Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Boy, Have I Got Martin Edwards Covered!


Sometimes, I would love to be the proverbial fly on the wall in publishing houses when decisions are made about which covers to use on books. Sometimes the publishers use the same cover in the US and the UK, but usually, they are different.

What I didn't expect when looking up information on Martin Edwards' newest book Gallows Court (reviewed here on the blog yesterday) were the three chosen covers.

There are three according to Amazon US and Amazon UK. One for the hardcover edition on both sides of the pond, and two different ones for the US and UK paperback editions. Interesting, huh?

I think this calls for a Cover-Off, don't you? Let's take a look!





As you can see, the hardcover and UK paperback editions chose to use Art Deco graphics, which I love and which fit the period in which the book is written.


UK Paperback--

The UK paperback cover is done in cool shades of blue, showing a person standing in the beam of the headlights of an oncoming car. The information-- title, author, and two blurbs-- is very understated. All in all, pretty, but not eye-catching.


US Paperback--

This is a generic disappointment. I've seen so many covers done in much the same style-- usually on books publishers deem to be of interest to women-- that they all blur together. This cover gives a tiny bit of period feel and that's about it.


US & UK Hardcover--

While the UK paperback cover is cool and classic, the cover chosen for the hardcover edition on both sides of the pond retains that period feel and stands out. There's more contrast in the colors chosen, and the slant of the font gives the impression of speed, which is important when a person is shown standing in front of a car. And-- wonder of wonders-- there's no blurb. Be still, my heart!


I think there's no doubt in your minds that I prefer the art for the hardcover edition, but what do you think? Which do you prefer-- UK paperback? US paperback? The hardcover? None of them? Inquiring minds would love to know!



4 comments:

  1. I agree with you, Cathy. The hardcover version is the most appealing cover. It stands out and really appeals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Although I'm finding out that some folks can't make head nor tails of it. No two people read the same book, nor do they see the same graphic!

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  2. I like the U.S. cover because it's understandable ot me. I don't understand the art deco covers. What are they portraying? I woould see that and think it science fiction.

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    Replies
    1. The graphic is showing someone standing in front of a car, about to get run down, and that happens in the book to one of the characters.

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