The Clinch Cover
I was reading a book on the romance genre recently, and there was a funny section on clinch covers. You know, those covers everyone loves to hate, depicting a man and woman caught up a steamy embrace. (Sorry, couldn't resist one of Joanna Lindsey's old covers--she has some amazing ones).
As a long time reader of romance, my feelings towards clinch covers have evolved. When I was younger, I used to be embarrassed by them--probably because if someone saw me reading one it made me feel a little naughty, LOL. Now that I'm an author, I'm more in the "acceptance for those things we cannot change" camp. I think maybe more than any other type of cover they immediately signal to the reader what she's going to get (usually a sexy historical romance). And more importantly, they sell!
So how do you feel about clinch covers? Do you hate them and wish they'd disappear? Do you love them? Or are you kind of ambivalent?
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I hate them. I don't usually buy books with those covers just because I think that the romance genre is so much more than that and I feel they help perpetuate the stereotypes of romance. I do realize A LOT of people like them and that's great! They should buy them if that's what they want.
Although, when one of my favorite authors had one, I did buy it. BUT I hesitated for a long time in that bookstore. In the end, her story, which I knew would be AWESOME, was more important to me than the cover.
Hey Lexi,
Thanks for chiming in. I would suspect that most readers feel the same as you. I agree that the covers do perpetuate the stereotype of romance and it's really unfortunate. Most of the time author's don't have any choice in the matter. I know some publishers pretty much insist on them (i.e. Avon) for certain levels.
I'll be interested to hear IF there are people who genuinely love them or whether people have pretty much accepted them as a "fait accompli" so to say.
I dont like them either, Lexi. However, I do like the ones where the cover is all pretty (or has a hot guy or what not) and has an inside cover of a more steamy picture. That way both parties win. The outside is innocent enough while the inside is more interesting...
BUT oh I have to share some exciting news with you Monica, since I know you'll understand my excitement! I finished my exams (YAY all wonderful grades) and decided that this summer was the IT summer. And by IT I mean I am writing my first novel. I've had so many stories floating around in my head it's been getting a little crammed in there.
Well, 3 weeks later I currently have 28 200 words and 97 pages. And my mum has been reading it as I go and loves it. So we (mum & I) are going to the RWA conference this summer because she thinks I have what it takes =]
Will you be there?? I'd love to meet you!
Natalie,
Those are called step backs, I think, and they are pretty expensive. Avon tends to do them with their "bigger" authors. But you are right, it's kind of the best of both worlds, LOL.
HUGE congrats on not only being done with exams, but on writing your book. That is fantastic! Sounds like you'll be done in no time. Wish I could write 100 pages in 3 weeks!
I will be at RWA--it should be really fun. I'd love to meet you. Make sure you and your mom come say "hi" at the literacy signing. If you've never been, you won't believe it.
Natalie, I like those cover too, actually.
Congrats on writing and finishing exams!
And Nationals? Wow! You'll have an AWESOME time, but be warned that it can get overwhelming. I still get overwhelmed sometimes and I've gone a few years.
Monica, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the literacy signing too!
Thank you guys!
I think I can write so quickly because I’ve lived on deadlines and schedules for the past two years with college (I’m a list maker now).
So I just transferred that over to writing and make myself a goal each week and work to meet it.
No, I have never been to a signing or Nationals. I'm pretty nervous about it all to be honest. I'm only 19 and it's a lot of money for a college girl to spend! And it just seems like a huge step to be taking both in my writing and in the actual physical distance (I have to fly there from Calgary, Alberta). Luckily I have wonderful parents who support my goals =] They figure (as do I) that the sooner I become serious about what I want to do, the more likely I’ll have success down the road. And I might as well start now, it’s not like I am doing much in the summer between classes!
Lexi, since you’ve been, what are the workshops like? Are they helpful at all? And are they more of a lecture-based workshop or what?
For the book signing, should I bring all the books I want to get signed, or do you think it’s better to just buy them while I am there? Ahh so many questions!
Happy (belated) Mother’s Day Monica! Did your kids (and husband) do anything special for you?
Lexi,
Me, too! It's such a fun, crazy madhouse!
Natalie,
Just make sure to not try to overdo it. Schedule plenty of rests. :) My first conference was a blast, but I was exhausted. For the booksigning, you can definitely bring any books you want signed. I think they are only going to have WARRIOR and OUTLAW for purchase, but I'm no 100% sure.
Had a great mother's day. We did brunch and a gorgeous day of golf with the kids. They are actually getting pretty good, so it's really fun.
As they say, "You can't judge a book by it's cover." But they do catch your attention. :)
Waiting on my first college semester grades....crossing my fingers I might make the President's list or second best the Dean's list.
LOL, Jewels, wonderfully said!
I've definitely got my fingers crossed for you. Congratulations on finishing exams!! Hope you are relaxing with some good books!
Okay, thanks for the advice Monica! I will probably bring a few books to get signed, but I'll most likely just buy most of them there. It's for charities and I won’t want to read the signed books anyway!
Aw that sounds like so much fun! To be honest golf is the one sport I've never really been good at. I like puttputt but I know that's not really the same thing at all! (And I stink at it as well)! It's been the bane of my boyfriend's grandfather's existence LOL.
Jewels,
Congratulations on finishing your first semester! I hope you make President’s list or Dean’s list too! The first time I did I went on a book buying spree (it’s a good way to celebrate, I highly recommend it)! What are you in school for?
Natalie,
Note I didn't say I was good at golf, LOL. I don't play often enough, but I do love to get out there on a sunny day and hit the ball around. It won't be long before the kids are creaming me...
Thanks, Monica.
My college major is Medical Coding, Natalie.
Jewels,
Wow, I have never heard of anyone doing that, (sad to say, I had to look up what it was)!
Don't feel bad, Natalie, I have to explain it to a lot of ppl. ;)
Haha oh good =]
I did it!!! First semester of college ever...A's in both (2) classes..4.0 GPA and made the President's List..*woot*
Wish I had a Monica book to celebrate with. ;)
OMG, Jewels, that is fabulous. Much congratulations from me--I hope you are celebrating. You should be so proud of yourself!!! (And you'll have to wait a little longer for a Monica book, LOL, they are working on the cover soon....)
Thanks so much for the kudos, Monica. :)
Attended the Highland Games & Celtic Festival today.
Just a little something for the ladies...;)
http://i39.tinypic.com/2rf3muq.jpg
You'll have to highlight, copy & paste the link to your browser address bar to see the pic.
Congratulations Jewels! That is an amazing achievement!
When I was younger I used to like those covers. I was usually able to gage the book by its cover (sounds like a proverb). But now I'm older and those covers make me feel a little embarrassed. Also I got tired of the Fabio looking characters. I did not find him attractive. I'm sure I missed reading a lot of good books because of that type of covers. Your covers are perfect, I think they are classier. You get a hint of what to expect, but still leave some to the imagination.
Love the picture, Jewels, hope you had a great time.
Hey Anonymous, thanks for chiming in. I think I'm like you--I liked them more when I was younger. And thanks for the compliments about the covers--I really like them, too. They aren't quite as "in your face" as some, yet give people an idea what to expect.
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