This Week’s Topic:
COVER DRAMA?
I was checking my feed the other day, and I came across references to this article multiple times. It seems not everyone is totally in love with the illustrated cover trend.
6 Reasons Cartoon Covers Are Bad For Romance https://t.co/HdN0zxR7YX— Whoa!mance Podcast🔥 (@mance_whoa) May 12, 2020
- It's aesthetically pleasing. Hey, I like pretty things.
- It conveys the tone or feel of the story. It's nice to be able to look at a cover, and kind of know what you are getting yourself into. I have been deceived by a few covers, but most of the time, the cover holds some clues as to what sort of book it is.
- It incorporates elements relevant to the book into the design. This is probably more fun for me after I read the story, but I like looking at the cover, and seeing something from the actual story. It could be the characters, some place they visited, or important items.
Given my history with covers and my love of romance, you can understand why I wanted to take a look at the "6 reasons cartoon covers are bad for romance". Here are the six reasons:
I have to say, these are far from surface level things. I can honestly say, I have never thought about the covers on that level. So, I cannot say I have opinions on all of these issues, but I did find the arguments thought provoking.
- Cartoon covers don't communicate heat.
- Cartoon covers are the Watermelon Vapes of covers
- Sex-Negativity
- Romance Negativity
- They are regressive, not progressive in design
- Cartoon covers are bare-assed, capitalistic grab for our dollars
When I think about the covers of all the romance books I have read, many show embracing couples or bare chested men. When I see one or both of those things, I immediately know I am looking at a romance book, and that there are probably some sexy bits in there. But, does it always mean there will be explicit, on page, graphic sex? Not necessarily. So, though I sort of agree, that illustrated covers don't necessarily communicate heat, I also don't think every romance cover I have ever seen featuring a photo or just text does that either.
The second point was sort of interesting, and sort of couples with the forth idea. The thought is that illustrated covers are being used to try and attract new readers. These cute, fun covers deceive young readers into thinking this is a book for them, because it looks so youthful. And then, it also doesn't scream "romance", therefore, attracting the romance averse people. Hmmm, maybe those people may stop and take a look, but do a lot of people see a book, and not look at what it's about or what kind of book it is? Would you just be like, "oh, shiny!, " and start reading based on no knowledge? I guess I sort of do that with my go-to authors, but even then, I know something about the book. Though I thought these talking points were interesting, I just couldn't totally buy into what they were selling.
At first, when I read the fifth reason in the article, I immediately thought of the covers of Oliva Dade's and Talia Hibbert's books, which feature full-figured heroines, as well as POCs. However, after I started writing this post, Amber published a post about illustrated covers, where she noted that illustrated covers appear to be used more for books featuring POCs. A quick rundown in my mind, finds me agreeing, though I don't have any hard numbers to back that up. It's an interesting observation. Did the illustrated cover craze coincide with a greater number of diverse romances being published, or is there something more to it? Not sure what the answer is, but it has me wondering if this is a new form of white-washing. If it is, that's sad, and stuff like that bugs me, because that's publishers thinking the worst of us.
Do you have any feelings about illustrated covers?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
I love all these illustrated covers! I didn't used to read a lot of romance, but I think these types of covers really sparked my interest and made me pick up books I wouldn't normally have. For the most part, I've found that they match the tone of the book. I don't know that I agree with the argument that younger readers will get confused and think the books are for them. To me, they still say "adult."
ReplyDeleteAll the YA covers are getting illustrated now too, but I agree, the characters on the covers read adult, at least for most the books I have read. So, you do fall into the category of attracting new readers. You might not reach for the naked-torso-guy cover, but you might check these out. I do think there is something to that, because there is such a stigma to classic romance.
DeleteI'm doing a video on this topic because these covers ALL LOOK THE SAME. I honestly struggle to tell any of the books apart nowadays!
ReplyDeleteI think some of them do start to blend, but I tend to appreciate the cover more after I read the book, if the artist did a good job capturing elements from the book
DeleteI've felt a little on the outside for a while with the illustrated cover trend because I have been So. Over. Them. for quite a while. They have been done to death and the market is positively flooded with them. Which is no big surprise, I guess, since in the marketing world if you find something that works you run with it. But it's so overdone and browsing lists of new releases is like perusing cartoon or comic book covers. Call me old school, but when I think of romance I definitely do not think of illustrated characters in cotton candy colors. Ugh. There's also the issue of misrepresentation which has happened to me several times with illustrated covers. I for one will be happy to see this trend end.
ReplyDeleteWhen they first came out, they were fun and new, but they are, wow! So, over used right now. Even all the YA books are being re-done with illustrated covers. I saw self help books on NG with illustrated covers. WHAT! I don't want them to disappear altogether, but I wan them to be used judiciously, if that makes sense.
DeleteLoL I love that gif! I'm with you, I like the illustrated covers but they are becoming a bit redundant. I also don't see the problem with "attracting new readers." We're all pulled to covers for different reasons. I don't naturally gravitate to the classic stepback, but I will pick up an illustrated cover any day.
ReplyDeleteAnd why does an illustrated cover mean it's sex negative??? I think some folks are reading into it a bit too much.
Too much of a good thing is just that - too much of a good thing. Nick said it, and I agreed, if more people are reading romance - YEAH! I love romance, and want everyone to give it a fair shake. It they need a cutesy cover to get them to try it, cool. I know they'll be back for more once they get a taste.
DeleteSome of those 6 points were a bit much for me. I don't think the covers determine the content of the book, so, there's that.
I’m still a little in the fence about the illustrated covers. I do love some of them because they really do catch your attention but sometimes I come across ones that I’m wondering if they match the story itself.
ReplyDeleteThat is my problem exactly, but that's how I feel about all covers. They need to convey the gist of the story, the feel of it. Illustrated covers are fun and cute, I expect a fun and cute story. I cannot say that every book with that sort of cover lived up to my expectation.
DeleteI don't mind illustrated covers, but I think they don't always convey the emotion contained within the pages. I do like variety, though, so it would be nice if they didn't grab onto a trend because then every cover just looks the same. I do agree, it seems like a lot of the covers feature POC. It's interesting that there's such a controversy over this.
ReplyDeleteYou know, people like to make controversy. If the worst thing they do is call out covers, I'm ok with that. It's sort of harmless. Variety is a good thing too. At this point, I think a photographic cover might draw me in more, because it would stand out.
DeleteI honestly hadn't noticed this trend until reading your post, but now I can clearly see that it has taken over the romance genre! It might also be why we're picking up books with ROMANCE in mind, and getting something else entirely. A few examples, HELLO, SUMMER by Mary Kay Andrews, REAL MEN KNIT by Kwana Jackson, THE SUMMER SET by Aimee Agresti. All of these promised one thing, but didn't deliver. The Andrews book isn't a beachy romance at all! It's a murder mystery.
ReplyDeleteI know publishers see something is working, so they want to take advantage of it while they can, but I wish they would still strive to be different and unique. Like you said in the previous comment, a photographic cover would be what drew me in at this point, since it's not something we see very often any more. LICK by Kylie Scott, Royally Screwed by Emma Chase = ROMANCE. <3
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Not just romance. Take a look at the YA paperback releases, the new Emma Mills covers -- they are everywhere. I don't know if the illustrated covers scream "romance" to me, but I do expect something on the fun side. I always associate Andrews with women's fiction, but I think that just comes from having read the author before. I do think the author of the article is onto something, when she talks about attracting new readers. One of the things people always make fun of is the covers of romance books. Remove those, and maybe more people will take a closer look.
DeleteI love this post! Thank you for elaborating your thoughts on such a strangely deep topic. Personally, I love the illustrated covers. I am with you that while they don't illustrate heat that photographic covers also might not convey the heat in the book.
ReplyDeleteThought I do find these a bit confusing at times. Some of these books with illustrated covers have spicy, intimate moments inside them. But others are more like Bridge Jones's Diary and have insinuations rather than explicit moments. I wonder if the trend just went too far? That publishers found these covers sold more?
I know I will graviate towards an illustrated cover over a photographic one. I find some of the more intimate moments with people on covers make me blush and I'm less willing to carry them around in public. If it's on my Kindle? Fine. A hardcover? Nope. Illustrated all the way.
When the illustrated covers first started popping up, they were for this wave of rom-coms that were hitting the market. Those could be spicy or mild, but I liked that the cover captured that light/fun feel. Then, they started being used for EVERYTHING! I told Tanya, I saw self help books with illustrated covers. CRAZY! There is something to be said for having to hide your covers. I read on a kindle, so, no problem, but I did see a woman I commute with reading a book with a paper bag cover over it. I thought that was hilarious.
DeleteI love those cutesy covers, and I agree that they seldom match the story inside. On the other hand, I rarely pick books based on the covers nor I even look at them. I know I am in the minority.
ReplyDeleteI think there are a lot of people, who need more than a cover to draw them in. I am all about the covers, but it could be a good thing, that it doesn't figure into your choice of reading material.
DeleteInteresting about POC covers being more illustrations! I've noticed it lately with the books I've been getting and putting on hold, but like you, I don't have any hard numbers or data to back it up other than what I've seen from my own experiences. I agree it's sad and you make an interesting point about this possibly being a new form of white-washing (and it's very subtle too). I wonder if it's because they feel they can't get enough cover models who are represented by the characters? (But then again, there are many out there who would fit for sure...) I enjoy illustrated covers, but like you, it depends on the story; sometimes it doesn't fit with the tone at all.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the number of cover models out there, but there are plenty of covers with POC models on them. If the cover fits, use it, but don't just stick an illustrated cover on the book because it's trendy. I hate that.
DeleteHonestly I tend to get turned off by illustrated covers; in rare instances if the story sounds interesting enough, then I can look past the cover but that doesn't happen too often.
ReplyDeleteI have looked past some awful covers, because I heard good things about a book, but if the cover turns me off, I won't pick it up on my own.
DeleteI don't really read contemporary romance, but when I see the illustrated covers, I assume they are of the cutesy variety vs steamy and sexy. A few of my favorite paranormal cozy mysteries--as I like to call them--have illustrated covers and I love them! Since they mysteries aren't the hardcore crime novels but feature a heroine who is your average Jane, I find that they totally work!
ReplyDeleteAnother illustrated cover series I read way back when was Nicole Peeler's Temptest Rising. Those were more Urban Fantasy, yet on the lighter side. Some comedic relief was level with the paranormal happenings. So I guess that was the light-hearted part to the story that made it okay for the covers to be illustrated.
So I think illustrated covers can work...they just need to fit the tone of the story.
I have been seeing them for many cosy mysteries, and I think they are a good fit for that sub-genre. Those are usually lighter side mysteries with a dash of fun, so great fit actually. There is a trend in all the books you are naming - they are lighter, a bit of fun, and that is really my biggest beef. When the style is used for books that aren't light and fun. An odd choice for a book that is weightier or issue heavy.
DeleteI like illustrated covers, but I do think you can have too much of a good thing - and that not all books work with an illustrated cover. I like romance books, and I've read them for years, but I'm not the biggest fan of bare chested men on covers, etc. so illustrated kind of helps with that. But I'm just one person, and I know others love those sort of covers for romance! Definitely an interesting topic to think about.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I will be honest, I don't even really notice the naked covers any more. I have desensitized. I also am an ebook reader, and I get that for some, they may be a little shy about flashing some of those covers out in public. Illustrated covers definitely don't give too much away, if your goal is to read without judgement of others.
DeleteI don’t read much romance, so I probably can’t comment, but I prefer the illustrated covers to the half-naked brooding man covers. The illustrated ones seem more creative. I think I’ve been slightly more tempted to pick up romance because of the fun covers. I don’t think I would have put myself on a waitlist for Red, White & Royal Blue if it had a shirtless dude or people kissing on the cover. I would be annoyed if the cover misrepresented the book, though. If I pick up a book with a cartoon cover, I’m not expecting erotica!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
You can always comment. You are a person with a brain and an opinion. I don't think you have to be a reader of romance to appreciate/not appreciate the trend. The most interesting comments on this post have come from non-romance readers, because you guys are sort of supporting one of the ideas the author of my inspiration put forth. They looked at it as a negative, but I like the idea, that such a small change can attract new, and maybe hook, new readers to a genre I love. I really do hope they stay away from these covers for erotica, though, I just read Dani Brown yesterday, and I thought it was creeping in that direction with it's cartoon cover.
DeleteHigh five my fellow cover-ho!
ReplyDeleteI like illustrated covers. They get a lot of hate and maybe they deserve it - I haven't read the articles - but I haven't read a book with an illustrated cover (yet) that doesn't capture the story.
I haven't read Ambers post on the poc element yet either (but I will) but in general, I'd say I see representation of poc on illustrated covers more than I see actual poc on photographed book covers... The specific reasons, I don't know, but I wonder if it is because of a lack of suitable stock imagery due to years of white-washing and, if so, that is sad and incredibly maddening.
I do think the industry is getting better, more diverse, and with that, we are seeing more diversity in books. The covers should reflect that. When I look in magazines, there are lots of POC models. Is it that difficult to find POC cover models? Really? And, if there's a shortage of stock imagery featuring POCs, that's an issue too. Why are these models being ignored?
DeleteI agree with you to a certain extent. I have never been a big fan of cover models. They can be hit or miss with me. My favourite book cover style has always been stylized fonts and graphics, with no people on it, cartoon or otherwise. However, I will actively judge a book if there are overly cartoon-ish characters on the front cover. It gives a book a juvenile look, even when the summary can contain references to more adult topics. I can't take the book as seriously as I should.
ReplyDeleteA very thought-provoking post, Sam.
There are definitely some styles of illustrated covers that read youthful, but some are not. Ironically, those tend to be the covers for YA books. Go figure! I think the youthful look can read as fun also, which is why I like the covers for certain kinds of books, but not others. You mention taking it seriously, and I think that lines up with my point sort of. If the book is weightier, and if it's topic heavy, an illustrated cover doesn't fit.
DeleteYou know I never read romance so the advantage of the half naked body on a book cover is that I can identify the genre and body swerve it! Illustrated covers can blur the lines a bit I guess. For genres I read I don't mind illustrated covers if the art is good and it fits the blurb. There are a lot of these covers for zombie books and some are good. I think it'll depend on the individual cover which I like and which I don't but as long as it looks great, I'm flexible.
ReplyDeleteYou sort of hit upon two big ideas there. We can usually easily identify the genre of a book from its cover, and by blurring the lines, maybe it will encourage some non-romance readers to take a look. So, there may be something to that idea presented in the article. Your other point is one I wholeheartedly agree with. I like a good looking cover, and I like it to fit the book. After I finish reading, I want to look at that cover, and see part of the story in it.
DeleteInteresting topic and one I've not given much thought to because overall I just like a pretty cover and for whatever reason, the illustrated ones always draw my eye. I guess because they're just usually so vibrant and fun. I do see how they can be confusing as far as not conveying the level of "heat" in a romance though. But then again, I can also say that I'm one that is kind of put off by covers with people on the front in various states of undress so in that sense, the illustrated covers have led to me pick up books I probably otherwise would have skipped over. I also just really want the cover to fit and I say that thinking of the cover for Beach Read. It's a great looking cover, but does it really convey the depth of that overall story?
ReplyDeleteI had read Amber's post about these covers being used more for POC and thought that was an interesting point and as I looked around at the books on my shelves and kindle, I did notice that indeed seems to be a trend. It would be interesting to hear from someone in the industry as to why the illustrated covers have become such a big thing lately.