Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

Hey everyone,

I'm doing a research project and creating a book cover for a paranormal romance. I was wondering what attracts you all into picking a book. Is it the Cover or Story? I am usually one that is drawn to a book for its cover and then I look at the reviews for it.

What about you?
Thanks for your help.

The cover usually catches my eye. And if their is an another author's blurb on the front. Sometimes I will read the entire back cover to see what its about, but I usually just skim it so I don't spoil any of the plot. I don't read reviews.

usually the cover, and if the title really stands out...like white on black, or similar...it has to be eye-catching...other than that, sometimes I read the back, sometimes I don't...but I prefer to see some blurb, vice a bunch of recommendations from other authors on the back

They say don't judge a book by it's cover... but I confess that I do... :p and if the book comes highly recommended, I'll look up the ratings, the storyline and then reviews in that order.

I used to be a giant cover whore but now I know that beautiful covers tend to hide the most heinous of books (Hush, Hush, I'm looking at you). Now I'm a story kind of girl. If the story sounds interesting, I'll load a sample up on my K3. If that grabs me as well, it's on my TBR shelf & in my hands in the future.

Usually if the book features a particular theme I like I'll pick it up. I've never gotten into a book based on the cover alone and I have very few authors who I autobuy so for most authors even when I may have liked a few of his/her books, there's no guarantee I'll purchase your next book.

I only become loyal to an author when I know she consistently likes to write a story I like to read.

LethalLovely~Maybe We're a Bliss of Another Kind wrote: "I'll load a sample up on my K3. If that grabs me as well, it's on my TBR shelf & in my hands in the future."

I recently got my Kindle for Christmas a month ago and find that I really liked having the option of looking at samples, just to be able to see if the author's writing style fits my taste.

I really read reviews. But on Amazon if they give a few sample pages you can read I find that a great help. I don't buy by covers although I really like the pretty ones. I read reviews here and on Amazon.

Recommendations first, then blurb on the back and I like to sample a few pages too. I don't care about the cover at all. I've picked up tons of books where the covers had nothing to do with the book which I find just annoying.

The cover tends to be the first thing I notice about a book. but that doesn't just mean that it is "the best" cover. Usually, if it looks like my type of thing, then I pick it up and read the back. But I also look at reviews of the book.

Still, some books I just can't raise interest in, no matter how awesome the cover looks, or how much prais I have heard about it, even if it is UF or PNR - my kind of books.

It's kind of a mix of things that attract me to a book.

I notice the cover first and, must admit, if I find it interesting I'll look at the write up on the back! The write up is what really grabs me though...

I agree. I notice the cover first, then pick it up and read the back to see if I would like the story.

Saying that, if it weren't for here I would not have started reading as many historical romances as I do because the covers always seemed cheesy to me. lol!

Covers will definitely catch my eye, but a lot of the books I read come recommended. This is one book that caught my eye at the Bookstore and I picked it up at bought it. I usually read the back before I buy just to make sure I know what its about.

For me it is the story because I very rarely buy a book or pull one off the shelf at the library that I haven't already looked up it's plot in some database or on some website. The cover hardly ever is what convinces me to read a book.

Why do I choose a particular book? Whilst my reasoning may vary widely, I think I can break it down into a couple easy categories.

1. Recommendations/History - Let's say that Nicki (a good friend of mine) hands me a book and says, "I want you to read this. There are so many good things about this book and I just want to talk to somebody about it!" I'll read it. Or if I have a history of reading a particular author that I really like, I'll read it. I don't care about the title, the cover, or anything else. If I've decided to read a book, I don't like to read the blurb or reviews beforehand. They just color your perception before you have a chance to form your own opinion.

2. It satisfies a criteria - I do a couple of reading challenges. Every month I end up reading 10-12 books that satisfy one or more criteria. I often go for the first book that meets the criteria. If I have several choices, I'll read the blurbs and pick the one that most interests me. When I needed a book in January that takes place in Delaware, I stopped by the library. Knowing me as they do, they asked, "What weird category are we trying to find today?" They came up with Eternal which turned out to be decent. Had they given me another name or book, I would have read that. Rarely do I turn down one of their picks.

3. Cover - There seems to be an ongoing shorthand with book covers and what is inside. I don't know if there is a chart that they use somewhere or not. Cover: There is a couple walking hand in hand along the beach with a kid riding on the guys shoulders and a dog running in the surf. You know it's going to be a romance with an HEA. The sex will be limited to two scenes, neither exceptionally graphic. The story will either be about a widow/divorcee opening up and finding love again or be a reuniting story with the hidden baby trope. Cover: Bare male torso (head not in shot) wearing black pants with a tattoo somewhere (arm/chest/neck) and a woman's bare arm curled around resting mid torso. It has a 90% chance of being PNR/UF and 10% chance of straight erotica. There will be four or more sex scenes and at least two of them will be very graphic. No HEA is guaranteed. Just as likely to get a HFN. While the main characters may engage in sexual acts with other people during the storyline, there will be only emotional involvement with each other. Cover: Light and bright primary color cover with a cartoon-like drawing of a couple drinking wine. This will be a light contemporary romance. The couple will be involved with each other, be separated by some misunderstanding, and get the big HEA at the end. The writing will be light and fun and there will be several sex scenes of varying degrees of hotness between the h/h with nothing kinky or out of the ordinary.

I could go on like this but you get the idea. We glance at a cover and get certain expectations for what we will find inside. You see a pair of empty kids shoes lined up next to a wall - there's a dead kid in the book. You see the same shoes but on a girl's feet with white bobbysocks and a skirt that ends just above the knee and you know there is a pedophile in the story. Some of us glance at that cover and shy away as we don't want a book that serious. Others want to have the catharsis of a good cry over the misfortune of others. In either event, the cover sends us hints of what lies within.

4. Title - Unless the title is exceptionally good or bad the title is not usually a factor. However, sometimes it is the only factor. Sometimes a title just grabs you and makes you want to read it. A lot of classic SF is that way. The Left Hand of Darkness, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, and I, Robot are excellent examples of this. Other times a title is so bad you want to pick it up and read it just to see if the rest is as poorly executed. Sex Bomb, The Greek Tycoon's Pregnant Wife, and The Boss's Wife for a Week mostly fall into this category. Hell, most of the Harlequin serials are like that. Have you seen the random title generator? I really think they use that.

5. Publisher - Some publishers are known for certain content and I choose books accordingly. Ellora's Cave and Baker Books certainly do not publish the same type of book. I picked up a stack of Ellora's Cave books for a bargain price without ever bothering to look at titles/authors/covers or anything else because I saw a stack of erotica for cheap.


I'm sure I use a combination of these factors (as well as a whole slew of others) when picking a book.

These days I choose books from book reviews in RT and recommendations on goodreads, but I love a good cover (LOTU!). In fact, covers are what I miss most on my Kindle, even though I prefer reading on it than reading a paperback.

Thank you everyone for your replies!

Photojim wrote: "Why do I choose a particular book? Whilst my reasoning may vary widely, I think I can break it down into a couple easy categories.

1. Recommendations/History - Let's say that Nicki (a good frien..."

Thank you so much for your input! I am someone who has been known to not buy a book because of other reviews on it. I never know if I am missing out on something that I actually would like. I agree that reviews do very much color your perception as you said.

As for the cover until I read your post, I never thought about the common trend to cover designs. I know more romance books have the man with the head not in the shot, I looked at how many I had and laughed at how all of them didnt show the guys face and had tattoos. I guess Im guilty to that. I enjoy the possibility of what lies in the story by what the cover gives us a glance at.

I'm the same as you when it comes to the titles. Its usually not a big factor for me because I look at the cover and who wrote it and if the story sounds good, then I get it. I have so many books, I'm really curious now to go and look at some of the titles that I own.

Rebecca wrote: "Covers will definitely catch my eye, but a lot of the books I read come recommended. This is one book that caught my eye at the Bookstore and I picked it up at bou..."
I loved City of Bones, that to me was one I bought very much based on the cover, It was just so beautiful that I almost didnt care what the story was about. Thank goodness it was an awesome trilogy.

Davina wrote: "Usually if the book features a particular theme I like I'll pick it up. I've never gotten into a book based on the cover alone and I have very few authors who I autobuy so for most authors even whe..."
Im right there with you, I have authors like patricia briggs and rachel caine who always write stories that I love. Even if the covers dont attract me I know their stories are always great. Thanks for helping!

LethalLovely~Maybe We're a Bliss of Another Kind wrote: "I used to be a giant cover whore but now I know that beautiful covers tend to hide the most heinous of books (Hush, Hush, I'm looking at you). Now I'm a story kind of girl. If the st..."
Ive started doing that a little more, I have a kindle and sometimes it pains me not to hold on to a real book, but I like the samples and knowing the story first and not paying attention to the cover. Thanks for the response!

Laraine wrote: "They say don't judge a book by it's cover... but I confess that I do... :p and if the book comes highly recommended, I'll look up the ratings, the storyline and then reviews in that order."

I have to confess I do the same thing... Lately I have been reading more on reviews and recommendation from other authors, but I can never resist a beautiful cover.Thanks for the reply!

Before this site it would I have to admit be book covers that would first attract me. I would always read the blurb though i would never completely buy a book just based on the cover.

My local bookshop (Waterstones) has some lovely ladies in and they are in to the same books as me so have always been good at giving recommendations.

Now I get recommendations off here and then look at reviews etc on here and Amazon. I look for good buys on Amazon for my K3 ...so I look for covers on there too that appeal to me and sometimes Titles.

The book cover catches my attention first. If the cover looks interesting I will look at the reviews. If I find a book that I enjoy, I will look at what people that also like the book recommend. I also have a reading buddy, we are constantly trading books back and forth.

I admit, I do often judge by a cover. I knew that decision would come and bite me on the ass when I picked up Fallen by Lauren Kate. I'm still feeling the after-effects.
Then I read the blurb, and a few random pages if I'm at a book store.
I also read who they've been compared to in terms of writing style (e.g. Rachel Caine to Richelle Mead in terms of humorous dialogue.)

Laura wrote: "The book cover catches my attention first. If the cover looks interesting I will look at the reviews. If I find a book that I enjoy, I will look at what people that also like the book recommend. ..."

Having a reading buddy is a plus!!!

The cover may catch my eye, but since I buy 99% of my books from the internet, it's usually the synopsis at the site/back cover that will make me decide if I'm gonna buy it or not. Having a couple of friends who already liked it is a definite plus, but if I don't like the book description I'm not going to buy it despite the cover or others' recommendations.

Third party confirmation works 100%. If I'm at a book store, definitely book covers that catches my attention.

The cover is the first thing to notice, but it needs to have a cover that relates to the book itself. Plus I'm more likely to read the synopsis and reviews of a book that looks interesting at first notice. Otherwise its on to the next book.

I agree with you guys the cover usually is what draws me to a book, but since joining this site I am also looking at the rating, ever since I have only read books that have high ratings from 3.50 and up. Sometimes though I will look at the author especially if I have read from him/her so I might not look at the rating too closely. A major factor is the summary/blurb about it if it sounds like something I would enjoy or interesting/different I will give it a try. Sometimes though if I pick up a book and start reading and nothing gets my attention then I will tend to put it down and forget about it.

Book covers are a def big-I try not to judge a book by its cover since I have read many that are lacking a cover to be one of my fav books.

I forgot to list the rating system of GR. When I have several books in front of me and I can't decide which, I look on GR and choose the book with the highest rating.

Let's face it: even if the cover is good or bad, a lot can be said for it.

For example, if you aren't a Sci Fi fan, a cover like: will likely have you giving the book a pass.

For me it's whether there is the suspence, the plott in the story. What makes the hero a hero in the eyes of those who don't see it themselfs. Whether there is romance or a twist like in "Love Bites". Also if the character in the story faces something that no normal person does in their every day life.

A great cover catches my eye first. Then I read the back cover. Then I skim through the book. If it is written in 1st person, I put it right back on the shelf! I only like to read 3rd person.

Bottom line though, great covers sell books, initially, but word of mouth makes bestsellers.

Let me put it this way, I generally read what the story is about to make my decision BUT, that isn't to say that the cover has no effect on me. Because if a book sounds good but has a totally horrible Fabio-esque cover I am about three times as likely to put it down and give it a second thought. Conversely if the cover is minimalist, mysterious, and intriguing, I am about three times as likely to give the book a shot, even if the blurb on the back sounds super lame.

I agree though with lost of the other gals, word of mouth makes all the difference and trumps all.

Books I have never heard of before, I am drawn to the covers. Then I have to flip it over and read the back. Helps to have other authors reviews on the covers as well.

Thank you again for all your responses this has helped a lot with my research! You are all amazing!

If am browsing at a book store i go by covers, but then most of my books i got by suggestions that people made.

Author recognition is always first for me. Also when a friends reccomend it. Covers rarely sway me into buying them

Most of my favorite books have been from reading people's favorites and comments about them on goodreads. Sometimes cover's lure me in, but I always check goodreads to see what people are saying. I may be a horrible critic but I usually love the books that are recommended :)

I must admit that I generally am drawn to a book by the cover, and it does have a major influence on whether or not i want to purchase it. I really think there are some amazing book covers out today. I always read the front and back covers though just to make sure i will enjoy it.,

*BDB Shellan wrote: "Books I have never heard of before, I am drawn to the covers. Then I have to flip it over and read the back. Helps to have other authors reviews on the covers as well."

That's a really good point, if it's been reviewed by an author I love, I'll probably give it a chance.

Kristen wrote: "Hey everyone,

I'm doing a research project and creating a book cover for a paranormal romance. I was wondering what attracts you all into picking a book. Is it the Cover or Story? I am usually o..."

The title first and then the story. A good blurb usually gets my attention. Covers are nice but so often they don't match the book so I don't rely on them. But I like man candy on covers. :)

I also go by recommendations even more so than story and covers.

I go by the recommendation, but if the cover is sexy, then I am tempted.

Also, the topic is a big selling point for me. Even though I have read a number of bad reviews for Janet Evanovich's Alex Barnaby series, I think I will probably pick the first one up down the road just because it has to do with NASCAR (of which I am a big fan).

A cover might get me to pick up the book and read the blurb. But I almost always read the first page to see if I'm interested in buying. If it's first person POV, I usually put it down since I vastly prefer third person. I also take recommendations/reviews into account since an interesting review on GR, Dear Author, or Smart Bitches will send me out to the bookstore to check out a book. Of course, if it's one of my auto-buy authors, I don't bother with any of that. I just snatch up the book and buy it.