Book Cover!

[jain_shriya]

Well...we all know that 'appearance' matters in some fields and in some fields appearance is all that matters!

To what extent does the cover of the book influence you when you go to pick one? Does it really matter? (and more importantly when you have no clue about the book)

Shriya

[StephenKingman]

For me, I will to some extent be influenced by the cover, it does make a difference when buying or even browsing for books. If i see some dull boring cover with just one or two words on it and no clue as to what its about, I probably would give it a miss, even if the story was good. On the other hand an eye catching cover, particularly with horror or mystery, would grab my attention and if the author makes a decent effort with the cover, its the icing on the cake if the book turns out to be any good.

I also think its handy when books put the film stars of the book (when adapted) on the cover as I had no idea The Woman in Black was a book until i saw Mr Harry Potter on the cover, similar with The Road and The Town, it helps the book reach a new audience.

[Bighuey]

Ive found that a lot of books with flashy covers dont have much inside. I like nice looking books, with some color on them but when they get really flashy there isnt usually much inside of them.

[primrose777]

I like book covers with a bit of class, those I enjoy looking at in my bookcase. Some plain covers have yeilded the most wonderful book and some beautiful covers the most disappointing. I guess going beyond the cover is the key.

[Maud Fitch]

The cover might attract my attention (unlike an e-book) but I read the author's name and then turn the book over to read the blurb. If it doesn't 'grab' me, no amount of artwork will seduce me into parting with my hard earned money.

[LoniJo]

Yes, a cover does get my attention, but I won't buy the book based on looks alone. I have to read the summary on the back so I can get a feel for it.

[creynier]

It depends. When I am just book browsing and have no real intention of buying a book that day, then yes, the book cover matters. Something that grabs your attention could be something very bright and loud, or subtle and minimalistic....an interesting face or drawing. Anything that is different or out of the ordinary will generally grab my attention.

Most of the time however, I have a certain book in mind when I go to the bookstore. I have read reviews online and have decided what I want to buy as my next read. In this case, the cover doesn't matter at all because I already know the book is to my liking.

Here is a perfect example. I went to the bookstore with my husband the other day as he wanted to buy "The Art of Fielding". If I had seen that book in a store with no knowledge of what it was and how popular it is, I would automatically guess that it was a book about fishing or something. The cover is awful in my opinion!

So I guess what I'm trying to say is...YES the book cover matters a small amount but not as much as maybe it did before the internet existed.

[louisgeorge]

yes obviously..at least in my case.you know we can sell any thing if its look good.for example when new movie released,first you see its trailer then you decide weather you want to watch or not.so i think in this case cover page is best attracting part of any book..

[katarina66]

It doesn't really affect me, unless it's really boring. Never judge a book by its cover - and that's true. Sometimes the cover says nothing about the contents of the book, and that's especially true of self pubs.

[laci_baby]

Um. I tend to be getting attracted to books with food on the cover during my pregnancy, and not only buying but reading them as well even though i have no interest in what they're actually about.. does that count? I found a few good books that way though!

[Va_treehugger]

As a child, it used to influence me a lot. It still does a bit, but I really follow the reviews of friends and family.

[BirthCONTROL]

Book covers impact my book choices when I know nothing about the author or the story.

[Carrie R]

Although I'd like to say a book cover doesn't influence me, I know it does. If something jumps out at the eye, you're more likely to pick it up and read more about it.

[Phoenix98]

I saw one today with a title about an historic figure. I assume it was a biography. I didn't pick it up because the cover resembled a Betty Crocker cookbook. Nothing against cookbooks, but the appearance made it lose the luster of a serious study.