The Author Guy Blog by Larry B. Gildersleeve

 24th May 2024

Hello out there,

Welcome back. We’ve all heard the expression “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, with all due respect, that ain’t so. Or at least that’s my opinion.

I’ve done a tremendous amount of research during my ten-year author journey about all aspects of the world of writing, publishing and marketing. That research has constantly supported the importance of the book’s cover when readers are making their selections, especially when purchasing online, and that’s where the preponderance of books sales occur given the demise of most bricks and mortar bookstores.

I’ve read, and I believe, a captivating title is critical. Mine are Dancing Alone Without Music (think about the metaphorical mental picture that creates), Follow Your Dreams(who among us hasn’t wanted to, or still wants to?), The Girl on the Bench (who is she? Where is the bench? Why is she there?), and Blue by You (a hopefully understood word play of the song Blue Bayou).

We can’t trademark or copyright a title, either for literary work or a song, but we can strive for a title that is unique or almost unique to our work – as I believe mine are. 

The actual design – color selections, art work, font selections – should be left to professional graphic designers who know what they’re doing. We can guide them, of course, to including pointing them to the covers of other author’s books that resemble what we have in mind.

The actor Julia Roberts was recently quoted as saying the book’s cover is 80% of her purchase decision. Probably on the low side.

I’d like to hear from you. Agree? Disagree? Your thoughts?

Until next week … Vaya con Dios

Larry B. Gildersleeve