Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

I am currently reading the third book in this series of extraordinary children. I love the world Ransom Riggs has created. Now an interesting point came up at supper, the other evening as I was talking to my friends about the book. I grabbed the first two books to show them and both responded with the same exclamation – “I wouldn’t read that!” When I asked why – “the cover is so creepy and the idea of ‘possessed’ children is unappealing.” Once I explained the actual plot of the books, they both changed their minds, although were not keen on the images in the books. “Too creepy.”

As you can see from the three book covers above, the children are different – would you read the book based solely on these covers? Do you have a preconceived idea of what the story is about?

This exchange got me thinking. Can a book cover give a ‘wrong’ impression of its content? If so does it put readers off buying it?

The best book covers of 2019 list is here: https://lithub.com/the-78-best-book-covers-of-2019/  When you go through them, which ones stand out for you?

I have several but really liked: Thick, Bangkok Wakes to Rain, Instructions for a Funeral, Circus and Dead Astronauts. These covers may or may not reflect the content in a way that a casual glance would ascertain. It would be the initial draw to take a look at the blurb but only if it appeals. So are we actually using the old adage – don’t judge a book by it’s cover – or not?

Are you draw into a book by it’s cover or do you read the blurb first?

Other Writing News

I have begun an edit of a freelance client’s contemporary fiction novel. It is always a pleasure to read an author’s first work.

My own current manuscript project for editing and revisions is The Giving Thief. A suspense, which was overwhelming voted as the one I should work on! Thank you all for voting.