It’s Get Caught Reading Month, and that started me thinking. It’s a cute
and catchy phrase to encourage the public to read and, as a writer, I’m all for
that. But, as a writer, I also know word choice can stir subconscious
responses. “Getting caught” suggests you’re doing something forbidden or
embarrassing. Why would anyone want to hide the fact that they’re reading?
Could it be because of what they’re reading? That led me to
consider romance novels and their covers. Despite booming sales and the PR
efforts of the Romance publishing industry, many members of the general public
still think of romance novels as “those books”—silly and superficial at best
and pornographic at worst. The “bodice ripper” covers of the ‘eighties and the
naked male torsos common today don’t do much to alter those negative
stereotypes.
But readers have a right to
gorgeous, appealing book covers. They say so much about the tone and content of
the story, whether lushly historical or darkly sexy. They convey important
information about the setting and characters that helps readers choose which
books to buy. Even though there are no people depicted, I love both my covers
for the atmosphere they evoke. 
I adore the beauty and
variety of romance covers, but as tastes and times have changed, some covers
have definitely gotten racier, particularly in erotic romance. Not every woman
would be comfortable flashing those covers in the subway on the way to work. It
might not even be safe.
Enter the e-reader.
Alison Henderson
www.alisonhenderson.com
4 comments:
I, too, love my eReader. I didn't think I would, but as with so many things, once you try them, you enjoy the experiences. I was never ashamed to flash the covers to books I read. I suppose I was always "into" the enjoyment of the story too much. But I will say one of the first things I list on my bookcover information sheet for TWRP is "no naked men." I mean, it's so overdone, it's comical. Walk through the romance section of any bookstore and look at all the buff, air-brushed naked male torsos (or is it torsoes?). I prefer something more distinctive, something that portrays the stroy inside. I love your bookscovers, by the way. Simply beautiful.
I've noticed a change in the reaction of people when you read in public. Used to be (when you had a print book in your hands) they'd ask, "Oh, what are you reading?" With an e-reader clutched in your fist, they say, "Oh, you have one of those e-readers. Do you like it?" Of course I live in the boonies, so maybe the reaction in a city is more sophisticated. LOL Still, the focus goes away from the book to the reading device.
As for covers, I've had scenic ones up until my latest. I didn't ask for a hunky guy, but I got one anyway. Most people say they love the cover. I'm waiting anxiously to see if that hunky guy sells more books! If he does, I may have to reconsider future book covers! LOL
Sorry to write a novel, but great post, Alison.
Live off my ereader. Wouldn't know what to do without it. I still love print books, but when you're on the go it's just easier.
Thanks for your comments, ladies. I actually enjoy some of the hunky male covers, but Vonnie, I agree with you that they've become so ubiquitous they've lost their punch.
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