What makes us pick up a book in the first place — title, author cover art, blurb, quotes, reviews?
• DH: if I’m doing cover art, I do like to read the book first, to get an idea of characters, vehicles,… Sometimes I’m given only a short blurb — then I do a composite, non-specific picture. • BA: Mary Gentle is peeved at the cover of Ash, a character with ash-blond hair, depicted with red hair. • RP: Most specialist customers know what they want. If it’s piled high, they will notice it. Last year, there was a double issue of The Time Machine and War of the Worlds with a picture of Big Ben and a Martian — a great depiction of both themes. • Josh Kirby started in 1953 doing James Bond covers. • BA: the words on the spine catch your eye first. Or the yellow jacket — but that needs a sophisticated reader. • RP: I’ve never bought a Gollancz book, I’ve never liked them. Also, cover art work attracts me. • Josh Kirby is branding “funny SF”. Tom Holt objects to JK covers, because he doesn’t want this brand. • DH: publisher often still don’t credit the cover artist who is selling their wo
Related Questions
- Can my title and author name be different from the cover or what is listed Wordclays Web site on "My Account" book details?
- What makes us pick up a book in the first place -- title, author cover art, blurb, quotes, reviews?
- If accepted for publication, can authors provide their own cover art for their book?
