Monday, May 17, 2010

You Can't JJudge A Book By Its Cover...Or Can You?

I have a confession to make. The only time I look at covers of books I'm going to buy is a) when I'm browsing in a bookstore and b) when my friends post their covers.

That being said, I've posted a few of my favorite books and the reasons why I love the cover/book.

Here is a perfect example of a LOUSY cover. It was Molly's first attempt; she filled out the form of what she wanted; this is what iUniverse cover gods sent. Being the first time, she looked at it and thought, "Okay; not exactly what I wanted, but what the hell..."

Not only is the Title lousy (it should and WILL be renamed Love On The Rocks at a later time!), but during the first promo 'tour', everyone thought it was an autobiographical account of her life as an alcoholic. Nothing could be farther from the truth!



This was my first cover. While I'm not cracked up about all the green, and I would have liked the kitchen scene depicted better, I'm happy with it. It portrays Marc and Amber in a happy, reunited moment, and could be the moment when he formally asks her to marry him, not described in the book.










This is my good friend Anny Cook's first cover. At first, I assumed this is what she looked like (GRIN!), and I've read this story many, many times. In fact, I own three copies of it. One electronic; one signed print copy; another personalized print copy.








This is the first Cindy Spencer Pape book I ever read, and again, the cover is one my favorites. I'm looking forward to having a print copy, as I've read this one at least three times.
















And finally, my best cover yet! I've had people tell me they'd buy this book strictly for the cover art. Valerie, kudos to you! Our minds were definitely in synch with this one!

This portrays Kevin and Tammy's second seduction scene in his classroom. She's fighting her feelings; he has been looking all over for his mystery lady. And when he finally finds her again, the sparks fly.


I had also uploaded Jae Roth's Access Denied cover and Molly's Love Finds A Way. But during the formatting process, both pictures disappeared. I'll repost them tomorrow.

But honestly? When I set out to buy a book, it goes on my TBB list because of the blurb and excerpt. Take Anny's Chrysanthemum, for instance. I wasn't thrilled with the cover. But two or three excerpts later, I went ahead and added it to my list. And LOVED it! In fact, last week I won a print copy of Carnal Camelot:) I'd have preferred the next installment of Mystic Valley, but I'll get it this summer. I love the print copies, as I display them on tour with me. I'm going to have to pick and choose whom I take with me, as I've become a portable bookstore display case! Maybe once we get the laptop up and running, I'll take it with me so people can order from amazon right then and there?

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Covers are so tricky. I'm glad to hear that you don't consider it "first" I know most people do. I'm guilty of it myself.

Kenzie Michaels said...

I'm guilty of it in bookstores, although the title is another biggie. I wasn't cracked up about Twilight's cover OR premise, until my sister raved about it.