When we write, we’re supposed to give our audience some credit. “Assume the intelligence of the reader” is a good rule to follow, otherwise we risk being predictable to the point of being annoying. But this rule should only apply to the content of the book. Otherwise, this can lead us to giving our audience too much credit in other places, for example, in our covers.
Sure, people say “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” It’s almost a harsh wake-up call when you realize not one person means it. You actually have too much faith in humanity if you think people mean what they say when they spew inspirational quotes at you like that one. It’s such an easy saying, no one thinks about what it means.
I agree—people shouldn’t judge books by their covers, and if actually frustrates me that they do. Then again, it would take a long time to read every back cover ever instead of judging by an image alone (and that’s why true book lovers can spend such a long time in bookstores). The first thing everyone looks at is always the title and cover. If the title and cover are captivating enough, then they’ll turn the book over and read the back cover. Otherwise, meh, back on the shelf.
I know, if they just read your back cover, they’d know your book is the next big thing. But if it really is, give it what it deserves. Look at it again as a reader who knows nothing about your book, and sees it the same way as they see all the other books on the shelf. Which book would you be more likely to pick?
Sure, people say “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” It’s almost a harsh wake-up call when you realize not one person means it. You actually have too much faith in humanity if you think people mean what they say when they spew inspirational quotes at you like that one. It’s such an easy saying, no one thinks about what it means.
I agree—people shouldn’t judge books by their covers, and if actually frustrates me that they do. Then again, it would take a long time to read every back cover ever instead of judging by an image alone (and that’s why true book lovers can spend such a long time in bookstores). The first thing everyone looks at is always the title and cover. If the title and cover are captivating enough, then they’ll turn the book over and read the back cover. Otherwise, meh, back on the shelf.
I know, if they just read your back cover, they’d know your book is the next big thing. But if it really is, give it what it deserves. Look at it again as a reader who knows nothing about your book, and sees it the same way as they see all the other books on the shelf. Which book would you be more likely to pick?
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Once you get over how frustrating people can be with their "don't judge a book by it's cover" BS, you'll realize how fun this part of the process can be. I've enjoyed experimenting with making my own covers (and I know they're still not the best). The anticipation of waiting for a professional designer, and the big reveal of what they come up with can be a lot of fun too.
I'll probably post another tips blog about what actually makes a great cover another week. I feel like the most important thing to be said about covers for now is to know how important they are. Don't skip this step, thinking you can get away with a quickly assembled cover from the Createspace cover creator. Put some time into it. The difference it makes is (frustratingly) remarkable.
I'll probably post another tips blog about what actually makes a great cover another week. I feel like the most important thing to be said about covers for now is to know how important they are. Don't skip this step, thinking you can get away with a quickly assembled cover from the Createspace cover creator. Put some time into it. The difference it makes is (frustratingly) remarkable.
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