Knickers in a twist about Chick lit covers

July 30, 2008

Oh my word, there are some knickers and boxers (organic cotton, probably) in a twist on the Guardian book blog today. Trashionista co-ed, Diane Shipley, has written a very thought provoking piece about chick lit covers being put on inappropriate books. One of the most interesting sections of the article is the mention of Rosy Thornton’s Hearts and Minds…

Among the replies (most but not all taking the opportunity to rubbish the romance and chick lit genre), a publisher has pointed out quite reasonably, that a well chosen cover on a book can lift its sales from ‘about 19 to several thousand.’ Personally, having had a naked man on my first cover (wholly appropriate as the book was about a naked man) and it doing rather nicely, thank you, I have nothing to complain about so far. 🙂

Go and take a look – but warning, blood pressure tablets required!

Update: MTA Some really great comments now…Thebeardedlady, if I know you, please get in touch. I loved your post about superpowers…

Comments

1. On July 30th, 2008 at 5:11 am
   Rosy Thornton Says:
   

   HOW CAN some of those dreadul blokes who replied to the Guardian’s blog say publicly that they NEVER READ BOOK BY WOMEN?? Words fail me. But it was very interesting to read the inside story of that Snowbooks cover change.

2. On July 30th, 2008 at 11:31 am
   Nell Dixon Says:
   

   Interesting and entertaining link – says a lot about Guardian readership.

3. On July 31st, 2008 at 3:33 am
   Michelle Styles Says:
   

   I agree with Nell — it says a lot about the Guardian readership. There again, if one looks at the stats, the Guardian is not even the leading board sheet, and therefore wishes to appeal its market…