When Jennifer E. Smith's Windfall cover was revealed, it set some ripples through the YA world. There were many people, who were appalled by the new cover. No, there was nothing offensive or unsettling about the cover, but it was done in such a different style from all her past books. That brings me to my discussion today.
This Week’s Topic: Does This Match?
Let's take a look at Jennifer E. Smith's covers pre-Windfall
I can honestly say, I love all these covers. They aren't exactly the same, but they have a similar style, which I came to identify with a JES book. But then, there was Windfall
This was a HUGE departure from the previous cover style. I am sure the change had something to do with switching publishers, but you know, some of us don't handle change well. But why didn't her new publisher try to establish a new consistent look for Smith's books? I mean, the cover for her new book is adorable, but still, so different from Windfall.
It's not that I think it's crucial for the author of stand-alones to have matching covers for their books, but I like it. It becomes an identifier for their books, and makes me believe, that the new book will be as amazing as its predecessor.
NOTE: I think matching covers are crucial for series, and it's a huge mistake to switch covers in the middle of a series.
Matchy-matchy covers I love:
Christina June - Looooove the watercolor covers. So pretty, and I like that they kept the same fonts on the covers.
Emma Mills - First & Then is a little bit of an outlier here, but blends ok. I think they found the Mills book aesthetic and continued it well after that book.
Jenn Bennett - I liked the cover for The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, but I LOVE all Bennett's Simon Pulse covers. They are not exactly the same, but the feel of them is consistent, and they look amazing together.
Ashley Herring Blake - Blake's middle grades covers look like they were illustrated by the same artist, and they are both so beautiful! I like that they look different from her YA books too.
Now it's your turn!
Matching covers - yea or nay?
Let us know in the comments!
I get really frustrated when publishers change covers in the middle of a series. I've spent money on something, and now you want me to spend more money so my books match? No thanks. This happened to me twice that I can vividly remember, but I think the worst one was the Nightshade series. I adored the original covers, and the unique pages, and then BAM -- newness. It looks so weird on my bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteI love that you use Jenn Bennett's books! I honestly didn't notice the similarities until now, but they all give me the same warm feelings. I really like all of the old covers for JES, and I like the new covers, but it's weird when you see them side-by-side. It would be different if JES didn't already have a look associated with her books, but she does. We readers (like you said) don't always handle change well. I want my books to match in art and in type. If the first book in the series is a hardback on my bookshelf, so are the rest. If I start in paperback, the rest are paperback. There's a system!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
If I was a physical book buyer/collector, I would be fuming if they changed the covers mid-series. In my world, series covers MUST match. I think the cover designer for Bennett did a brilliant job, because, like you said, they covey a warmth, and thou they are not identical, they have a similar look and feel. I am all about the matchy-matchy, so I appreciate you keeping your books the same format on your shelves.
DeleteLove this!! I'm with you in that it isn't necessary but nice. I also understand the needs want to change after a while. I love the cover of Windfall so I wasn't upset with that one. The Jenn Bennett books are nice because they aren't super similar but enough to be identifiable. Same with the Emma Mills books.
ReplyDeleteWindfall was odd for me, because it was JES' first non-Poppy book, and I didn't quite understand it, until after I read the book. It was aesthetically pleasing, but didn't make me feel anything about the story before I read it. Mills' covers are pretty awesome, because they are so nondescript, in that they are just beautiful art pieces giving us no hint about the story, but I love them.
DeleteI don't mind cover changes to be honest. Perhaps the publisher was putting their stamp on her work moving forward since she's now their author?
ReplyDeleteI guess that could be one reason for the change, or maybe they thought a change would pull in new readers. Who knows?
DeleteGreat topic, Sam! I totally agree that covers within a series need to match. There needs to be consistency and something that ties them together. And changing cover mid-series? Gah! I don't care if it's a publisher change, a marketing thing, or whatever... it should be criminal.
ReplyDeleteAs far as *all* of an author's books having a similar look... eh, I'm a lot more open to that. I get that some authors develop a "brand." Lauren Layne comes to mind. But I also think each book has its own look and feel and I'd like to think each cover is unique and not necessarily conforming to a certain look or style just for the sake of branding.
There are also authors (like JLA) who are contracted with several different publishers and that means different cover looks for different books. Tor Teen is going for one look, Harlequin Teen has another, etc.
Series are a big deal and should stick with the theme (IMO) but otherwise, I actually like to see it mixed up sometimes. :)
Mid-series changes and movie tie-in covers ---UGHHHHHHHH! I do agree that publishers have a look too, which is probably because they work with certain designers, but I love seeing a book on a shelf, and knowing it's by one of my favorite authors before even seeing their name.
DeleteI hate it when they change covers halfway through a series-it totally ruins the look of it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely something that I know rubs a lot of readers the wrong way.
DeleteWhen I like a series, I buy the physical books and want them to match, whether covers or paperback or hardcover. And I like a branded theme. Changing it throws me off as I easily can spot an author by that. But, I'm thinking the publisher might want the change?
ReplyDeleteMaybe they think new covers will appeal to a new audience, which is something that is probably true when you are talking about older books. I guess it could breathe new life into it
DeleteI love when books match because they look so pretty on the shelf. If an author’s work is good, I’ll read it, no matter what the covers look like, so I guess I’m not too picky about cover changes. Since I get most of my books used, I own very few matching series. Most of my series are a mix of hardcover/paperback/different editions.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Oh, i don't get that mad about a non-matching cover that i won't read a book, but i do like it. I have to say, you are one of the most low maintenance readers I know. I don't actually buy a lot of physical books. But I will admit that they look nice on the shelf when the books in a series are all the same size and whatnot
DeleteI don't even collect books like I used to but mid-series cover changes are the worst. Do the change for the pb version.
ReplyDeleteI do think a lot of books were copying Smith's cover look (to the point that I thought several books were hers and they weren't) so maybe establishing a new look at something to do with that. Probably more because of the new publisher though.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
You bring up a good point about copy-catting. I could see trying to leverage another author's popularity. That's why they do those comparisons in blurbs.
DeleteFirst as I said in a post earlier this week matching covers in a series is indeed crucial! Now as you also said the publishers have everything to say about the covers and the authors ...nothing. I had a very enlightening discussion about the freedom or rather lack of freedom to choose his own cover by authors with Vic James at YALC. Sophie @bewareofthereader
ReplyDeleteI have heard that authors have no real input, which I understand, since that is probably more of a marketing thing, but I think it would be nice, since the book is something they labored over.
DeleteI think a similarity is a smart move, especially in a series. I'm not sure what publishers are thinking half the time. lol
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Maybe they want to take it in another direction or re-energize the franchise?
DeleteI would like to say that I am more mature than to pick up books based on matching covers, but it bothers me sometimes when they switch covers in a series. The Stephanie Perkins series comes to mind when the switched the final cover and it didn’t match the Anna and Lola covers. I also hated when they switched the third cover of the Naked Werewolf series by Molly Harper.
ReplyDeleteThere was a bit of a switch with the Anna books, but I think all the newer editions match now. I thought the couples were cute, but I do like the new covers.
DeleteIt’s been a long time since I visited you, Sam! I hope all is well. This is such a great topic, I love this discussion. I love that authors have similar covers to their standalone because I’m very forgetful:) and when I see it in store, it’s eye catching and will make me pick it up. So if I’m not up to date or remember their book releases, its a pretty good way for me to remember.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on matching covers for series, that is definitely a must for me and a big no no on switching covers in the middle of a series!
Again, I hope you are doing well, sorry I haven’t been around. I been in a major blog/reading slump but looks like it’s coming to an end, finally.
I hope to see you around again and hope you have a wonderfully weekend ahead.
Always, Helena
Helena @ The Life of a Booknerd Addict recently posted:
Can’t-Wait Wednesday: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
No doubt we all agree that changing covers mid-series is a no-no, and I am better at remembering covers, than all the names of books. Therefore, like you, seeing a cover with the same feel as past covers jogs my memory as well. I hope you get out of your slump soon. XOXO
DeleteI like when an author has a consistent look - Emily Giffin's books were always very recognizable. The last couple have changed somewhat, and I was a little disappointed.
ReplyDeleteYes. All her earlier books had that simple title with a cute, little picture, and you could recognize the books as her's at first look. Looks like another case of switching publishers there too, and I totally understand the change if the author finds a new home.
DeleteFunny story, because I actually decided I wanted to read Windfall *because* it didn't look like all the other covers? Which is admittedly a terrible reason, but still. I DO like the matching look, when it's the same genre. Otherwise, I actually want them to be suuuuper different so I know that it is not the same genre- because I will inevitably ignore the synopsis and just make random assumptions hahah.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that the first JES book you wanted to read was my least favorite. I didn't even think about authors, who write cross genre, but I agree. I don't think a fantasy book should have the same look or feel of a contemporary.
DeleteI'm ok with each book having completely different covers, unless it's a series, then I like some similarity to the covers.
ReplyDeleteSeries must have matching covers. I don't know if it's a "need", but I like it when the author's books have the same look and feel. I didn't even realize it was really being done with stand-alones, until I stopped and took a look.
DeleteHonestly, I don't mind a different style of cover for stand alone books for any author. When the change happens in the middle of a series, I do get upset. This has happened quite a few times for me and it can be very frustrating. ;)
ReplyDeleteSeries should match, no ifs or buts about it, and if I was a keeper of books, I would be frustrated.
DeleteI like consistent covers as well, but do find it more understandable when an author has books published by different houses. I tend to disagree about mid-series cover changes (so glad the publisher changed their mind with the last Winner's Curse book), but do see the benefit in some circumstances (e.g. having cover models who are PoC on the Ember in the Ashes covers).
ReplyDeleteAn excellent point with respect to white-washing or the book having enough clout to garner a photoshoot. I know a lot of books are stuck with stock photos or graphics, so if the pub finally decides to put the money out, and it produces a cover which properly represents the books, that's kind of a win.
DeleteI hate it when a cover style changes during a series. That infuriates me no end. However, I'd never really given it much thought with stand alones but now that I am thinking about it it seems silly to completely change the 'feel' of an authors covers, especially abruptly. A gradual shift is one thing but bam!? No. To some degree, consistent covers help build a brand and completely departing from it seems damaging.
ReplyDeleteI remember all the noise, when Windfall came out, and then I started noticing how a bunch of authors kept their covers a little similar, and I like it.
DeleteI'm all about the matched covers and the ones you highlighted, especially the Mills and Bennett books, are some of my favorites. I've been known to buy a new copy of a book if I accidentally bought one that didn't match the rest of the books in the series.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of the hardcore/book collector readers do the same thing. I predominately read ebooks, so the matching thing is more a want than a need for me.
DeleteAs someone who adores matchy-matchy covers for series so my bookshelf can look its best, this would really bother me. When an author that has established a certain design/concept for the past 8+ books I expect it to be kept that way until the end of time (as dramatic as that sounds). I despise it when publishers re-do all the covers in a series when they're only halfway through the series being released. They also love doing that multiple times throughout a series. I understand the marketing purposes for it but still WHY?!
ReplyDeleteI think understand the whole re-do of covers for marketing, but us long standing fans are not into it, and doing it during a series is just so, so wrong. I guess I could find some comfort in it all, if I knew it helped the author with sales, and that meant they would be able to write more books for me to read.
DeleteOoooh yes!I hadn't realize how much certain books follow the same pattern. I didn't realize just how much Jennifer Smith's book did it, and then bam! Windfall! I did love Jenn Bennett's Simon Pulse books. They are fantastic. Wonderful post, Sam, and I really need to start paying better attention! :)
ReplyDeleteNow that I have noticed some authors doing it, I can't NOT notice it. It was fun looking for all the matchy book covers.
DeleteI hadn't paid attention to some of these releases and the covers which all had a similar aesthetic but I think I do like when they keep their covers similar. I mean, Emma Mills book may not be exactly the same but even First & Then which stands out a little still blends! I had seen Windfall had a different look to Jennifer E Smith's previous releases but I didn't know there where was a different publisher.
ReplyDeleteThinking about it, I did get a bit upset when they redesigned all of Sarah Dessen's books because I'd got some older style covers and her newer releases don't blend on my shelf anymore.
First & Then is the real outlier for me too, but it still has that artists look of the others. It's a pitfall with an author like Dessen, who has been writing for quite a while, and has had so many printings of her books. After a certain amount of time, I think they do the redesigns to grab a new set of readers, but I can understand how long time readers would be frustrated. Matching covers look great together.
DeleteIt's a pet peeve of a lot of bookworms when the covers don't mention, or their books are different sizes because of them being different editions. That doesn't bother me at all! I always just go for the prettiest one that is the most affordable (student here). So I really don't care if they don't match xD
ReplyDeleteI don't buy a lot of physical books. The bulk of mine are ARCs, but when I buy a book for a signing, I will buy the paperback if it's available, because like you, I do the affordable thing.
DeleteI definitely find it frustrating when series have cover changes mid-series, but I don't really expect standalones to match. In fact, I sometimes think it's weird when they do, because then I think they're connected in some way when they're really not. But I suppose if most of the authors' books matched, you'd expect them to keep working that way.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I think it's genius giving the stand alone a similar feel. I like that an author has a sort of signature look to their covers.
DeleteI'm still not over the cover change for The Curse Workers series by Holly Black...
ReplyDeleteI have seen some great cover changes and some not so great, but I totally understand the frustration book collectors have when it come to those mid-series changes. It's just rude!
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