A lot of people claim that they don’t but I believe that a decent amount of those people actually do. I would like to claim that I don’t, but honestly, I do. There are some books I read regardless of the cover but there are far more that I want to read MORE because of the cover. Take for example The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I remember seeing the original hardcover’s cover and thinking how boring the cover looks. I don’t even remember whether the synopsis intrigued me or not. Then I saw the paperback version and fell in love. I read the synopsis and I’m sold.
I think that’s why when it comes to me picking out a cover for my novels, I want them to look amazing. Not necessarily for the sake of getting more attention from readers and bloggers, but mostly for myself. It would drive me nuts if my cover picture sucked. Admit it--you would feel the same!How about you? Do you ever judge a book by its cover or do you focus on what the book is about? Have you ever not picked a book up because of the cover only to discover later on that it is an amazing story? I’d love to hear you weigh in on this!
I tend to use the cover of a book to judge the genre as I like to read contemporaries mainly if that makes sense. A book I never would have picked up based on the cover and maybe the blurb as well is the Hunger Games but I loved it!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean on covers and genres. I agree with The Hunger Games! The cover is pretty dull, but the story is amazing. :)
Delete"I think that’s why when it comes to me picking out a cover for my novels, I want them to look amazing." *cough* No pressure, Marie lol ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to lie, I judge a book by its cover. I rarely read the synopses of books, I just grab them based on the title or cover. I don't BUY books that way (except for used or bargain books) but I get them from the library that way. Also, when I'm browsing GoodReads or Amazon, if a cover catches my attention I'll add it to my tbr. I think covers are VERY important. I'll still read a book that has an ugly cover, but usually only if I've heard something about it or it was recommended by someone. It doesn't even have to be elaborate, I like simple covers just as much, as long as there's something eye-catching about them.
ROFL! The thing is, I KNOW you will make an amazing cover for me. :)
DeleteI do a lot of the same as you. I'll be browsing around online and if a cover looks awesome, I have to see what it's about. I've been doing this recently with posts showcasing book deals and clicking on links to the pretty covers. LOL. Covers are very important these days, especially with as many books as there are being self-published lately. That and marketing and online presence... but the cover makes a difference. :P
I am a total cover judge! I don't necessarily read a book based on its cover (I'm picky so the synopsis and usually the first few pages decide that for me), but I have to be drawn in some how and the cover is usually the way to do it.
ReplyDeleteYep! That's where it starts. I have looked at the synopsis to a book with a great cover multiple times just because I forgot that the synopsis wasn't good, the cover was that amazing, lol. :P
DeleteA book's cover is definitely the reason I pick it up to even see what it's about. It's sad but true. Think of all the amazing books with horrible covers. :-(
ReplyDeleteExactly! It stinks sometimes to think of certain books I may miss out on, but you can't help but need the appeal of a good cover. :P
DeleteI usually choose to read a book based on its blurb, but there is no denying that the cover and title is the first thing that has to interest me. With so many books to choose from, if I am not immediately attracted to the cover and title, it is unlikely that I won't even read the blurb. I'm sure I miss out on a lot of great books because of this, but I have only read about 2 or 3 books in my life that I really hated, so it doesn't bother me. If a book is recommended to me, I will probably read the blurb, even if I'm not loving the cover and title, but I still keep in mind that their tastes might not be my tastes.
ReplyDeleteThat's very true! If a book is recommended enough through friends or even on blogs I follow, my curiosity gets the better of me even if the cover is no good. :P
DeleteI usually choose to read a book based on its blurb, but there is no denying that the cover and title is the first thing that has to interest me. With so many books to choose from, if I am not immediately attracted to the cover and title, it is unlikely that I won't even read the blurb. I'm sure I miss out on a lot of great books because of this, but I have only read about 2 or 3 books in my life that I really hated, so it doesn't bother me. If a book is recommended to me, I will probably read the blurb, even if I'm not loving the cover and title, but I still keep in mind that their tastes might not be my tastes.
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