Comments on Anne McAllister's Blog!: Hero Appeal

Hi Lidia,I feel the same way you do, which is why ...

2008-02-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Lidia,
I feel the same way you do, which is why I don't often read the blurbs. To be honest, I mostly read the blurb to find out the characters' names and the setting. Then if they seem okay (and I'm picky about names) then I will read a part of the book while standing in the store. Sometimes I read the beginning -- and sometimes I read the last page. I don't want to waste my time if

Anne you are right about the blurbs in that many t...

2008-02-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

Anne you are right about the blurbs in that many times they are misleading and really "truthful."

I have certain "hot buttons" certain types of story lines/plots that I like to avoid. Many times I am mislead by the blurbs and then end up being rather upset for spending precious time as well as money on something that I would not have purchased if I knew the truth from the beginning.

Glad you've liked your covers, Annie. I have some...

2008-01-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Glad you've liked your covers, Annie. I have some I've absolutely loved -- and some not. I just try to forget the bad ones (and eventually they fade a bit).

I am more concerned about the blurbs because I know the tendency is to try to hit the buttons of the readers. And since I so rarely feel like I deliver on those 'buttons' within Presents, giving my own sort of story rather than the

Anne, interesting discussion. And one that's coinc...

2008-01-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

Anne, interesting discussion. And one that's coincidentally been on my mind as I've been wondering about my next cover.

I've been very lucky so far in getting covers that I like which represent the story in some way. And usually very hot heroes which make me think of the character I wrote! (G)

However, I can't remember ever buying a book because of the pic on the front. I go

I think you're right, Mads. It is a good book -- a...

2008-01-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

I think you're right, Mads. It is a good book -- and a good author -- that really makes a sale, or at least a 'return' sale.

But I must admit, it's always nice when you get a cover that makes you smile instead of cringe. I'd say I've had more of the former than the latter, which is a good thing!

Anne, The cover art on a book does influence me so...

2008-01-31T02:58:00.000-07:00

Anne, The cover art on a book does influence me somewhat but, I buy a book based on a few things. I always buy my favorite authors books even if I don't like the cover art. The back blurb has a lot of influence on my decision to buy a book if it's a new to me author. The cover art is secondary in most of my choices. I also buy books based on recommendations from friends. Thank you for your

Lidia, I wonder if that's because you have an idea...

2008-01-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Lidia, I wonder if that's because you have an idea of what you're going to get from your auto-buy authors in the line and then rely on blurbs for the others, realizing that covers really may not convey the essence of the story.

Sometimes, as an American, I feel as if they miss the boat on the blurb, that it works for the UK audience but misses some of the hot buttons that would appeal to

Would you believe that when it comes to HPs I bare...

2008-01-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that when it comes to HPs I barely look at the covers? Instead, I buy them first by author (my auto-buy authors), and then by the back cover copy.

When it comes to other books, I'll look at the covers, but still really on the back cover copy and/or the blurbs on the first page to decide whether or not to buy the book.

Cat,Yes, I think it's HOT, too! And it does captur...

2008-01-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Cat,
Yes, I think it's HOT, too! And it does capture the emotion of the book on one level. That's a great plus. Nathan K is a pretty good plus, too! I'm always grateful for good covers because they are a real blessing. They may make readers pick up a book who wouldn't otherwise. But what I have to hope for then is that they'll like what they read and will come back for more even when the

Mags, thanks for your thoughtful comments about co...

2008-01-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Mags, thanks for your thoughtful comments about covers. I agree that they matter, and it's always rewarding to have a cover reflects the book you've spent months working on and sweating blood and tears over. To say it doesn't -- or just 'any clinch' will do is really unfair. Fortunately the art dept doesn't often do that. When they do seem to, it's almost as if they've dropped the ball. I

Anne, your cover for One-Night Love Child is HOT! ...

2008-01-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Anne, your cover for One-Night Love Child is HOT! I can't wait to read what's inside.

While I would never buy a book based on a cover, I think the art sets the mood for the reader before she ever reads the first word. I have a significant TBR pile that I shuffle through when choosing something to read. If weighing between two books, I often pick the one with the cover I like better.<

I know you won't be surprised by my answer, knowin...

2008-01-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I know you won't be surprised by my answer, knowing how obsessed I am with heroes, but YES, the portrayl of the hero - and heroine - on the cover does matter.

I am attracted by covers. A bad or disappointing cover would never stop me reading a book by an author whose work I love, but may put me off if it is someone I don't know of already. So many books, so little time, and so they are