The covers of the Twilight series are a prime example of artwork that seizes your attention. With those dramatic red and white designs on a black background, you know you're in for an emotionally gripping read. Nothing misleading there.

 

Let's face it, we're a visual society. Whether right or wrong, we judge everything by appearances, at least initially. It's just a natural inclination. So getting a book cover right is extremely important, in my humble opinion, to the success of the book. 

Sometimes, though, mistakes are made. One really common complaint among authors (it's surprising how common), is heroines depicted with the wrong color hair. I hear this all the time. Another is heroes who just don't resemble their physical description in the story at all. Obviously, the art department didn't bother reading the descriptions, but what's a reader's response to something like that? Does it drive you nuts enough to make you put down the book? Send an email to the publisher? My friend's mother would.

Cover styles come and go, but once a fad takes hold suddenly all the books on the shelves seem suspiciously similar, right down to the basic color scheme. That's the publishers all trying to cash in on what they believe will entice people to shell out bucks.