Ugly book covers - they give me the heebie jeebies
I’ve admitted it before: I’m a total cover judger. There are so many gorgeous covers out there to choose from that we routinely put up posts ogling them (ok, the hotties on the covers mostly, lol). And yet, I’ve gone through several publisher’s websites looking for new books to buy – because even with my massive TBR pile, I can’t seem to stop (what can I say? I have a serious problem) and I find books with... how do I put this nicely? The most hideous covers on the face of the planet. I’m sure it’s not the author’s fault. From what I’ve been told, most of the time, they have no choice in the matter on their cover art.
I was recently asked to review The Curse of the Wizard’s Guild by V. Greene, which has not one but two covers out there (I found them both when I Googled it to write my review). I have to admit, I literally laughed out loud. And Tweeted about them. Because let’s face it, either way you go, they’re both just plain goofy-looking. The one that’s drawn has them both with odd angles and (though I’m loathe to repeat myself) goofy-looking. Cause, well, they are. The one with models has one that looks constipated and the other who is in desperate need of a tan and a gym membership.
I went looking for books with awful covers and found plenty of them. I’m only going to show one more, because to be quite honest, I don’t want to offend your eyes with all the hideousness (and possibly be charged with assault in the process).
Now, I understand the need to save money by not having cover models or buying from sites like Shutterstock, because it can get expensive. But seriously – what the hell is going on in this image? It looks so awkward and unrealistic. Sorry, but these types of book covers are the ones that are the least likely to make me buy a book.
What kind of book covers turn you off?
My retinas are burning! Someone make it stop! Huh, I think the dude holding the sword in the second one works at the Gamers down the street from me.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for the authors.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That's too funny, I have to admit, I wouldn't read those books, I know not to judge the book by a cover, but come on... Book Savvy Babe
ReplyDeleteOh man those are not appealing at all.
ReplyDeleteI am turned off by covers that look like a snap shot taken from a camera. I like my covers to have special effects on them. I like them to be photoshoped and done up.
Great post. MichelleKCanada @AnotherLookBook
These covers are creepy! I know that the ebook industry doesn't spend a lot on covers sometimes - I can get that.... but people still have to look at the cover to purchase the book. And whether electronic or in paper, an ugly cover makes a tough sale!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a specific type that turns me off, but I can will judge a book if the cover is ugly!