Sunday, August 29, 2010

More about cover art

Some time back I posted concept sheets for Cactus Rain's debut book. Most who commented were quite pleasant. However, I assure you there were unpleasant comments in email. Ouch!

The thing about hiring a profession book cover artist is they will ask for a concept. That might not be what we stay with, but that is the beginning point.

Recently there was an article on cover art. I thought I'd pass it on to my readers.

Frankly, I'm not sure I'd pay for any of these covers. They aren't the type that would reach out to me in a bookstore.

Here is the link. Which one do you like best?

http://www.theinspirationblog.net/showcases/empty-space-40-stunning-minimalistic-book-covers/

17 comments:

  1. I agree Nadine,
    Not one appealed to me either. I personally think the front cover is the only chance you get to attract the eye towards wanting to peep inside. Accordingly for me, it should be a taste of what is inside, and provide the instant intrique, enticing the potential of a purchase, while also making the viewer want to physically open the book to see, read more.

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  2. I like a good cover. None of those took my fancy. Demonology and the time one were OK, but not great.

    Every picture tells a story, and I think that is the case with a good cover.

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  3. Thank you for your kindness Nadine.

    I tend to think a Cover is like a 3 second slot on TV. It has to grab, hold, and tell, before you can count to 3.

    A Good catchy title, nice imagery for the subject genre and content, with the authors name clearly visible; the latter preferably in a font format that becomes as recognisable as a trade mark (Disney,Enid Blyton etc.).

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  4. I've heard from the cover design artist. She has a fresh idea for Glyn's book cover. I can't wait to see it.

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  5. Book covers are a whole minefield all their own. They say don't judge a book by its cover - but I bet everyone of us does!

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  6. 'I've heard from the cover design artist. She has a fresh idea for Glyn's book cover. I can't wait to see it.'
    Me to!
    Glyn

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  7. I like the book covers on the link. For me they would give the message that the book is for a more intelligent reader - I may be being conned, but that is the art of selling.
    Though I do like minimalist art.

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  8. Most of those are TOO minimalistic for me. I liked "A Million Little Pieces" the best - interesting way to convey that title. ~Joyce~

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  9. I've refrained from commenting to allow this to run the week on its own. I would rather see a open capsule spilling the bits into a cupped hand with some falling off or bouncing off the hand. As big as that book was (Thank you very much Oprah) I think the cover falls short.

    Thanks for the comments everyone. We are not far away from seeing what the book designer has for Glyn's book. I simply can't wait!

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  10. Nor can I.
    Minimalist book cover for my novel, 'The Doctor, The Plutocrat, and The Mendacious Minister' would be grey background. Title top right hand side. Shiny tin without its label on in the centre. My name in the bottom left.
    Which is what I expect the designer is doing as I type...lol :)
    Glyn

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  11. Oh man! Now you come up with this idea? I could'a done that for you.

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  12. It's, as Leonard Cohen once sang 'Four in the morning' here. I couldn't sleep. I laid in bed and the idea just came to me. I'm going back to bed now.

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  13. I don't think I'd ever volunteer to design a book cover unless I had READ the book. Don't you think that's necessary? ~Joyce~

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  14. I didn't care for any of those covers. None of them made me want to read the book or even turn it over to see what it was about. Despite the old saying, people do judge a book by its cover.

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  15. I agree with you, Joy. I think though you'll be surprised by Glyn's book cover. We went in a totally different direction.

    You make beautiful covers. Everyone go look here: http://www.chaletpublishers.com/bookstore.html#aspiral

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