The cover of a book plays a huge part in a reader’s decision to consider it for purchase. This is especially true for a new writer, who has only a split second to capture a reader’s attention is who is scanning the shelves. The cover and title communicates the tone, genre, and overall feel of the book.
You may have noticed a distinctly different look and feel of my most recent book to my first novel. I participated in the “branding” of my debut novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill. The romance between Daniel and Clara is a huge part of the book, and I wanted to be sure to attract lovers of the romance genre. The combination of the genteel title and gorgeous cover went a long way in helping boost sales.
And yet…… the ultra-feminine tone did not quite match the contents of the book. My books are definitely love stories, but they also capture the drama of gilded age America. Some readers were surprised that my books were not the sweet, gentle romance that the covers implied. My books feature a big, turbulent stories with love, betrayal, heartbreak, all punctuated with periods of soaring joy and utter delight. Sometimes there is a healthy dose of suspense or adventure.
For my 3rd book, my editor and I decided it was time for covers and titles a little more reflective of the direction my books were headed. The romance remains front and center in my books, but the covers now hint at some of the high suspense and more of the historical context in the books.
Some people have asked me if I am switching genres. Nope! My books maintain the same type of adventure, brisk pace, and a dynamic love story. I’m just aiming for a new look and feel that is a little more reflective of my voice. I hope you like it!
Comments 6
Such fascinating insights! I admire all of your covers and I think Against The Tide was my favorite of all. From the images themselves, to the title, it so captured that essence of romance and also adventure. They are all so well done. Thanks for sharing this post!
I love how your new covers reflect the tone of your books. While the cover of your debut was stunning, you are right, it didn’t really reflect the story–which I loved but was not what I was expecting from the cover! But of course the cover just gets me interested. It’s your writing that keeps me reading! 🙂
“Against the Tide” is my favorite of your covers. I know I can count on a realistic romance in your story, but I love the unknown elements and adventure that make it all more like real life…or at least like the life I want to “escape” in to.
I have loved both covers, but Against the Tide is my favorite. When I saw it in Baker’s catalog, I was like “whoa!” So striking!
I LOVED the cover of The Lady of Bolton Hill. I’ll confess that when I picked it up, I didn’t even take time to read the back because the cover was just so pretty. Lol. Anyway, I guess I didn’t really notice the slight disjunction between the feel of the cover and the feel of the novel. Actually, I was probably just too caught up in the novel to notice the cover after I got into it. I can honestly say that The Lady of Bolton Hill was one of those books that I absolutely couldn’t put down and when I finished it, it immediately found a spot on my “favorites shelf.” 🙂 Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to read more of your books!
Ashley…. Thanks for your kind words! If you liked The Lady of Bolton Hill, I hope you’ll have a chance to check out Against the Tide, which features Bane (the naughty 17 year old…. all grown up and ready to find a woman of his own!)
Cheers, E.