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Judging a book by its cover

by morgan on Nov.12, 2009, under David Anthony Durham, Jeff VanderMeer, Paul G. Tremblay

wicked Judging a book by its cover

The saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  When browsing through a store, no particular recommendation in hand, you really don’t have much else to go on.  Stick a plain, boring or unattractive cover on even an outstanding book, and it is DOA.  You’re not picking that thing up.   I feel very badly for authors who pour blood, sweat and tears into their books only to see them miss out on an audience because of the wrong cover.

On the bright side, covers are stronger than ever.  There are some incredible artists out there doing tremendous work.  I’ve attached a few of my recent favorites, and there are many more that could easily have made this list.    What are some of your favorites?

magicians Judging a book by its cover

matter Judging a book by its cover

company Judging a book by its cover

dragonfly Judging a book by its cover

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2 Comments for this entry

  • Adam

    I absolutely loved Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series covers. I also liked The Name of the Wind’s cover and that of The Lies of Locke Lamora. I also have a soft spot in my heart for Gene Wolfe’s Shadow and Claw Omnibus.

  • Alex

    The Orcs books, by Stan Nicholls, come to mind for me. Their use of a striking orc bust, set against a black background, is immediately recognizable. And that is what you want, after all.

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