Yes, I know. I broke the rules.  Everything I have read says not to make your cover different or stand out among the rest.

BLEND.

Well, f*ck that.

I am not a political person, but do have strong beliefs in regards to equality, social norms, and living in a judgmental world that is ruled by greed.  I also have a child with special needs, so most of my adult life has been spent learning to appreciate and find the value in being different.  This is the cover I loved and I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t choose it simply because it’s different than most of the covers out there.

If you really want the nitty-gritty, keep reading because there are MANY reasons why I chose a graphic cover.

As a reader, I dislike photo covers because:

1. I don’t want a preconceived image put in my head. I like to imagine what the hero will look like.
2. I don’t like when my favorite book boyfriend cheats on me and ends up on 12 other book covers.
3. We all have a type we’re attracted to. It’s a biological reaction.  For me, a photo can be just as much of a turn-off as a turn-on.
4. They promote unrealistic body image expectations.

As a writer, attaching my name to a message, I didn’t want a photo cover because:

• Equality:
  • Women should get equal billing, we’re just as important. If my cover was going to be a photo, it needed to be a couple, not just a shirtless man. So, as long as I was going to bend the rules, I might as well break them.

• Social norms: Blend in?
  • Sending the wrong message: people are often criticized or ridiculed for being different. Some people can’t blend in or lose a huge piece of themselves in the attempt. And they shouldn’t be asked to blend in anyway. Differences should be embraced. They are what make each person special and unique.
  • Graphic covers are just more inclusive. This includes race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability, etc.

• Judgmental reactions:
  • We all have them, and I hope we’re working towards challenging them to become better people.
  • A graphic cover allows the reader to use their imagination and fill in the blanks however they choose without any outside influence.

• Greed:
  • In my experience, some of the biggest problems in the world are the result of decisions based on money or profit. I was fortunate enough to be able to afford the risk with my cover choice.  For authors who depend on book income to pay their bills, I salute you and all of the choices that help you succeed.

At the end of the day, the purpose of a cover is to catch your eye and convey some general information about the book.  IMHO, graphic covers allow unique opportunities for that while supporting a more positive trend in the book market.  And as a self-published author with all of the control, this was my choice.  I stand by it.

After all, this is a rock star romance, and what’s more rock ‘n’ roll than a little rebellion?

#bethechange

To read more on the topic:

https://lovelyaudiobooks.info/illustrated-romance-novel-covers/

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/10/213494/romance-novel-cover-trend-modern

https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/blogging-tips-talk/romance-book-covers