I’ll admit it: covers end up playing a huge role in whether I decide to pick up a book or not. Sure, “don’t judge a book by its cover” is completely valid. But when you’re going through 10+ books a month, the little things (like cover design) do help narrow down what you want to focus your time on.
So what about book cover models? Are we fans? STANS? (A bit extreme for a book cover method, but I’ll accept.) Or do we much prefer illustrations or even just some words?
hi, how would you like your book cover today?
AKA GET READY TO VOTE for…
I. COVER MODELS. A model helps me visualize the main character. They also bring a book to life!
or
II. ILLUSTRATIONS. (Of scenery or people.) I appreciate the different design styles you can find from artists’ work on a cover. And an illustration kind of fits with a book–it’s not quite real, not quite make believe. Created from someone’s mind and brought to life for this specific book!
or
III. JUST TEXT. What can I say. I’m a minimalist. The design is clean and matches easily with other books on my shelves!!
Cast your vote in the comments!
Book Princess Reviews 
Illustration please
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Illustrations are so nice, I like the creativity that the artist can lend to the book.
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I do think sometimes real people can look great if they’re not facing the front but generally I like to look at illustrations. They definitely make it easier to imagine the world!!
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Agreed! Illustrations are my preferred format as well.
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I think illustration??? Because it can be a mix??? Or both??? Nice to have you back!
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I would prefer illustration because there is a mix of people and scenery.
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Kinda back! I think I wrote this poll and then ran off to do laundry or something XD But more back now!
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I think I prefer illustrations or just text, I’m not a big fan of people on the covers, although I confess that lately I’ve seen very beautiful ones, so I guess it depends, but in general I like to have a nice design without real people 😊❤️
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Definitely think I lean towards illustrations or text myself. You’re right, there have been a few really nice covers with models recently though!
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Definitely text! Some illustration is okay too. But cover models are a big no no for me.
And glad to have you back! ❤️
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I’ll admit I often see cover models and pre-judge the book. Thanks!!
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I tend to like illustrations? Sometimes actual models look kind of tacky and I have seen so many GORGEOUS illustrated covers recently.
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Yes! Ah, illustrated covers just have something about them.
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I think I’d have to go with text. I’m a huge fan of nice typography and covers that utilize it well always draw me in!
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And embossed text? I can’t say no with beautiful calligraphy and some embossing.
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I do prefer illustrations. Charlie Bowater has done some fantastic ones with Sorcery of Thornes!
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Just looked it up now. You’re so, so right. That art is amazing!
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I vote for illustration. I’m just not a fan of people on the cover (including illustrated people for the most part). In the long run, the cover doesn’t really matter to me. I’ll buy the book regardless of if I like the cover or not.
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I want to say that cover doesn’t matter to me but… if I see it before I read the synopsis, there is a definitely chance I will prejudge the book. Shame on me, I know. Cover models usually throw me off a little.
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Mostly text! I love just the title being the eye-catching thing with no need for illustrations! However sometimes the illustrations are too beautiful to pass but real people is a turn off for me, I don’t know why but it just doesn’t float my boat!
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I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only person who doesn’t vibe with cover models!
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Text for me please. I’ve never liked people on covers, real or illustrated. I’d rather decide for myself how they look.
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Same! Even if I can’t build a complete picture in my mind, I still like it better than getting a drawn image or model on the cover of the book saying “THIS is your protagonist!”
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I really like illustrations
Just enough to spark the imagination. But little enough imagery to make your want to peak inside to see more of that this is all about.
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Oh yeah. That is pretty much exactly how it should be! Unless I’m reading a graphic novel, I don’t want too much art interfering with my visualizing of the book.
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I like mostly text with the slightest bit of illustrations. Something like Fangirl, The Kiss Quotient, Anna and the French Kiss, Everything Everything. I don’t like when covers get too busy!
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Yes! Those are great covers. They always catch my eye right off the bat when I go into a shop. It’s easy to see the title, and the simple illustration gives me a hint at what the book is about.
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I’m a cross between Illustrations and Just Text! I am not a fan of cover models even though I understand how important they are!
As long as they don’t show the face too much. But the Candle and the Flame is STUNNING and it shows a lot of face.
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The Candle and the Flame can be an exception because of how gorgeous it is. We need a rule breaker now and then.
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