Judging a book by its cover

Hello all,

Sable Angel here. This week's column is about book covers -- what makes an eye-catching, got-to-have-it-in-my-collection cover. Hhmmm. That's a real thinker.

I'm of two minds on this... First, I want to be sure people are stopped in their tracks when they see my book covers. I want something about the cover to grab them and not let go. But what exactly is that ethereal quality? Is it a tan, taut, muscled set of abs? Or a black cover with bold red or white letters screaming the title of the book?

What stops readers, and hopefully buyers, in their tracks?

Second, I don't want to give away my story but tickle the reader's interest. Entice them to take the book off the shelf and read the back cover, maybe open the pages and peruse the first or last page. Whatever it takes to get the book in their hands.

I can only speak from my own experience as to what I prefer -- depends on the genre. When I'm looking at sci-fi and fantasy books, I love covers where I can get a glimpse of the world the writer has created.

I like my mystery book covers simple; a few clues arranged on the cover so I'm thinking about who the murderer is and how they accomplished their nefarious task.

When the Angels last met, we discussed this very topic and did agree on one point: if a writer puts a promise on the cover,e.g., a hunky man clutching a curvaceous female with that look in his eyes [does anyone remember Fabio?]; the writer better come through in spades with the promise of a hot, steamy read.

As writers for an epublisher, the Angels are fortunate to have control over what appears on our covers. We work with an artist and create the look to best convey the contents of our book.

In the large publishing houses, the book covers are decided by the art director who can't possibly read every book for which he/she designs the cover. Consequently, some covers create a promise the author can't fulfill and readers pay the price.

As is the case with writers, there are many different covers for many different tastes. Variety is the spice of life and book covers, too.

Don't forget to wear your mittens and keep your feathers dry.

Sable Angel