New Look Amazon
Amazon has a new look, at least as far as individual book screens go. The most notable change is the giant picture of the book cover that's been put up on the screen. Before, there was a little itty-bitty cover shot that you could click on if you wanted to see it in a bigger size. Now, with the cover being in such a bold position, it's really impossible to ignore.
So, what's the point of mentioning this? Well, it has something to do with the fact the covers of most POD books are absolutely atrocious. Now that, on Amazon at least, they're impossible to ignore, I think this could have an impact on sales of POD books. For example, you're browsing Amazon and come across this or this. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be running in the opposite direction before I'd even scroll down to see what the reviews have to say. Not because covers, per se, are important to me, but because if the publisher is producing books with such shoddy covers, why should I expect the content to be any better?
Of course, if this does have an impact, it won't be huge. After all, most POD books are sold to family and friends, or not at all. If you're a POD author and have any ambitions beyond that, though, at least make an effort to get a decent cover on your book.
So, what's the point of mentioning this? Well, it has something to do with the fact the covers of most POD books are absolutely atrocious. Now that, on Amazon at least, they're impossible to ignore, I think this could have an impact on sales of POD books. For example, you're browsing Amazon and come across this or this. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be running in the opposite direction before I'd even scroll down to see what the reviews have to say. Not because covers, per se, are important to me, but because if the publisher is producing books with such shoddy covers, why should I expect the content to be any better?
Of course, if this does have an impact, it won't be huge. After all, most POD books are sold to family and friends, or not at all. If you're a POD author and have any ambitions beyond that, though, at least make an effort to get a decent cover on your book.
2 Comments:
Did you know that John Grisham self-pubbed his first novel, A Time To Kill? He actually sold books from the trunk of his car in Memphis.
Today, if you can find an original copy (assuming it's still holding together from shoddy bindings) its value, if signed is greater than five grand!
Ron
Oh my. *blinking* Why bother with cover art at all? I went e-book and POD, but I love my cover. Working on the second one now. If I could only get my cat to cooperate. Don't ask.
Grins*
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