I was actually reading an email today that one of the corporate employees sent out to everyone that gave me my blog topic for today. The email was about judging things by what they look like on the outside, be it people or things. It went on to explain the old adage we’ve all heard a million times, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Which is all well and true, but how often do we actually judge prematurely?

I know a lot of times, I’ll glance through the bookshelves, and it’s not the title that captures my attention, but the book cover. Now, I know that this has absolutely nothing to do with the author or his/her ability to write a good story. And, I know in most cases the author doesn’t have much say about what the cover of their book will look like. So, it’s really not fair of me to pick out books based on the cover art. I know that in my mind, but in reality, that’s not what happens. I’ve never gave it a lot of thought before, but I’m sure I’m really missing out on a lot of good reading because I didn’t pick up a book with an “attractive” cover.

Liking the cover only gets a book so far. Once it’s in my hands, it still has to pass through other obstacles to get me to buy it. I want to read the back blurb. If that gets my interest, I’ll open up and read some of the inside to see if I like the writing style. If I do, then I’ll buy it. It was the cover, however, that got that book in my hands.

I know it’s not fair to pass over all the great books out there simply because the cover didn’t capture my attention. It’s not fair to the author, and it’s not fair to me, as a reader. Since I’m on both sides of the fence, it is a double whammy. I realize my book covers have to do the same work as all the other books out there. So, what do we do as authors if our book covers aren’t great or what we like?

There are many things we can do to promote our books. We can make our own trailers and banner ads any way we like them to draw reader attention to our books. This may help.  Link to your own website and make sure it looks appealing. Once you get the reader’s attention, it will be easier to get them to at least look into your book. Even if the cover isn’t what you want, you have many other tools at your disposal.

So tell me, I know I’m not the only one. Do you judge a book by its cover?  Or are you more drawn to other features like the title?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.