I know we’ve talked a number of times about how important the books’ covers are. See this post for just one example. But I thought it would be interesting to talk about titles vs. covers.
Which attracts you the most: the book’s title or the book’s cover? Do you find yourself picking up a book just because the title is clever or is it the artwork that grabs you?
Please post a comment and let us all know which one you think is more important, and if you can, why.
Thanks!
Toni says
The covers attract me more than the title. A cute cover gets me almost everytime!
Mimi says
The title. That gets my attention then I read the back of the book then I look at the cover. But if it’s an author I like I grab it and buy it. Lol
Annette says
I am with Mimi, if it is an author I like I just grab it. not so much the title for me but what the front cover looks like then the back to read the blurb.
Laurel says
The artwork is what catches my eye. That usually tells me if I’m going to be interested in a story. The title is really the last thing I notice. And I remember covers. I can’t remember the title of the book but one I really enjoyed had a raven on the cover. Wish I could remember the title so I could get the next in the series 🙂
Tanya says
Was it this one?
Bed, Breakfast, and Bones: A Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery
Mary Jane says
I like the titles. Some of them make me laugh out loud.
Paula says
The book cover is what I first notice
Ceelee Sunshine says
I think it is a little bit of both for me. If I see a cover with a cat on it I am going to take a look. I think the cover can also give a hint to what the book is about and the title will seal the deal or not. If the title and the cover don’t match my first impression then I will usually pass.
Kimberly says
I believe I am attracted to the ‘hook’ not the cover. For example, cozies involving knitting, quilting, country life etc. The artwork on a cozy mystery is usually so charming though not always. I am not fond of Donna Andrews’ covers however I will read her books. Some really good authors could publish in plain brown paper and I would still read their book no matter what the topic.
Great question!
Kimmiern says
Absolutely……agreed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kimberly, you’ve got that right! There are authors who I’d read even though they’re covers were lack-luster brown paper, too. (Like when I used to cover my children’s school text books in brown paper bags from the grocery store!)
Judy says
I love good covers. My least favorite are the cartoon-looking ones. I do judge a cozy by its cover. Love the ones like the one above for Much Ado About Muffin.
Jane says
The cover first. The title, author and description follow. So many of the cozy mystery authors have outstanding covers that draw you in.
Cheryl says
Both the artwork and title attract me, especially if there is a dog or cat in the artwork.
Kim says
Wish I could say that the sometimes catchy titles attract me but sometimes they do the opposite. Not to sound grouchy but some of these titles border on trite, too cutesy, occasionally funny I admit but recently getting to be a bit over done. It is witty to do a play on words now and then but as with most things, can be over done. With this ‘feel’ comes lowered expectation of more sophisticated plot development replaced by formula writing.
Cozies have to guard against over reliance on gimmicks to appeal to their readers. Eventually their use wears thin and the books are dismissed as lightweight literature, sometimes losing even devoted followers. It is a delicate balance between creating interest vs boring readers with yet another attempt to be cutesy without substance. Then again, there is always room for sophisticated witticism, subtly done without patronizing the audience.
Marja says
Kim, I agree with you. There’s a point beyond wit that descends to cutesy, and that, for me, is a big turnoff.
Kim says
I have always enjoy and loved a solid cozy. Perhaps it is just my perception but of late, far too many authors are coasting. By this I suggest that they or their publishers assume that the average reader these days is not very sophisticated. “Toss a few kittens, puppies or knitting needles on the cover and they will buy it”. The plot is often weak, adheres to a simple formula which can be repeated over and over, changing names, adjusting plot lines, just dreaming up another juvenile cover to attract buyers. These type offerings are no way in the same league as Agatha. I would call them junk reads, frankly. On the other hand, if they sell, keep folks reading, what’s the harm. I supposed the only ‘harm’ is to a more articulate author with talent who enters this genre but then gets buried in with the others, never to be taken seriously but laughing all the way to the bank.
Suzanne says
Agreed. Well said.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, you don’t sound grouchy! I’m re-reading all of the comments right now and tallying our preferences, and it seems like your comment has started quite a few of us to talk about how much we dislike the cartoon covers. So, not grouchy >>> but pretty observant!
Julia says
I completely agree! I love a good pun as much as the next English major, but it seems as if every single cozy I see nowadays has some “clever play on words” title. To me, a good title is one that catches attention and directs it to the actual plot, like the titles of Bailey Cates’ magical bakery mysteries (e.g., “Brownies and Broomsticks”) or the titles for Juliette Blackwell’s witchcraft mysteries (e.g., “Secondhand Spirits”). Maybe I have a secret love for alliteration, but seriously…the cheap puns have long ago gotten old for me.
As far as the cover goes, it usually decides me on whether I even read the blurb. If it looks like a Dean Koontz cover, with sparse and stark illustrations, it is probably more serious than I would like. If the cover is cartoonish, that usually means the book is self-published and poorly edited. I much prefer the fanciful hand-painted type, which usually clue me in to a book that is humorous, cute, and witty.
Janet says
It’s by authors I like- then the covers grab me. I’ll notice titles last.
pmoore says
I second that…author, cover, title
Marsha says
I’m all about the book cover art. I know you can’t judge a book by it’s cover but it sure does sway me to read it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha, you’re right about not judging a book by its cover, but I’ve done just that more than several times!
Connie says
If an author is working on a book and wants to “test-drive” a title, would that be something you’d allow? Like if I am working on a cozy mystery called “Sugar Pie and Moonbeams,” would that be a title readers would gravitate to?
Kimmiern says
Hi Connie…….the title by itself doesn’t do anything for me, but if it had a good cover art that tied it all together, I think that could change.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Connie, I guess that would depend on just what Sugar Pie means. Is it the name of your character? As for the Moonbeams, I’m guessing the books either takes place at night, is a magical theme, or deals with some type of paranormal theme like vampires. It would all depend on how the title relates to your book…
Karen says
The cover is def what gets me the most. Title is 2nd. If it’s an author I read and love then move these both down one.
Cheryl G. says
I find that I am attracted first by the artwork and if it catches my eye than I look at the title. When both the artwork and the title are great like on the books above than you’ve definitely got me!
Marja says
Covers attract me too. Good artwork, not cartoon-y stuff. And not too cutesy.
And cats (there has to be a cat featured in such a book or I’ll feel ripped off)!
If I’m “shopping” for a book at the library (usually can’t buy cozies I like at the bookstore), the presence of a cat, a Victorian or Regency costume, or other indicator of historical or feline content, prompts me to get it off the shelf to check it out. I also look for female authors, generally, but especially if I am looking at modern mysteries.
Patti says
Since I don’t see the cover on the library shelves, its usually the title that grabs my attention. Once I look at the cover, I’m super interested if I see a cat or dog!
Karen S says
I really thought about this. I shall put myself on the cover art and title list. I agree if there is a cat and or dog then I will look at it further. Once I enjoy reading an author then I look for the others in the series. It is how I landed in the cozy mystery venue.
I am reading The Booktown Mysteries now and feel so at home having read Agatha Christie and Patricia Cornwall. So much fun. And the piece de resistance a cat named Miss Marple. Doesn’t get better than this
Kathleen says
I notice the cover first, then the title. I like clever titles as I am at a loss to title anything I write.
z says
It is both for me…what I don’t like is when I am reading the book and the cover doesn’t make sense in terms of the story…i.e. if the main character in a book has curly red hair, I don’t appreciate the cover showing the main character with short blonde hair, there is a disconnect there, I am still able to enjoy the story but wonder why not have a cover that jives…
Bec says
That drives me nuts too! If you are having a location as a main part of the story then the picture of said location on the front of the book should look as its described. Why do authors take the time to tell in great detail about a place and then approve the cover art of some building with the name slapped on the front! I know this isn’t a place to say what we don’t like but I’m hoping this comes across as constructive criticism.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bec, it does sound constructive. >>> Artists should read the series they work on, or at least have a sense of the series. Also, it would be nice if the authors had a say about their book covers. (I’m guessing that some of them don’t…)
Kimmiern says
Agreed! It’s like something slipped through the cracks…….
Susan* says
Unfortunately, the author rarely has a say in the cover art. That’s determined by the publisher.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan*, that’s sort of what I thought. It’s too bad >>> since it really doesn’t make a lot of sense. An author spends so much time writing the books and then a third party comes in a designs how the public sees it (the book)…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Z, I agree! The artists should read the books for which they are contracted to create covers. I find that sort of disconnect (you used the perfect word!) very disconcerting.
Linds says
The title then the cover. Tend to avoid anything too “cutsie”.
Jo says
Well, here’s the thing. I’d say the cover art plays more of a role in catching my eye when I buy a physical book, but the title does when I’m after an ebook or audiobook. The format really makes a difference here, at least for me. I agree with Kim that sometimes the clever titles seem a bit much, but when they work they’re so amusing!
Both these things are secondary to the description/summary/back cover teaser in my actual purchasing decision, though. I cannot overemphasize the importance of a good, tantalizing description. This must be an art in itself, I imagine! I’m so disappointed when all I see are “This is a great book! – Author A” and “This is entertaining! – Periodical B” with hardly any description at all.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jo, sometimes it makes me wonder if they actually read the books…
Rob says
It looks like a lot more of us go for the cover artwork and having it appeal to our interests, dogs, cats, crafts, etc before the title. I agree.
A lot of the appeal of a book is also a known author that we know delivers. I like the cover art and then will go for the author, not so much the title.
Sheila in CT says
I’m not fussy. Sometimes the cover and/or title catches my eyes. I really enjoy both!
Aimee says
Along these lines, I’ve noticed some books that are being made into TV movies are replacing the original cover with a new cover showing the actress from the TV version. (For example, the Hannah Swensen books and the Abby Knight flower shop books) I don’t like this. I prefer to have my own idea of what a character looks like rather than the TV actress version. Plus, there is no way that Brooke Shields is Abby Knight. Is seeing a known actress on the cover more or less likely to make you go to a book?
Kimmiern says
Hi Aimee,
I totally agree with you! Personally, I would prefer the option of getting a notification that there is a “cover update,” then if I choose to update my kindle or nook book, then that’s my choice. They have literally taken that choice away from me. I got the books for a reason……I don’t want the updated tv/movie covers.
pmoore says
Not at all!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Aimee, well said! Hannah Swensen as a beautiful, slim blond is promising a new-to-the-author reader a whole different book! I don’t understand why they are changing the covers of the books to show how the Hallmark channel has changed the characters vs. the way the author has described the characters throughout all of the books in the series.
MJ says
When it’s an author I like it doesn’t make any difference what the title is, or what the cover looks like. I’ll read it.
However, you asked about selecting a new/unknown author. I’m totally impressed with the ingenuity of cozy titles…………..kudos to the creativity of ‘title writers’!! 🙂 I also gravitate towards the whimsical cover as opposed to the more scary or gruesome cover. No blood on the cover for me!
I haven’t browsed through a bookstore/library in several years looking for a ‘new-to-me’ author (as it is, there are wa-a-a-y too many books in my TBR pile!). My “go-to” for selecting a new author the past few years has been this site and its readers’ recommendations, where I may get a little more info about the characters (MOST important). But, even then, I still look at the title and cover.
Linda MH says
It’s the cover artwork that grabs my attention. I prefer to read contemporary cozies, so if I see a cover that shows me a book’s storyline is set in the past, I will leave it on the shelf. I have to agree with some of the previous comments: I’m not a big fan of the cartoon type covers–Too cutesy and juvenile. With that being said, I do love those “punny” titles used by Donna Andrews. Very creative!!
MJ says
Hey, Linda, no wonder we’re ‘in sync’!
It’s off topic, but I, too, prefer contemporary cozies, rarely, if ever, reading ‘historical’ ones. Sometimes a contemporary cozy will bring in events from the ‘distant’ past as part of the story line. Oftentimes, I do find that interesting.
There is only one historical mystery (stand alone) that I often recommend to friends because it’s that good. I’ve lent out my copy numerous times.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda MH, most of the cartoon type, cutesy/juvenile covers that I see are from authors who are self-publishing or with little, tiny publishing companies. The big five publishers (with all of their various names/groups) are the ones that can afford to have artists create the beautiful covers. Anyway, that’s my opinion. Recently I have been trying out new-to-me authors who aren’t with the big five publishing firms, and have found several I enjoy reading. I once mentioned that if I were to write a book I would definitely pay an artist to do an actual cover. I would veer away from what look like computer-generated cartoon covers. I mean, if I were going to spend hours and hours writing a book, I’d want to be able to have the book look as polished as it could. And now of days, the internet makes it so easy to reach out and hire someone who is good at their craft.
Carolyn says
I have to say that I’ve found this whole discussion very informative and enlightening. I am a long-time fan of cozies and now a self-published author (don’t worry, I’m not going to talk about my books at all 🙂 ). I think that a lot of the self-published authors do the cartoon covers for exactly the reasons you listed, but also because they see the bestsellers in Amazon with those covers so they use the same style. I have to admit that paying for custom art is a big investment for most authors (me, too) but I really miss seeing the custom painting-style artwork.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carolyn, I agree that “paying for custom art is a big investment for most authors” >>> and of course, I don’t know how much authors receive from each of the ebooks they sell. However, it seems that there are a lot of places on the internet where you can hire artists who will work for a whole lot less than I would have expected. I don’t know why, if an independent author spends many, many hours developing, writing, and then marketing a book, he/she can’t invest a couple hundred dollars of the proceeds from the sale of the first book to hiring an artist for the next book. It looks like (from reading all of these comments) that some people are really turned-off by the computer-generated cartoon covers. On the other hand, you have a point >>>lots of the cartoon-like covers are from books that are best sellers, so it is obvious that the price of the ebook is more important than the cover.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carolyn, and it doesn’t need to even be “a couple of hundred dollars”. I’d check out the art departments at local colleges, or even schools. There are a lot of talented artists out there who would probably be happy to sell a book cover for $100. Your books don’t have to be published by one of the five big publishing companies (or their subsidiaries) to be able to have non-cartoon like book covers if you want them…
GiGi says
Cover art is the number one magnetic pull to a book! I read cozies for a specific reason and I am drawn to books whose cover art draws me in to the “cozy” setting.
Cartoon-like or highly stylized line drawing covers are an instant dismissal and never warrant a second glance. Too cutesy titles are not intriguing for this reader.
I certainly appreciated Kim’s comments and strongly agree with her. This current topic brings out strong personal preferences, but it is entertaining to read everyone’s opinions. Thank you for an interesting post!
Terry says
Author, Cover, Title
Robin says
I also look for author, then cover, then title. I tend to prefer settings in the UK, not the US, although there are a few authors I read whose books take place in the US.
I prefer professional looking covers, nothing comic or cartoon-like. Like GiGi, I am drawn to books whose cover art draws me into the setting.
If a book has a “clever” or “cutsey” title – I run far, far away.
I am pretty picky about what types of cozy mysteries I read. I tend to stay away from mysteries involving those who really have no business being involved in a mystery in the first place (bakers, tea shop owners, cat owners, flower shop owners, to name but a few), although there are a couple of authors that I found myself enjoying over the years that fall into this category – Nancy Atherton, Victoria Laurie and Diane Mott Davidson are a couple that come to mind.
I think it all comes down to personalities and what one enjoys!
Diane says
Author’s name, book title, or cover art may catch my eye. Ultimately, it’s the blurb that sells me. I agree with other comments that things have been getting too cutesy lately. I might buy an author once, but if the plot isn’t good, I won’t try a second time.
Judy says
I really enjoy good cover art, especially on books by Laura Childs and Kate Carlisle. What I don’t appreciate is cover art that does not match the storyline.
Susan* says
I’m finding myself in agreement with most of the other people commenting on here. (And there are quite a few, this time. This was obviously a good topic choice, Danna! 🙂 )
Some authors I will buy without a second glance at cover or title. (Kerry Greenwood for instance.) Any others I will look at the cover, read the blurb, then the title comes way down the list. I might appreciate the pun (If there is one) but it won’t influence whether I buy it or not.
It does seem to be a ‘fad’ at the moment, though, as you say, to have ‘punny’ covers. A few years ago it was mandatory for cozy covers to have a skull worked into the pictures somewhere – in spilled milk, in the branches of a tree… – I’m ‘so’ glad that’s gone! I got so sick of it! Now it’s puns in the titles, which publishers obviously think will sell / help people remember books. (A la “Those Alphabet Books”. Lol! (Sue Grafton))
Possibly some of them (Who likely don’t read cozies, themselves) have looked at the success of authors such as Donna Andrews, with her funny titles, and are just trying to jump on the bandwagon without realising that it’s sheer good writing that’s made her so popular, not superficial gimmicks.
Either way, give it another few years and I suspect that there will be something else. It’s the way it goes.
KG says
Author, Setting, Title, Cover!
Mary says
When I first got my Kindle Fire, I searched for books by covers I liked.
It was “cute” covers that turned me onto the cozy mystery genre. Of course that isn’t the only criteria I use, but it is the initial “hook”. I knew I didn’t want bodice rippers or gruesome gore. Now most of what I read are cozies. I always try to start with book one and read in order.
There are so many good ones I have a hard time keeping up!
Kimmiern says
Hi All,
When I viewed this post, the first 2 things that popped into my mind were that this is a wonderful topic and then, that I felt that I do look at both equally. I was perusing for books when I realized that my eye does hone in on the cover art for just a few seconds prior to looking at the title! I guess a good cover art does pull me in, but I think a lot of things contribute to this: I appreciate a very catchy, cute and themed cover art. I’m reading for pleasure and escape from my daily regimen……I have a college degree and hold multiple certifications (I’m smart). I think that reading for information and to gain knowledge is one thing, escaping into a book for pure self enjoyment is another. I believe to each his own on their feeling about this……..I personally would like to give a GREAT BIG HUG to the many, many cozy mystery authors whose books I’m hoarding……I mean reading! =) Through many ups and downs, I can always rely on a good cozy mystery to get me through, even if temporarily. I take care of others all day……my self-care lies in what I choose to read, not what I have to read.
As I said, I like ’em catchy, cute and themed. (If I wasn’t afraid that I would get thrown into the pits of hell, I would love to create a wall of art using the covers of books…….wouldn’t that be a nice focal point?!!) I like the cover art to somehow tie into the story I’m reading, especially since my books are ebooks. It helps to set the stage on my mental image of what’s taking place in the story. I have particular themes I am drawn to: Books, cats, location of story- East & Southern States, bed n breakfast/inns, baking, paranormal, gardening and remodeling. I have lots of others, but you get the point. I have a lot of authors that I will automatically purchase…….”cause you know it’s gonna be good.” I’m also a sucker for the standard cozy mystery frame……”failed relationship/failing at life…..gone home to refresh and help out with ailing family member/work at family business/starting over somewhere new AND with new career focus [enter theme]”. To me, the way an author puts her/his spin on it is what creates a totally unique story……which sets the stage for future books.
Short of Long Answer: Cover Art, Title and/or Author. =)
Maureen says
This is a great question…As I am pretty new to Cozy Mysteries…I must admit the Cover Art was what I looked at. If it had a Dog, or food…I’m in, lol…Now that I have my footing…I am drawn to my favorite authors…Like a few others here…I am not fond of the Cartoon-like covers….Mystery was my first love..and then I went with Romance…Now, tho…I can’t imagine life without Cozy Mysteries…Mary Roberts Rinehart was my favorite back in the day…Happy day…xo
Blue says
Story content is what I first look for.
Then author.
Title and cover don’t do much for me. I am not impressed with the child-like attempts at humor or the pictures. But then I am of a different generation…a different era, and even a different century.
I agree with one of the previous posters in that so many of today’s stories are Harlequinesque. Go to the file cabinet and open plot drawer, pull one; go to location drawer, pull one; etc. So formula.
While I like to learn about different hobbies and skills, no one can beat Monica Ferris or Laura Childs. Their books have solid stories. Yes, a little bit of formula, but each book builds on the one(s) before it.
For a good strong read turn to Rita Mae Brown or Louise Penny.
Mary says
For me, author, title, blurb, then cover. I’ll most likely pick up a book from an author I read because I read them. I always hope a title is sort of indicative of the story line, the blurb clarifies [mostly] subject, and the cover is more just eye candy, or not, for me.
I feel badly on occasion for the work that goes into the cover by all concerned, because the cover is not big for me, rather like the credits after movies.
But bravo to those who do cover art and all those involved that I don’t know about.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you ALL for participating in this discussion. I really enjoyed reading (and then re-reading) all your comments.
As I said in one of my comments, I tallied up what you all have said. It looks like the cover plays a lot more important role than the title. As a matter of fact, I was surprised about how little the title seems to be for a lot of us. Also, I thought that since there are so many authors these days who use puns in their titles, people must like them. However, some of us think they have been over-done >>> to the point of being annoying sometimes.
The fact that a few of us said a cat or dog is almost a “must” on the covers didn’t surprise me. I have to admit that I like seeing those little fellows on the covers. I’m not sure if they help me decide whether or not to buy/read a book, though. One think is for sure, if I see a dog or a cat on the cover, they had better have a definite presence in the books!
As for the cartoon covers, I’m guessing those are the ones that look like they are computer-generated, and appear mostly on self-published books. It’s too bad that these same authors haven’t looked into hiring someone (probably for $100) at their local colleges/high schools who could provide a really nice cover. However, as some of you pointed out, these cartoon covers are on best selling authors’ books, so it seems like a lot of people aren’t bothered by them.
Lenora says
I read Plantation Shudders by Ellen Byron, A Dollhouse to Die For by Cate Price and Quilt Trip by Elizabeth Craig just because of the covers and ended up discovering 3 more good authors. I even printed color copies of the covers to enjoy and remember these 3 good books by.
Not into cats, but the cover art of the Miranda James Cat in the Stacks books were what first drew me to that wonderful series, too.
Lenora says
P.S. I generally read by author, but will read any mystery with a snowbound, lighthouse/seaside or storm theme.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lenora, a colorful cover can certainly help get people to pick up a great Cozy!