Do you judge books by their covers? > Likes and Comments

Do covers influence which books you pick up?

I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story.

if I am purchasing the book, I prefer discreet covers! if I'm reading on my kindle app then I don't pay much attention!

Yes! It totally decides the fate of the book for me lol.

Reading by Deb wrote: "I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story."

That's because it's cheaper to use stock photos than to have models pose to for photos. My first cover for Angel of Mercy didn't have the correct uniform for that reason. I always was nervous someone would notice and ding the book in their reviews because of it.

Sydney wrote: "if I am purchasing the book, I prefer discreet covers! if I'm reading on my kindle app then I don't pay much attention!"

True. On Kindle, you'll see it in your library.

Lynn wrote: "Yes! It totally decides the fate of the book for me lol."

More so than the blurb, or does it need to pass the cover test first before you even look at the blurb?

Melina wrote: "Reading by Deb wrote: "I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story."

That's because it's cheaper to use stoc..."

I'm not so much concerned with stock photos and don't really care about that, but when it is obvious that the FMC has blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and they have a dark-haired graphic, that bothers me.

Reading by Deb wrote: "Melina wrote: "Reading by Deb wrote: "I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story."

That's because it's chea..."

I've noticed stuff like that, too. I've also read reviews where the reviewer lowered their rating because of exactly what you're talking about. While I understand where you're coming from, it's the historically inaccurate covers that bother me. It makes me wonder what else did the author fudge the truth on.

I agree.

Rating for a cover is just wrong...

Reading by Deb wrote: "I agree.

Rating for a cover is just wrong..."

I read a review by a woman who gave a 1 star rating to a children's book because she didn't like the colors in the cover. I "found" her when she gave one of my books a low rating, so I checked out her profile. It was all poor reviews and mostly for personal preference things like the colors on a cover.

Melina it has to pass the cover before I even read the blurb. I know I know I shouldn’t but I do judge the book by its cover lol.

Lynn wrote: "Melina it has to pass the cover before I even read the blurb. I know I know I shouldn’t but I do judge the book by its cover lol."

Hey, at least you're being honest.

Reading by Deb wrote: "I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story."

I create my own covers. I've been told by various designers we're supposed to aim for covers that represent the genre. We're not supposed to pick a scene from the book or convey a particular character. It's not that it really is cheaper, per say, just that each cover needs to have a certain look to fit in with other covers on the shelf, but still be enough to "stand out". I still try to represent my characters when I can, but it's not my first focus. I just don't want to fail at what is expected for the genre, age group, and mood. That's hard enough. I decided that making the cover first, then writing to match the cover makes it all so much easier.

I apologize that it's a turn off for you. Maybe that will change in the future.

Amber wrote: "Reading by Deb wrote: "I no longer pay attention to covers after seeing so many covers that do not match the hair/eye color of the MMC or MFC in the story."

I create my own covers. I've been told ..."

So the image inspires the story instead of the other way around?

Not really, I have read some great books that have horrible covers imo and some horrible books that have great covers lol. The covers to me, don't depict the books so much as are like a click bait image ;)

Malissa wrote: "The covers to me, don't depict the books so much as are like a click bait ..."

Interesting because all the book marketing experts say readers judge books by their covers, so that needs to be perfect if you want to convert a view to a sale.

Melina wrote: "Malissa wrote: "The covers to me, don't depict the books so much as are like a click bait ..."

Interesting because all the book marketing experts say readers judge books by their covers, so that n..."

I always read the title (which catches my attention) and the blurb if I pick up a book and that is what makes me choose a book. Words are always my go to. Images like I said... tend to make me think of click bait and that is irritating to me.

Malissa wrote: "Melina wrote: "Malissa wrote: "The covers to me, don't depict the books so much as are like a click bait ..."

Interesting because all the book marketing experts say readers judge books by their co..."

Thanks for sharing your perspective.