tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post6046354491720981637..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Cover choicesJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73509082799299948712022-03-14T08:18:22.048-04:002022-03-14T08:18:22.048-04:00The plainer one.The plainer one.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08941043145591116608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-26810183468728742342022-03-14T06:15:18.439-04:002022-03-14T06:15:18.439-04:00Covers and titles: virtually none. They are taking...Covers and titles: virtually none. They are taking the risk,they know what sells, marketing will have a bigger say than anybody else. You write, they sell.Tony Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707219028716969107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45884863757731233342022-02-18T01:07:32.953-05:002022-02-18T01:07:32.953-05:00For what it's worth, the copy on Amazon.com ha...For what it's worth, the copy on Amazon.com has the second cover.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12127072618635002530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37448344770959671612022-02-13T15:44:00.210-05:002022-02-13T15:44:00.210-05:00Condolences, Elise, to you and your family.
I'...Condolences, Elise, to you and your family.<br /><br />I'm not a fan of the title or of either of the covers, but I think the second one is more reflective of a nonfiction book.<br /><br />I've had input on book titles and covers (and my agent has even raised points I hadn't considered) and found it overall a pleasant, cooperative process. But I always knew the final decisions would belong to the publisher.<br /><br />Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7637599590841664612022-02-12T17:15:31.451-05:002022-02-12T17:15:31.451-05:00Neither. I really don't like either cover, so ...Neither. I really don't like either cover, so probably wouldn't pick up either off the shelf in a store to read the blurb.<br /><br />If neither isn't an option for our Queen, I'd pick the first one, because I'd look more closely at the picture trying to work out what on earth it was (I thought strawberry ice-cream, but that's probably because I've a hankering).<br /><br /><b>Elise</b>, I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle. I know what he meant to you. Even when you know something is inevitable, nothing can prepare you for the actual. My biggest hugs for you, my friend.AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41411284638142724632022-02-12T12:33:10.920-05:002022-02-12T12:33:10.920-05:00I would choose the second because as it gives me s...I would choose the second because as it gives me some hint as to what the content is. I will buy a cover that intrigues me/raises questions/is stunning but the first isn't that either. It's "prettier" than the second, but I don't think serves the actual book. Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07967828178034612278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8971617206143698972022-02-12T10:45:06.413-05:002022-02-12T10:45:06.413-05:00I vote #2. #1 looks like an out of date textbook. ...I vote #2. #1 looks like an out of date textbook. But neither of these seem like something I'd enjoy.NLiuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184714542401822508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3843023366810950172022-02-11T20:59:52.956-05:002022-02-11T20:59:52.956-05:00I'd go with the first. The blob looks like an ...I'd go with the first. The blob looks like an explosion to me, and I don't really know what that has to do with Liberals, Race and Empire, but it's better than the other. The second one seems to be decorated with a list of things the bland fanatics are not. Which does not make me wonder what they are, it just makes me tired.Adelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08790958029798438793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-80113097755274535442022-02-10T21:05:02.583-05:002022-02-10T21:05:02.583-05:00Honestly, neither one appeals to me, but If I had ...Honestly, neither one appeals to me, but If I had to choose, I would take the first. The second one is too boring to even pick up. <br /><br />EM: My sincere condolences.LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19372927035747120722022-02-10T20:18:10.524-05:002022-02-10T20:18:10.524-05:00The first one. The color draws me in. The second l...The first one. The color draws me in. The second looks like a textbook. Aimlesswriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03012050763172251381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40937769465610721682022-02-10T20:16:27.704-05:002022-02-10T20:16:27.704-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Angélique Jamailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660836434804732612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-9534566156177977052022-02-10T19:22:42.741-05:002022-02-10T19:22:42.741-05:00Elise I am so sorry for your loss. It doesn't ...<b>Elise</b> I am so sorry for your loss. It doesn't matter how prepared you are. It's never easy.<br /><br />As to whether an author gets any input into the design, usually not from what I understand. A mystery author from Oklahoma wrote a book that was similar to the Hillerman novels. On the cover were the gaudiest yellow boots with cacti and bucking broncos (whoopee ki yi) sticking out from under a prickly pear cactus. This was supposed to take place in Oklahoma where a cutting horse trainer was murdered and it looked like it was in the middle of the desert in Arizona.<br /><br />The author said, "No self-respecting trainer would be caught dead in those horrid boots. Well, I guess mine was. I couldn't convince them to change the cover and cringe every time I see it." <br /><br />For one thing, most horse people think yellow boots are bad luck in an arena. For the second thing, no cutting horse trainer would wear dude boots like that.<br /><br />I bought the book, but removed the cover. <br /><br />I'd buy the first. The second looks like a cheap Amazon self-pubbed book to me with no thought or imagination to the cover design. Not that all indie books are like that but some are...not the best in the cover design department.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3512592462151354352022-02-10T17:22:45.258-05:002022-02-10T17:22:45.258-05:00I would buy the white one. The minimalism speaks t...I would buy the white one. The minimalism speaks to me and I don't like the color scheme of the first one.KariVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13824650323413004291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-5150329648361711222022-02-10T17:15:14.067-05:002022-02-10T17:15:14.067-05:00First off, Elise, I am so sorry to hear about your...First off, Elise, I am so sorry to hear about your uncle. It doesn't matter how much we know it's coming, we're never quite prepared. Big hugs and prayers for you.<br /><br />As for the books, probably the second. While not perfect, it gives you some idea what's inside, which piques y interest. The first cover is a bit bizarre for the content; I agree with those who say it looks more like a novel cover. When I first saw it, I thought perhaps it was a novel with a really dumb name.<br /><br />I've been absent a while, just super busy. I've missed it here!Miles O'Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15566986720292847069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65019570983733968362022-02-10T16:59:50.213-05:002022-02-10T16:59:50.213-05:00The second one. The second one. Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03365582623380288038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-28669898660747071342022-02-10T16:26:51.280-05:002022-02-10T16:26:51.280-05:00The second one for me. More elegant. The first one...<br />The second one for me. More elegant. The first one looks like it's trying too hard. And what's that pink thingee? Cloud? Ash? Overwhipped meringue? <br /><br /><br />Elise, my condolences.Cecilia Ortiz Lunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10799056302050264129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74955625620196662932022-02-10T15:04:31.891-05:002022-02-10T15:04:31.891-05:00E.M.: Condolences, hugs, love, light.
Agree that...E.M.: Condolences, hugs, love, light. <br /><br />Agree that the second cover looks more like a nonfiction. While I am usually drawn to colors on covers, I think intent wins here.Karen McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640324898284007337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45492862817232937762022-02-10T13:52:08.759-05:002022-02-10T13:52:08.759-05:00If it was an impulse buy in a store, the first wou...If it was an impulse buy in a store, the first would get my attention more than the second. The second one *looks* bland, which is more appropriate, but--who wants to read something bland?<br /><br />Actually, if I were the editor, I'd change the title and keep trying for a better cover.<br /><br />E.M., I'm so sorry. Hugs.Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-66065763963859634222022-02-10T13:38:51.327-05:002022-02-10T13:38:51.327-05:00I prefer the second. The first looks more like fic...I prefer the second. The first looks more like fiction and the pink billows of cloud or ash or whatever don't do anything for me.Rachel Neumeierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11467268905200055899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20177645443857353352022-02-10T12:11:14.380-05:002022-02-10T12:11:14.380-05:00I think I'd probably pick the first one. I fe...I think I'd probably pick the first one. I feel like the second might get lost in a bookstore because it's so understated. But the second definitely feels like it suits the subject matter better than the first.Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-46588761016565778012022-02-10T12:09:10.287-05:002022-02-10T12:09:10.287-05:00I'd pick the second cover. The first cover mak...I'd pick the second cover. The first cover makes no sense to me--doesn't seem to relate to content or title or anything else. I thought it was either a glob of animal fat (implying a topic about obesity or diet maybe?) or some kind of underwater cloud of--something or other. Like i said, it didn't make any sense to me.<br /><br />The second cover makes clear what the book is actually about.mhleaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02183136154454794005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7274631062985904062022-02-10T11:34:53.154-05:002022-02-10T11:34:53.154-05:00The first definitely looks like the cover of a dys...The first definitely looks like the cover of a dystopian novel. The second needs better font sizing but looks more like non-fiction.<br /><br />Curious why the first one has a NYT blurb at the bottom and the second one doesn't.<br /><br />Elise - so sorry for your loss.<br />Dena Pawlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14444683810125395220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-33658555174506909892022-02-10T10:40:08.505-05:002022-02-10T10:40:08.505-05:00First looks more like a novel cover. I vote second...First looks more like a novel cover. I vote second?Timothy Lowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07514224628760035696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88388709753543534172022-02-10T10:31:59.024-05:002022-02-10T10:31:59.024-05:00Prices are "almost" identical? Then if I...Prices are "almost" identical? Then if I saw them side-by-side at the bookstore, I'd buy the cheaper one.<br /><br />If asked which cover appeals to me more, that's a tough one.<br /><br />I like the first cover's fonts, relative font sizes, and simplicity of the text. But I dislike the dated, seemingly hastily-selected (but definitely poorly-curated) artwork.<br /><br />I like the second cover's simplicity and prefer the fonts (but not their relative sizes), but the "Text-As-Artwork" cover requires too much work (i.e., reading) to quickly engage a potential reader in a bookstore. (I know, ironic.) And the selection of words that are crossed out implies to me that the book treats the subject matter within its pages in a similarly simplistic fashion, like "Oh, yeah, Bland Fanatics are definitely against imperialism, whatever that is. Those bastards! I guess."<br /><br />Overall, I think I would prefer to have the first cover on my own bookshelf. But I'm definitely taking a Sharpie and drawing an angry monster face on those mashed potatoes (or whatever that blob is).Android Astronomerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09313512616093076181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31753513920886975752022-02-10T10:14:10.850-05:002022-02-10T10:14:10.850-05:00The first certainly does look more interesting. It...The first certainly does look more interesting. It has a retro 70s feel to it. I remember seeing news programs with that kind of large typeface in the titles back when I was a child. The color scheme is also reminiscent of non-fiction books I recall from the late 70s/early 80s.<br /><br />The second cover is less "exciting," but I get that it fits with the title: "<b>Bland</b> Fanatics." It has a more "academic" feel to it.<br /><br />I guess which to prefer depends on the nature of the book, and why I'm buying it. I've bought non-fiction books with fairly boring covers because it's the content I care about. If I'm looking for a serious work, I might be more inclined to the second cover because it is a little more reserved. The first seems more sensationalistic. Yes, the first is more likely to catch my attention. If I'd never heard of the book before, I might be drawn visually to the first cover. But if it's the subject matter that interests me, I might be more drawn to the second cover.<br /><br />I'm not sure if those thoughts are at all helpful, or make any sense, but there they are. The suns here on Carkoon are particularly close this time of year so I'm not feeling very coherent.<br /><br />Why am I on Carkoon? If you follow Janet and/or me on Twitter, you might know. If you don't... why not?! 😉<br /><br /><b>Elise</b>: I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. No, knowing it's coming doesn't make the grief any less real. I pray comfort for you and your family over the coming days, weeks, and months.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.com