Comments on: A picture is worth a thousand words

By: Cyndi Tefft

Cyndi Tefft — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 04:56:00 +0000

Alicia,

Thanks for the peek behind the creative curtain. As a reader, I have to say that the cover of a book makes a huge difference in whether or not I’ll pick up a book to read the blurb and, ultimately, whether I buy it.

I don’t buy a book just based on the cover, but if the cover isn’t appealing, the book never gets a chance. Crazy, but true!

Cyndi

By: Alicia Condon

Alicia Condon — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:44:19 +0000

Colors are definitely trendy, though I have to say I haven’t noticed all the purple. I’ll have to keep my eye out.

An artist’s use of color can make a piece look outdated or fresh, light and fun or dark and dangerous. With the current popularity of paranormal romance, we’ve seen a lot of dark covers lately. At art meetings we often discuss ways to keep them all from blurring together.

Recently, I’ve seen a number of eye-catching black and white covers. Five years ago, that would have been unheard of.

By: Alicia Condon

Alicia Condon — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:38:48 +0000

There are differences. Design ideas that look great in trade format don’t necessarily translate to the mass market size, so sometimes new cover art is commissioned.

By: Alicia Condon

Alicia Condon — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:36:33 +0000

It’s very helpful if authors are able to get their own blurbs because it widens the network. Any one editor only has so many contacts and we like to be able to approach authors outside Kensington as well as those who publish with us. Conferences and local RWA chapter meetings are great places to make those contacts.

By: Diana Quincy

Diana Quincy — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:04:37 +0000

Hi Alicia,

I’ve noticed the use of lots of purple on the covers of current releases. Is this a seasonal thing or a trend? How does color play into covers?

Thanks,
Diana

By: Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:33:14 +0000

Ha! I had no idea blurbs went hand in hand with deadlines too! Great info!

Are the blurbs usually from other Kensington Authors, or do you reach out to authors from other houses?

Is it helpful if writers try to get blurbs for their book on their own too?

Thanks for all the great information Alicia!!!

Lisa

By: Alicia Condon

Alicia Condon — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:12:02 +0000

We always try to have a quote from a well-known author on the front cover of every Kensington book. Readers trust the opinion of the writers they love, and are more likely to pick up a recommended book. How do we choose which author to approach for a blurb? Ideally, it’s someone whose writing style is similar to the book being reviewed — that’s part of the branding and positioning we do. If there isn’t a blurb on a book, it’s most likely because the manuscript came in too late for us to get a quote. (Just one of many reasons to meet those deadlines )

By: Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:52:46 +0000

I think Kristine Noble is awesome! I love her work. Thanks for sharing this information, Alicia!

By: Theresa Romain

Theresa Romain — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:42:26 +0000

Hi Alicia–thanks for the post! I love these “behind-the-scenes” glimpses of the publishing world.

Are there differences in the way mass market and trade covers are designed, because of the scale? I’ve wondered about that ever since I noticed some publishers do different editions with different covers.

Thanks!
Theresa

By: GladysMP

GladysMP — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 22:56:11 +0000

It is always interesting to learn the efforts behind a story and the cover. Anything dealing with art facinates me because I would be so at a loss to create anything original. Having to come up with a cover that is different from the many other covers on basically the same subject has to be a challenge. And, truly, so much is hanging on the cover when it comes to attracting buyers. It isn’t a job to be taken lightly. Thanks for your informative blog. It was very enjoyable.