As soon as I know when advance ordering is available for DEADLY STAR, I'll post it, here and on www.lyricalpens.com but please also check on Amazon.com and B&N.com.
...more
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common DEADLY STAR is scheduled to launch on Feb. 18. You can't tell from this type font, but I'm excited!
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common ground in their love for each other. I hope the reader will find that as enjoyable to read as I did to write. Mirabel Campbell, the protagonist, might be called a nerd, but she's also sassy and determined. Robert (Sully) O'Sullivan is a ruggedly handsome CIA agent. On the flip side, he’s a bit of a bad boy and a liar.
As soon as I know when advance ordering is available for DEADLY STAR, I'll post it, here and on www.lyricalpens.com but please also check on Amazon.com and B&N.com.
...more
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