Do readers judge a book by its cover?

[Joe McCoubrey]

There’s a lot of research evidence out there to support the notion that more than 75% of book sales are earned by the quality of their covers. It’s easy to understand that a strong title and graphics will grab a buyer’s attention – and in a marketplace with more than a zillion titles floating around, an author needs all the edge he or she can get.

Let’s face it, there are some real turkeys out there and no matter what lies between the covers it’s unlikely these books will ever get more than the briefest of glances before a potential reader’s eye roams quickly to the next in line.

So how do authors give themselves a fighting chance of getting noticed? It’s simple – get a cover that makes people pause when they scan the bookshelves or run through the endless pages of listings on the Amazon website. SEE MORE AT: http://joemccoubrey.com/do-readers-judge-a-book-by-its-cover/

[Antonia Everdeen]

As much as I don't want to admit it, it's widely true. A strong, full of emotions and bright colors, cover attracts many readers. So many books exist out there and it's really difficult to pick up a book out of this ocean, especially when you find yourself randomly inside a bookstore and you haven't really searched for books online or through discussions with friends, book bloggers or authors.

A book needs a front cover that will trigger the imagination and the anticipation of the audience. It also needs a short but mysterious description, one which will provoke thoughts and questions on the readers. It must not reveal many parts of the plot, a.k.a spoilers, because then it will discourage people from buying it. I think these are the most important ingredients that compose a perfect 'catchy' book.

Here is an interesting site that discusses the same matter: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/may/22/howtojudgeabo...

I believe this is a good example of a book with a perfectly chosen cover and description: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shades-London-The-Name-Star/dp/0007398638

[ManOfLaBook.com]

I pre-judge a book by it's cover.
The cover is an important aspect, if your book is espionage, for example, you don't want a romance-like cover on it.

The blurb, however, sells me on it.

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Sarah Florimonte]

I absolutely judge books by their covers, and I'm not ashamed to admit it! When I walk around used books stores, I'm just looking for a book that catches my eye. I'll only pick it up and read the back to see if I'm really interested, but the cover has to draw me in. I couldn't possibly pick up every book to see if it sounds good. :)

http://sarahsbooknooks.blogspot.com/

[Dominika (disincentive) Gołąb]

Of course everyone judge a book by it's cover... I see horrible cover, made in paint, with weird pink text over a blurred photo and I think "I author could do sch a horrible cover and this it's good enough, I don't want to see his/her writing"

It's all about aesthetics.

[Nikki-ann]

I think that 9 times out of 10 people judge a book by its cover. Apart from it being by a favourite author etc, why else would you pick up a book in a shop if it isn't for the cover attracting you? A cover is a book's face to the world... It needs to look good.

I also discussed this at my blog back in April - http://notesoflife.co.uk/2012/04/do-you-judge-a-book-by-its-cover/

[shelly blomker]

I've been blogging the books i read for about 2 years now. I think many of us buy the book from what we see on the cover. I know I have. Not to often have I read the cover of a book just to read the book. I write my own book reviews of every book I've bought and read. I think that books sell because of what the cover looks like as will as the review of it. but I had someone once tell me to never judge a book by its cover. So, I don't. I judge it by what I read and whether I like the book. 

[Grace Elliot]

Like it or loathe the idea, the cover is a graphic representation of the standard of the work within, hence a lousy cover and I'm hardly likely to read the book.

On a slightly different note, I think there is some nifty marketting with the '50 Shades' covers - the first one especially is so bland, I supsect people felt comfortable reading an erotic book in public and this is part of the reason for it's success. And then when it became a huge best seller, people were curious to see what all the fuss was about when the cover was so dull.

Just a thought.

G x

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

I totally agree, and as a result I usually design my cover before I've even finished the book (often before I've actually begun writing).  Here is the latest example of what I've done.  This is the cover for my upcoming (4th in the series) Matt Davis Mystery.  I find that by having something tangible, like the cover design, it helps me with the writing.  Does anyone else find this to be true?  

There's no question that, for me, the cover is the very first thing readers see, and if it's not strong and attractive they will often not even bother to look beyond it.

[Katherine Hinkson]

I will pick up a book by a favorite author without hesitation. I spend more time perusing new authors by studying the covers. They need to be professional, delightful and sweet for cozies. Hard core mysteries need to be more serious and less surreal.

 

[Leigh Smith]

You know i like the title, if the title grabs me then i look at the cover and then at the back and if that is intresting enough i look on the first page if you can get me hooked then i will by it! May be harsh but i read a book and took me 3 months to read cause it was so bleh it just didnt hold my intrest! (sold it at a car boot hoping someone else would fall in love with it!) I need those first few pahragraphs to be sexy and invite me in!!

[Grace Elliot]

Perhaps a more pertinent question is what makes an attractive cover?

When someone finds the answer to what makes the perfect cover - please tell me first!

G x

[Carolina Gomez]

I do. But is not just the "quality" of the cover. Sometimes is just how intriguing one cover can be. Specially with new books. With classics or recommended books I don't really look at the cover, but I know when I go to the bookstore I walk around an let my eyes wonder and then find something that basically screams "read my back!". That said, the point that will make the decision on buying or not the book will be the story behind. I have never bought a book just for the cover.