Chicks-n-Scratching

I have not read this book. But I will. I guess the old saying ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity’ is true. This misleading cover(main character is a young black girl) and the discussions it prompted here have made me really think this morning. Some of those thoughts are still percolating so I will keep them to myself.

But I will discuss covers. I love covers. My degree is in advertising so the colors, contrasts, unspoken delivery is a real connector with me. Some book covers are simply brilliant.

The images which prompt us to pick up that book, to stop and read the back blurb, those are priceless seconds. It can mean the difference between moving to the next book or making a sale. I seriously think authors should have more of a voice in their covers. It is our work, our names, our livelihood on the line. Why does another department get the final say so in how we market ourselves? I know, they are the ‘experts’ …yeah, uhm, anyway all one can do is hope and pray they get a decent cover. If not, well, it is like getting hit by a car. Just hope you survive.