I read an article recently. I know, I know. What’s the world coming to?
Just kidding. I actually read articles all the time. Some are just more interesting than others.
This particular article was about trends in romance book covers, and it got me to wondering whether or not they were right. Let’s face it. Not everything claimed in online articles is true. Which is what brings me here – asking the experts (you fabulous Inspy Romance readers!) for their input.
Among the battling trends in romance book covers is the style of artwork on the cover. Some covers utilize photographs in their covers, while others employ illustration techniques instead.
We have a couple of Inspy Romance authors who have covers in both categories – me included.
Here you can see four of my covers: An Informal Affair and Skye both use photographic covers (although Skye utilizes some watercolor techniques that give it a bit of a hybrid feel) while Nowhere for Christmas and Definitely both use illustration as the primary technique. (Just in case you’re confused – Definitely was previously released in the Once Upon a Laugh box set with a different cover. It will be out soon with this new cover.)
Next, you can see two of Valerie Comer’s newest books: The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker and Raindrops and Radishes.
And just because three is a great number, here is another author who has utilized both photographic and illustrated covers. Take a look at Elizabeth Maddrey’s Pathway to Peace and A Heart Redirected.
So now that you’ve seen some examples of the different styles of covers, I want to hear what you think. Which style of cover do you prefer? Which one draws your eye and makes you want to pick the book up? Do the different cover styles tell you anything about the books? Do you have any preconceived notions about a romance with an illustrated cover versus one with a photographic cover?
Comment below with your answers, and one commenter will be randomly selected to win a $5 Amazon gift card.
Thank you for stopping by Inspy Romance today, and happy reading!
Heather Gray loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped. Despite their different lives and situations, Heather’s characters have something in common. They're all flawed...but loved anyway.
I do think that the illustrations stand out. The covers look clean and fresh.
Honestly I prefer the photographic covers, but mostly covers don’t influence me that much …unless it shows that it is about something that doesn’t interest me or that I am offended by. Like the Love Inspired line has been putting out more Amish books, and they just don’t hold my interest like most regular LI books do. Or lately there have been a couple that I could tell I would not be able to relate to or get into by the characters shown on the cover.
Hi Heather, hmm, I wonder who decides/how certain covers become a trend… I think there is a place for both types. I love the illustrated covers- they have a sense of whimsy I think. The photographic covers project more of a sense of reality… not sure if that makes sense (it does in my head lol!!)
I read books with both types of covers- honestly, I think I am more influenced by the blurb/description or the free kindle sample chapters. It is important that the cover reflect the story in some way.
Blessings:)
I like the ones with photo of photo on them.
can I sit on the fence? I honestly think it depends on the book. For example with Valerie’s books the cowboy one I think looks good as a photo where as if it was illustrated wouldn’t have the same effect but the other series being its a different style of book the illustrated looks much better.
Again with your books the first two fit the book and I really love the Nowhere for Christmas and it looks like it fits the book.
So I would have to say it definitely depends on the book and the genre (I know its contemporary here but there are still different genres in that category). I love historical books and the illustrated covers wouldn’t fit as well unless they are done like your book Skye.
Not sure which I prefer. As long as the cover and story match up, then I’ll remember the cover and the story.
Definitely photographic covers!
I prefer photographic covers, but a cover would not stop me from reading a book unless I was offended by the cover! I mainly read the blurb describing the book to really decide if I would be interested in a book or not.
I really like covers with people on them!
Hi Heather! Can’t wait to read the answers to today’s blog. Not sure I always agree with articles I read, since I tend to think outside of the box. As Cassandra posted, I am usually drawn to a book by the title and blurb. Personally, I am not fond of people on the cover of a book – never pay much attention to how the couple looks or if they match the author’s description. As a reader, I want the cover to entice me to read the story (Elizabeth Maddrey’s Pathway to Peace) – to discover who the gal meets, to ponder what her love looks like, what is his occupation, how does he act. Therefore if people are on the cover, I prefer a gal on the cover (like your cover Skye), because will I as a reader will I be able to relate with the gal in the story?
As Wemble stated, there is a place for both. I agree illustrated covers are more whimsical, so I am drawn when I need something fun or light to read, while photographic are more real which could actually turn a reader away. As Cassandra stated, I also am not fond of Amish stories. So I would not take the time to read the blurb.
Heather Gray, at the end of the day, I hope you share what you discovered in your reading. Best wishes.
I have to admit when the illustrated covers first became popular I did not like them at all. But they’ve grown on me and now I think they’re great. I don’t really have a preference between illustrated and photographic though. I do think in most cases, the illustrated covers depict a more light-hearted feel so might not be appropriate for some novels. However, as in the case of most generalizations, it might depend on the illustration and the particular novel.
Love romance, some covers are sweet, some sensual, I like covers with good taste, they do help sell books too.
I actually like both, but lean more to the illustrations, as I prefer to utilize the authors descriptions of the characters. Not all photographs fit the descriptions 100 percent of the time. I love Valerie Comer’s covers for the Farm Fresh series, Hanna Sandvig did a fantastic job on the covers! I also like Elizabeth Maddrey’s covers exampled here. Marion Uekermann does awesome covers, really get a feel for the story too!
I like variety, so both have their own appeal.
I will say at first glance the photographic covers seem like more “serious” subject matter and the illustrated ones make me think I’m in for a more lighthearted read. Sometimes that’s true other times not, so stereotyping books by their covers can be totally misleading.
I do enjoy pretty covers, whichever style is chosen, and appreciate the effort that authors put into them. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve missed a good book because I’ve seen some covers that are so poorly done, but I guess that’s another topic :)
I tend to like the illustrated covers the best, but I read the blurb to see if the book interests me. The blurb tells me about the characters and their conflict, and that is what I use to decide what I read. I have enjoyed the thoughts shared here, though.
You’re right on the cowboy cover – I knew I wanted a photo cover there, but never even tried to imagine it illustrated! It would have been very very different, for sure.
I love Heather’s Nowhere for Christmas cover. It does suit the story, and it’s one of my favorite Christmas standalones.
That’s one of the benefits of an illustrated cover – that the illustration can match the characters exactly! But the same can be said of a stock-photo-based cover. For the Garden Grown Romances (part of Arcadia Valley Romance) we chose the images and had the covers done in advance, so I often kept the book cover up on the side of my screen so I could describe the characters accurately! Same with my newer cowboy series – the covers are done before the books are written. Of course, they don’t include the heroine, but I always have her in mind, too, from a stock photo site!
Just looking at the samples Heather picked for this post, there are almost as many photo styles for covers as illustrated styles. So many options!!!
Thanks for giving my covers a shout-out, Heather! My daughter, Hanna Sandvig at Book Cover Bakery, has done most of my covers to date. All the illustrated ones, plus the stock photo Garden Grown Romances in Arcadia Valley. For my Riverbend novella series and Christmas in Montana, she took the photos as well as embellishing and creating the covers. I’m working with Lynnette Bonner on the Montana Ranches series because my daughter decided she preferred not to do photographic covers any more – I have her blessing LOL.
I know my fully illustrated covers have won me some fans, for sure, but on the other hand, some people have told me they look like children’s books, and I’ll never know how often they’ve been dismissed without a second thought because the potential reader didn’t care for the style.
It is impossible to please everyone (including myself on different days) so covers are tricky to get right! But I think most of us agree when they are really, really wrong!
I adore illustrated covers. They immediately grab my eye and depending on how I think the cover designer did, will guarantee I’ll read that book. I may not get to it right away but it’ll go in my shopping basket. :)
I’m a little more picky when it comes to photographic covers. I look at the mood it conveys, the image, and if I can tell it was photoshopped or not. If all of those are well done, then I’ll buy it because I buy books based off covers first.
I have recently noticed the illustrated covers. With so many choices of stories out there I gravitate towards the photo covers. I guess for me it is a stereotype that the other artsy types of covers. In my mind I guess I thought they were more of a comedy type of feel. That was my first instinct when I noticed them. Based upon this I will give them a second look now. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
I personally love both styles you have pictured in this post. I think Definitely and Nowhere for Christmas fit so well with their covers. I really don’t care much about covers if I know the author.
If I don’t know the author style I might think the illustrated cover is more young adult style than contemporary romance, but I’d still read the blurb and reviews to be sure.
I am drawn to certain colors. If a cover grabs my attention then I will look further. I don’t care if it’s illustrated or a photo.
That being said, if the cover is on a book of an author I’ve read before and enjoyed it won’t matter what it looks like. I will still read the blurb then the sample and go from there.
I tend to like covers that utilize photos, but illustrated covers can be a nice change. I know that puts me on the fence.
I tend to prefer photos, as I like having clues of what the characters may look like (I used to get really upset back in the day when the hero on a cover had blond hair, and the description inside said he was dark-haired! I wondered if the cover person ever bothered to read the book!)
One thing I’ve noticed besides the photo or illustration that attracts me is the font used! An attractive font will make me look twice. Don’t ask me why!
And books that have a real amateur-ish looking cover do not attract me.
Good post. I like both styles of covers. I have recently started reading cozy mysteries with animals and country settings, and I find the illustrated cover not only nice but it identifies it to me as a cozy. I do like photographs for historical romance, I can see the lady in my mind better as I read the story.
Definitely photo covers for me, but then, I also prefer realism in artwork. Always have.
I like the chick lit style cover!
I LOVE THE PHOTO’S ON THE BOOKS THEY ALL LOOK LIKE GREAT READS!
I actually love the illustrations on some covers. They look fresh and crisp. Thank you for sharing.
I love both, but I admit the illustrated covers draw my eye more. I haven’t done any illustrated covers for my books yet, mainly because of the cost of commissioning quality artwork. Ouch!
My reader expectation – as several other readers stated, would be a lighter, more rom com read with the illustrated covers.
Kelly, above, cinched it for me – When I see illustrated covers, I think “chick-lit,” which I love, by the way. I think light-hearted romance, humor, and a definite HEA. But some photographic covers portray that, too. I’ve seen some Western and Amish covers that turned me completely off because the characters did NOT look era-appropriate, or even Amish – we have a large Amish community in our county, and the ones I know would laugh at the designer’s idea of “plain!” LOL!
I like photos. If something is mentioned about the characters (their hair, eyes, etc.), I flip back and forth to get that image in my mind.
I do love photos, but I also love Nowhere for Christmas, plus Valerie’s illustrated covers and Elizabeth’s Peacock Hill covers. It really depends on the book and what fits the story best. I just like covers to depict the people (if photo’s are used) or something about the book/people if illustrated.
I love illustrated covers!
I personally prefer the photographic covers because it gives me a face to the main characters and I can get more into the story.
Photos for me! I lean more towards the author…than cover!
Thank you for stopping by today, Mary, and for sharing your input!
I’m glad you could stop by today Cassandra! Thank you for sharing your opinion! And you’re right – some covers make the story/genre so clear that you know immediately if you want to pass on it or pick it up and read the back.
Ha! That’s an excellent point. I don’t know who decides what the trends are, but it seems that once one person says it, everybody else follows suit. :-)
And I hear you – a well-written blurb that truly represents the story is key!
Thank you for stopping by, today, Brenda, and giving your input!
Ha! You’re right – if I try to think about an illustrated historical cover, I twitch behind my right eyelid. :-)
And thank you – I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the books!
So true! No matter how great the cover looks, if it doesn’t fit the story, it’ll end up being forgettable (or memorable in a bad way).
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion, Leonie!
I think you’re the third person who’s mentioned that the blurb is more important than the cover. (Which is kind of different than what authors are taught in the industry. We’re generally told that no one will look at the blurb unless the cover captures them first.) I’m so glad you could visit today and be a part of the conversation!
Thank you for visiting us today, Rosalyn! I’m glad you could join in the conversation!
Thanks so much for spending time with us today, Renate! I, too, like a cover that leaves room for my imagination to finish coloring in the picture that the story represents. But then, my imagination’s almost always on overdrive, so I kind of thought that was just me. :-) You’re right on point about Elizabeth’s Pathway to Peace cover – it hints at the story while leaving room for the reader to fill in the rest of the mental image.
Illustrated covers make me think of a more lighthearted story, too. I’m not 100% sure that that’s always the case, but it’s the feel that I get from them. You’re entirely correct, though, that it really does depend on the illustration – some are whimsical, while others are downright frightening. It’s important that a cover, whether photographic or illustrated, match the genre so that readers don’t find any unpleasant surprises between the covers. :-)
Thanks for stopping by today, Jimette, and sharing your opinion!
I’m so glad you could visit today, Jackie! Thank you for sharing your input!
Hi Linda! I’m glad you could stop by the blog today and share your input!
I agree – illustrated covers tend to make me think it’ll be a more lighthearted read, at least in the romance genre. That’s not always the case, though. And honestly, I’ll stop and give a second look to any book whose cover grabs my attention – regardless of style. :-)
Thanks for stopping by today, and for sharing your thoughts, Marcia!
Ha! You’re so right, Valerie! We can’t please everyone. I kind of figure the mark of a good cover is when I can look at it a year or two after release and still smile. :-)
You raise an interesting point, Priscila. You’re right that a lot of young adult fiction utilizes illustrated covers. It’s good to know, though, that an author’s reputation is an important part of selling books, too! :-)
I’m the same way with colors! Certain colors always draw my eye and make me take a second look. The colors rarely have anything to do with the stories, but they sure do grab my attention.
The fence is a perfectly acceptable place to be, Merrillee! :-)
I like the picture ones best.
I love the photographic covers because it gives my brain the imagery and feel of how things look very specifically!
Thank you for stopping by today, Paula! It can be hard to find photographs that perfectly match the characters. I do things a little bit like Valerie does. Sometimes I have my cover model picked out first (even if I don’t have the cover done yet), and sometimes I’ll go back after the cover has been completed and will tweak a few descriptions in the book so that I can work in the outfit that the cover model is wearing. Things like that aren’t quite as important in today’s world where the e-book reader doesn’t see the cover every time they pick up the book, but I still get a little thrill when I know that I can put that cover inside the pages of the book somehow. :-)
Do I see plans for a series with illustrated covers in your future Toni? ^_^
Yay! I’m glad you’re willing to give them a chance Karen! It may be true, though, that some of the romances with illustrated covers tend to fall more into that “lighthearted” feel. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are comedic. I hope you find one that you enjoy! :-)
One of the reasons I finally decided to start hiring someone to do my covers (rather than doing them myself) is that I don’t have the skills necessary to manipulate fonts and do all those fun and exciting things with fonts that I see on other people’s covers. You’re right – regardless of cover style, font matters! (I’m sure there’s a hashtag out there somewhere to that effect.) :-)
I agree! Photographic covers are a must for historicals! I’ve seen some fun, illustrated cozy covers, too. All in all, I think it’s about having a cover that conveys the genre and at least hints at the story.
Ha! I like black and white photography. I love Ansel Adams and photographers along that same vein . There’s something amazing about the way that good black and white photography captures light and life. I can’t quite see myself going that route for my book covers, though. I’m pretty sure my books would never make it onto the book shelf. ^_^
Thank you for stopping by today, Kelley, and for sharing your thoughts with us!!
I’m glad you could visit the blog today, Sarah, and take part in the conversation!
I love the way you described the illustrated covers, Lucy! Fresh and crisp. I think that suits them. :-)
“Lighthearted” does seem to be the running theme. Others have mentioned that illustrated covers make them think of YA or cozy mysteries. It’s interesting how we all come to books with different preconceived notions! :-)
Oh, that’s funny! I’ve never stopped to think whether or not the covers we put on Amish books are even remotely authentic.
I’m definitely seeing a trend, though – illustrated = lighthearted. For the most part. Nothing’s ever 100%. :-)
That’s an interesting point, Linda! I was thinking that, with the advent of e-books, people wouldn’t pay as close of attention to the cover once they start reading. With a print book, you see the cover every time you pick it up, but with an e-book, you really only see that cover when you buy the book and when you look in your library. I’ve been glad of that sometimes when I’ve read a book where the main character in no way matches the image on the cover. I don’t come across that often, but when I do, it always gives me pause.
Thank you for stopping by today Andrea! You’re so right – there are some great illustrated covers out there. There are some great photographic ones, too. As long as the cover is tied to the story (and nice-looking!), then all’s good. :-)
Thank you for stopping by today, Ellie! I’m glad you could be a part of our conversation! :-)
Thank you for visiting the blog today, Pam! I’m glad you could share your opinion with us!
I enjoy both types of covers and they do indicate genre to me. I choose books more by authors and publishers ; and then by cover and blurb. I do try new authors but feel safe with known ones. This may be a different observation but I frequently can tell which series a book belongs in by its cover , since artwork tends to be consistent in a series. God bless!
Both styles are appealing and identify the books as romance. I’ve read several of the books whose covers you shared, and think that the photographic covers are for books that are more serious. The illustrated ones are lighter. They’re all attractive.
I Love the Cowboy one. I want to read your books, but right now I can’t afford to buy any books right now. I want to / read them, they sound So interesting. Do you have an ARC team?
I like both kinds, but I seem to be drawn to the photographic covers more than the other.
I’ve never really thought about my preferences in cover art, but from the examples you showed I think I prefer seeing faces in real-life cover art over scenery or other body parts, etc. I don’t think I have a strong preference between real life pictures and illustrated ones.
Covers definitely influence my draw to a book. If I don’t like the cover, I’m less likely to read the blurb. From the ones you showed here, I like the covers on Skye and Nowhere for Christmas. In general, I like a faded or muted photo with a bold font. Artistic covers like the one on The Feathered Bone also stand out to me. I’m not a fan of computer graphic covers.
The cowboy book with his face and Skye both appeal to me.
The cowboy book with his face and Skye both appeal to me. They seem real to me.
I do love the Cowboys covers too, the guys you found are pretty darn good, lol. I like that you keep their photos up while writing, that makes perfect sense!
Oh yes, I would imagine you definitely get a thrill!! I do like to go look at the cover again with ebooks too, lol!
I tend to lean toward liking the illustrated covers more but it’s not a strong preference. Having the cover accurately represent the story is more important the illustrations or photographs. I also read a lot of library books so oftentimes the spine is what I see first.
Heather—I think all the covers are gorgeous. As long as they are done well, I like both styles. They are all eye-catching.
I like both styles. But what I gravitate towards depends on the the artistry of the book cover and its beauty. Illustrated covers can be adorable and photographic images can be relatable, thought-provoking and romantic.
I usually prefer photographic covers. The cover usually draws me in first and then the back cover blurb. But I have liked several illustrated covers recently, one is The Seamstress.
Hi Heather! Great post! I prefer photographic covers…it helps me to relate to the characters, of course… if they are portrayed :)
My Montana Ranches Christian Romance series is in Kindle Unlimited, so if you subscribe to that, they’re a free read. My ARC team is full, but when there are openings I’ll post in my Facebook group (Valerie Comer’s Readers Group) or via my newsletter. If you’re not signed up, you can do that at my website at valeriecomer.com. The direct link to the reader group is there as well. :)
Pretty covers are nice, but I will read favorite authors and genres no matter what cover style is used.
Great point, Susanne – thank you for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing your input Natalya!
Paula – I’m glad you could stop by and join the conversation! :-)
Ah – both covers have their strengths. Excellent point!
Thank you for stopping by Lindi! I’m glad you could join the conversation!
It’s so hard to capture a book on a spine, isn’t it!? We worry so much about the cover that we often forget the important role that the spine plays. ^_^
I love the illustrated covers. I think because they’re something different. So many covers used to be of headless girls and that started getting old. I longed for something more unique and these illustrated covers are unique.
I have noticed there are several books out there that have the same covers. Huh? Now I have to look at the author’s name in order to know that is the series I am looking for.
I like both types of covers, but I love illustrated covers! I enjoy seeing the illustration and details.