Whether a book is on the library shelf or the bookstore
shelf or an on-line book seller, the first thing someone usually does is go
the genre section or favorite author he/she is interested in and unconsciously renders
an opinion of the cover while reading the title.
It’s all about a first impression. People will
wonder if the writing is the same quality as the cover and title. The cover and
the title serve to introduce the tone of the story and the author’s voice. These
two items can be an author’s best start and best shot at gaining a reader’s
attention. A writer’s target audience also considers a book’s overall
appearance. In addition to cover art and titles, even the quality of the paper in
a hardcover or paperback can affect a reader’s choice of books.
Quoting a Facebook post commenting on an
author’s cover reveal: “Congrats. Awesome title and cover. Can’t wait to
read.”
Conversely, another post read: “I love cover
art that looks professionally done. I am not attracted by a book with a cover
that looks amateurish….”
Granted, traditionally published authors don’t
usually have the same control over the cover art that self-published authors
do. The publisher may or may not work with the author to develop the final cover
art. But for self-published writers who do have control over the cover art, if
you’re not a professional illustrator or art design expert, consider hiring one
of those to create the cover art. Which is
what Rebecca Barrett Author did for her novel, “The Rat Catcher.”
Embedded in an eye-catching cover is an
eye-catching title. Getting a buyer/reader’s attention is Marketing 101 for any
kind of sales, and for authors, that’s why there is such a big to-do over cover
reveals.
A traditional publisher has a say, usually
the final decision, on the title they want to publish. They can choose to refine
or reject an author’s favorite.
On the other hand, the autonomous self-published
author has the final say-so. Google searches or visiting the local library’s
shelves can help inspire an initial idea. (I’m often inspired by a narrative or
dialogue line from somewhere in the middle or end of my story.) Caveat: The
final decision on a title should include considering the comments of editors, critique partners, and fellow members of writing organizations.
That all-important first line, first page,
and first chapter enter the decision to buy or not to buy after the reader is
attracted enough to pick up the book and scan through it.
First and ultimately, covers and titles are invitations to read.
§§
On Jane Friedman’s blog, editor Tiffany Yates
Martin offers some thoughts on Why Your Flashbacks Aren’t Working | Jane
Friedman
§§
“I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me.
It's
because of them I'm doing it myself.” ― Albert Einstein
§§
Okay, that’s it for
today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising
prayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Beach? Mountains? StayCay? Getting to be time to plan for
those holiday and summer vacation downtime moments when you can lose yourself in a
book.
My novels, THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced,
thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a touch of Jane Bond romance.
The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and
bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: Angela
Trigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has a
few signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Amazon: Amazon
Central Author Page
➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
