Book Flame: Guest Post + Giveaway : Why book covers are so important by Tamara Hughes

Why book covers are so important
by Tamara Hughes

Let me just start by saying I love Love LOVE my cover. The artist did a super job, and I am so fortunate to have it.

Book covers are important. It’s the first thing a potential reader sees when they find your novel, and it’s the cover that gives them their initial impression of the book. Right or wrong, that impression can determine whether they make a purchase or not.

Even though the author may have had little to do with the artwork, a substandard cover can be an indication to the reader that the writing will be substandard too. After all, if so little effort was put into the quality of the cover, how much attention was given to the book inside?

And this isn’t just an issue with bookstores and physical books. Sure, readers will be more compelled to first consider a book with a pleasing cover when faced with hundreds of books on the shelves before them. But what about online sales? When you’re reviewing the book suggestions listed by Amazon in an email or on a book sales site, what makes you decide to stop for a closer look? Chances are the image on the cover plays a role.

Let’s face it, while liking or not liking a book cover is highly subjective, there are some out there that are just bad. Whether it has an obvious photoshopped look or a mishmash of images that don’t really go together, we all cringe when we come across one. So what kind of cover should we aim for?

The cover should look professional and appeal to the viewer. People are visual creatures. They’re much more likely to remember an attractive image than the author’s name, and possibly even the title of the book.

While composition is important, the best covers relate back to the tone of the book. If the reader sees a heavily tattooed, brooding, bare-chested man on the outside, there better be one on the inside too, or expectations will fall short, even if the writing is exceptional.

And perhaps most importantly, the cover should stand out from the crowd. In this day of traditional publishing, e-publishing, and independent works, thousands of books hit the market every day. The need for something unique and inviting is only going to grow.

So what do you think? Do you buy the book if the cover is cringe worthy? Or does the blurb or first chapter win you over?

About the book

EBook: 293 pages

Release Date: February 10, 2014

ISBN: 978-1622664511

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

New York City, 1883

A Prince Charming meets his match…

Self-made shipping magnate Christopher Black first spies Rebecca Bailey at a masquerade ball and is captivated by her refreshing naiveté and sparkling beauty. She’s a stark contrast to the hollow behavior of the ton and the guile of his former fiancée, but the closer he gets to her secrets, the further she pushes him away.

A Cinderella with a secret…

Rebecca is drawn to the charismatic Christopher from the first, but she cannot risk him discovering that she is really a housemaid impersonating an heiress. Her father's life depends on it.

A Happily Ever After that could never be…

When Christopher’s investigation of the murder of his best friend leads him straight to Rebecca, he fears his ingénue may be a femme fatale in disguise. Now he must decide if he can trust the woman he's come to love, or if her secrets will be his downfall.

About Tamara:

A small town girl with a big imagination, Tamara Hughes had no idea what to do with her life. After graduating from college, she moved to a big city, started a family and a job, and still struggled to find that creative outlet she craved. An avid reader of romance, she gave writing a try and became hooked on the power of exploring characters, envisioning adventures, and creating worlds. She enjoys stories with interesting twists and heroines who have the grit to surmount any obstacle, all without losing the ability to laugh. To learn more, stop by her website: www.tamarahughes.com. You can also find her on:

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads/Amazon Author Page

Giveaway Details:

1 $25 Amazon Gift Card (US Only)

3 eBooks of ONCE UPON A MASQUERADE (International)