How important is the cover art to get you to read a book?

Question

http://www.thelastrejection.com

I was wondering if anyone has published a book and had a lot of success based on the cover of their book? I think my cover art for my book is pretty nice, but can it really get someone to buy it simply because of the look?

Also, do any of you actually read the synopsis before buying? Does it sway you at all? Or is it just the pretty colors? ')

Answer 1

I think that the coverart has to be visually aesthetic to the eye. It's something very important in the combination of things. The old saying might go, "Don't judge a book by its cover," however, there are still people out there who do. There are people who are more visual than others and who will buy a book solely because it has a pleasing and beautiful cover.

The synopsis is also very important. I, personally, always read the synopsis before actually purchasing a book. Like aformentioned, it has to be intriguing, pull the reader in, yet not give away too much of the plot, to keep the reader interested enough to buy the book to find out what happens.

Another important aspect that hasn't quite been mentioned here is the opening sentence or paragraph in your book. Many people, myself included, will open the book and read the first few pages to see if it engages me. If it does, I will probably buy it. So having a good opening sentence to hook the reader is a MUST, too.

Personally this is the order in which I consider a book to buy: Genre (I love fantasy, so I'm not going to read a genre that I am not interested in), Synopsis, Hook (first sentence), and then coverart.

Could I ask what type of book you are looking to publish? What genre?

Good luck! =D



ETA: I looked at your site. It's a great cover, and the synopsis is pretty intriguing. Good luck with this.

Answer 2

Having worked in publishing, I can tell you that a LOT of thought and effort goes into cover art. The marketing people must have data that show it makes a difference, and I think for some books, it might. But a book by a popular author? Well, would you have cared what the cover of the last Harry Potter book looked like? They also worry a lot about titles. And, again, with popular authors, you could call the book "Stephen King's Latest Book" and it would be a best seller anyway. Personally, I care a lot more about what's inside the book.

Answer 3

The first thing that makes me pick up a book is bright colors on the spine/cover. Interesting fonts can also capture my attention. Then I always read the synopsis on the back or inside cover before I buy it/check it out from the library. They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but no one is even going to notice a book if it's boring.

Answer 4

The covers of books grab my attention, but don't worry solely on that. If your book is good, it will get its own publicity. Like, if a person reads it and likes it, they will tell their friends about it. I have seen books with great cover art, but the book itself was terrible in my opinion.

It also depends on your audience. Who is the book for? What do they like to see? What catches their attention? Keep these questions in mind when creating the cover art. I write, too, so you can trust me on this. Some people like my books more than others. Some don't. It's all a part of the process. Just ask around. Ask your audience about what they would like to see.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

A good and attractive cover is an important factor, But also you must take care that the synopsis at the back is fetching. It should (of course and must) NOT reveal the whole plot , but make the reader want to purchase the thing. I know of a book whose cover was so attractive, but as I read the synopsis, I felt that I already know the story so why spend the bucks.

Answer 6

I have never bought a book just because of the cover art, But i didn't buy a book by my favorite author for years because the cover art was so bad. i actually waited until i could buy a different cover.

i usually read the synopsis.

Answer 7

I havent published a book but my grandpa has. Some people choose the book they want to buy mainly on how attractive the cover is to them, but others ignore the cover and read the synopsis. I usually read about the book before I buy it. This is where the old advice never judge a book by its cover works!

Answer 8

The cover art definitely makes a difference, but the synopsis is the make or break for me. If that few paragraphs doesn't hook me, then I often will not pick up the book to read.

Answer 9

For me, a book buyer, the cover is not as important to me as the title or the synopsis. The title snags my interest more so than the graphics on a cover. And yes, I read the synopsis to determine if I want to buy a book.

Answer 10

Cover art draws my attention to the book. If i like the cover art, i will read the synopsis, then decide if i will buy the book.