Selkie Shares is a sporadic blog feature of The Selkie Reads Stories, wherein we share our personal cogitations and insights about a particular issue or topic related to our passion for books.
Note: This post is in no way attacking any individual or
group. It’s mainly the personal opinions of the author, meant to be shared and
discussed.
One issue that has been bugging many bookworms (and has been quite a trend lately) is cover changes during mid-series. This is when a particular book in a series suddenly changes cover design; putting an end to the first and original look of the books—which some people have already bought.
There are two sides to this issue:
One issue that has been bugging many bookworms (and has been quite a trend lately) is cover changes during mid-series. This is when a particular book in a series suddenly changes cover design; putting an end to the first and original look of the books—which some people have already bought.
There are two sides to this issue:
- Publishers target another or a wider market. Aside from spreading the love for reading, publishers need to make money in order to continue doing the former. It’s a marketing strategy to reach out to more readers.
- Book collectors (or simply book lovers) would often want their books to match. Others tend to get irritated by these cover changes. It might also affect their outlook of a book/series.
Having said that, I also have two contrasting
opinions/reactions on this:
- I like that publishers would want to reach out to more
readers. It’s definitely a thumbs-up for me as I totally want the interest for
reading to spread to more individuals.
Also, I appreciate the interpretation of another artist on a certain story. I value creativity a lot, and I love seeing what others have to say about a book (through art). - Admittedly, my view of a story changes the tiniest bit when
the book covers are altered. I know “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but it
plays a huge part when I purchase books. Of course it’s the first thing that
entices me to see the book’s synopsis.
And it’s just really fulfilling and lovely to see your books on a shelf matching. Even if I don’t overreact that much when this happens (I am bothered, but I’m not the type to rebuy copies just to have them the same), I still prefer seeing the similar cover art for my series books.
However, in the matter of cover changes, there are those
that go horribly wrong, and some, awesomely right.
I APPROVE! I prefer covers to stay the same until all books in a series have been published, but there are cover changes so good they’ve redeemed themselves already for me.
I APPROVE! I prefer covers to stay the same until all books in a series have been published, but there are cover changes so good they’ve redeemed themselves already for me.
- Anna and the French Kiss – Don’t argue with me. These redesigned covers that focus on the typography and setting are beyond GORGEOUS.
- Curse Workers – It’s probably just me, but there’s and old-ish feel to the original covers—with that leather jacket complete with the gloves, as well as the typography. Like it could have been published before I was born. I prefer the redesigned ones with the cool face art. It’s more… YA.
- Blood of Eden –I really just don’t like a full close-up of a face on my book’s cover. The new covers feel more symbolic and would definitely reach a larger target market.
UHH.. JUST NO. On the other hand, there are books that have gone a little bit too wrong with the cover changes.
- Across The Universe – I like the attempt on the cover change. Actually, I really like that the new ones say a lot about what happens in each book, but I just ADORED the space-y and starry and lovely original covers. Why did they not release all the original covers until Shades of Earth?!
- Starters – Apparently, they had to change the covers into close-up faces that have no significance to those who haven’t read them yet. Also, the cover of the 2nd book matching the original one will only be released in another language. Talk about torture.
- Dust Lands – I don’t know why they had to change the one with a more creative illustration and typography into an overly simple one with silhouetted figures. Well, I like the color choices, at least.
- Shatter Me – Now don’t hate me. I like the art of the new ones with the eyes, but the silvery one is just striking and shouting FIERCE, and more dystopian (even if it’s a girl-in-a-ball-gown cover).
In this particular post, the intents of the publishers, authors, and design artists are openly understood and appreciated. We value the creative effort these people put into producing books. We do not mean to offend anyone in any way.
What can you say about Cover Changes? How do you react to them? Leave a comment below!
