Why Do American Novels have Different Covers in the UK?

Good question! Although sometimes books will have the same cover overseas, the foreign publisher will often believe their audience will not be as receptive to the American branding. American covers tend to have a slightly more commercial feel, while British covers will be a little more understated. The graphic designer of a book cover is trying to convey the essence of the book, and people in different parts of the world will perceive that message in diverse ways.

British novels are slightly less likely to feature a character on the cover. Darren Nash, a British editor at Orbit Books, says that the UK audience is not as open to having preconceived images of what a character should look like. They are far more likely to convey the tone of the book by portraying landscapes or architecture.

Most of the covers look very different, but do a good job of capturing the mood and genre of the book.  Being able to identify a book at a glance as a romance or sci-fi or mystery is a Big Deal.  Sometimes I like the British version better, sometimes the American.  Without further ado, let’s have a look at a few covers:

I lean toward the UK version for Redeeming Love.  This is one of my favorite novels of all time, and I’ve always thought the American cover as terribly frumpy for such a dazzling, turbulent novel.

This one is a draw for me.  Both classy, both nice.

Leaning toward the US version on this one, even though I think the UK version captures the spirit of the book better (the is a maninstream romance in which the heroine is terribly shy and overwhelmed by a darkly dangerous hero.)

Leaning toward the US version again…..maybe because the artist is appealing to my American sensibility?

Oh my…..beauty and the beast.  Best not to comment on this one!