You SHOULD Judge A Book By Its Cover

Social media can spark the most relevant conversations from the most unexpected sources. I recently mentioned that I like to purchase books at thrift stores, simply because they have interesting covers. I wondered if anyone had read “We Were the Mulvaneys” (WWTM) by Joyce Carol Oates and initially joked that the Oprah’s Book Club logo on it must make it worth the 50 cents I paid.

Comments came in from Germantown to Germany. Here’s how I would break down WWTM by its cover:

1. If your company or product has won an honor, be sure to call that out in your media materials. If a logo for that honor doesn’t exist – Tessera Design can create one. Oprah’s Book Club seal was a big reason I noticed this book. (Except that California and Milwaukee rightly pointed out that Oprah refers depressing stories, so now it’s a fair warning.)
2. Which brings me to the photo. It is beautiful. It is atmospheric. It is dark and dreary and should’ve told me this would not be a happy tale about a family in a rural setting. It is also simple and neutral which makes it a great background for…
3. … the large, bold author’s name. Turns out Joyce Carol Oates is a “National Book Award” winner and Pulitzer Prize nominee. Her name needs to be prominent. Typography should work in order of importance on the cover of a book, brochure or any design that includes verbiage and is a delicate balance.
4. Lastly, the title is understated, but reversed out of red, which is the first color people see, so even though it is smaller than the author’s name, you can’t miss it.

I never would’ve picked up WWTM if it didn’t have a really well-designed cover (by Melissa Jacoby, photo by Isaac John) for all these reasons. Just like most people won’t pick up your printed Sales or Marketing piece if you don’t take the time and effort to have it done well – which usually means by a design professional.

I also wouldn’t have read a good, albeit bittersweet, story and I would not have gotten Wally Lamb book recommendations from El Paso and Bay View or known that Jodi Picoult has raving fans everywhere – including Ohio and Indiana. I’m glad my friends were kind enough to share their thoughts on all of this.

Was the book worth a couple of quarters? You be the judge.