Let me just give you an example, via my favorite author:
If this trend catches on, it will definitely change the face of sci-fi and fantasy. The people that were once put off by cheesy illustrations will now have minimalist covers to peruse. Believe what you will, but the idiom "Never judge a book by its cover" is not something a book-shopper keeps in mind. Covers are like wrapping paper. The more attractive, the more we're intrigued about what's inside. And these new covers definitely have me intrigued.
It's a pet peeve of mine to have characters depicted on the cover anyway, especially when they look nothing like what I would imagine once I've dived into the text. But this new look...I think I can handle it.
What are your thoughts?
I think a lot of books are moving toward the minimalist cover, and not just in the fantasy genre. It's all about drawing people to the book, right? These days, less is more. Overcrowded covers like the older version of DAUGHTER OF THE BLOOD looked dated now.
ReplyDeleteEven within a genre, there are trends. For instance, in urban fantasy, there's been two recently:
Crouching Heroine, Hidden Midriff: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/cover-art-trend/
Tramp Stamps: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/tramp-stamp-the-round-up/
Trends can be a good thing in giving readers a clue about what the book is and what they can expect, but too many of the same thing, and they all start to look alike. So it's a fine line.
I also don't care for characters depicted on the cover, in detail like that, but the second cover is definitely more enticing. And, despite how much I hate to admit this, book covers do have a big influence on what I choose to read. The cover is what gets me to PICK UP THE BOOK. From there, the blurb has to take over in snagging my interest. If that hooks me, then the actual story inside must live up to it. The cover is uber-important, and that's why publishing houses have people employed for the sole purpose of producing an attention-getting cover.
ReplyDeleteI must be contrary. I'd pick the older cover over the new, minimalist one. I was extremely irked when Tamora Pierce's publisher altered the covers of her Circle of Magic books, because gosh darn it, I loved the colors and richness of the art on the old covers. The clothing worn by the depicted characters were beautiful. (And I drooled over the garb and wanted dresses just like theirs.) Not to mention, I thought the old covers better portrayed the style of writing. The new ones are so grim looking, which has nothing to do with the themes or style. Bleagh. (I am now scrounging used book shops to find copies that have the old cover art.) Publishers better not mess with Mercedes Lackey's cover art, especially for the Valdemar series. I love the artist who does her covers.
ReplyDeleteIntricate or simple, covers need to correctly portray the mood and feel of the story. I am heavily influenced by cover art of authors I do not know. Yes, I do judge books by their cover, though it is not the only criteria I use.
In regards to Anne Bishop's book, I get completely different ideas of what the book is about from looking at the two covers. And the minimalist one looks like the sort of book I would not be able to sit through. (Personal taste issues) Now if that's actually a better style fit, then more power to it. But I'd need a compelling reason to pick it up and try it despite my initial judgment.