Judged by its cover

We all know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but don't we? I know I sure do. I can't help it. I'm a visual person. When I see a cover staring back at me, my fingers will do one of three things: pick it up, pause upon it, or completely skip it.


I originally posted this listing all three sorts of book covers, but after I posted it, I felt a bit guilty. Whom was I helping by criticizing? It wasn't the truth in love, just my truth, and the idea of running into some of those thumbs-downed book authors in my future made me feel ill. So. I'm re-doing this. I'm focusing on the things that make me pick up a book, and I'll mention more categorically, what turns me off when I look at a book cover. I'm not saying I represent all readers, but this is my version of what works.

So, without further ado... here goes: [fyi- this is 13 of the 45 listed]

These were all found at the Family Fiction page on Facebook. See covers here-- Book Covers

My ratings system:

*** I might pick this up. If I had time in a store browsing, I might pick it up.

**** I'd probably pick this up. Even with little time, I'd probably pick this up, at least for a flip-over.

***** I'd definitely pick this up. I'm almost certain I'd read it. It would get a flip-over & thumb-through.

(in order, L-R)

1. Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce. *****

2. The Air we Breathe by Christa Parrish. **** (note: even though it's a 4 star, I'd definitely pick this one up because I've read this author before and I know she writes well.)

3. When the Devil Whistles by Rick Acker. **** (Rick was kind enough to leave a comment on the original post [I know. I was shocked, too.] So now, I'd have to check it out because we've talked by e-mail.)

4. I Shall Not Want by Debbie Viguie. ***

5. Sir Quinlan by Chuck Black. ***

6. Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck. *** (could be a 4, but she had 2-3 books all being released at the same time w/ the same style of cover and that ekes predictability to me, so it's a 3 for me.)

7. Nipped in the Bud by Susan Sleeman. ***** FAVORITE (everything about this cover makes me want to pick it up.)

8. One Lane Bridge by Don Reid. *****

9. Red Ink by Kathi Macias. *****

10. The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue. ****

11. Spotlight on the Runway by Melody Carlson. ****

12. Tandem by Tracey Bateman. **** (so not my cup of reading tea, but the cover is awesome.)

13. While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin. *****

As I said before, those are the positive judgments by me. There are many I pass by, because a majority just seem so fake. If I can't believe your cover, how am I supposed to believe your story? Another book cover turn-off for me is the Amish cover. I think I just live too close to them (geographically) and know enough about them, that I have a hard time even picking up a novel about them. Maybe if one were in a clever disguise I'd read it. The other major turn-off is when the handsome dude (dude because he's usually sporting a cowboy hat) is featured boldly, while the little miss looks longingly from a corner of the cover. The feminist in me can't abide it.

Well, I hope you found that entertaining, if not a teensy bit helpful.

Rick Acker reminded me that sadly, authors don't usually have a say (a say that counts) in how the final cover turns out. This is depressing to me. All that work and your baby can be tattooed with something hideous or cheesy.

If you enjoyed this, I might do it again sometime. Let me know!