I came across this article today and thought I'd share it with the forum community. Be warned, much hilarity shall ensue from reading this: http://www.theguardian.com/books/shortcuts/2015/mar/15/kindle-cover-disasters-worlds-worst-ebook-artwork
The author of the 'But... you're a horse!' book says that sales have increased dramatically thanks to the news stories. Wish I could get that kind of exposure for my books!
Everything about the "But... you're a horse" title and cover is inspired. I wouldn't class that as a disaster.
My book cover is no saint (being redone properly. Only using the current for a week)... but these ones are pure fail. So bad it's brilliant hehe
One of the biggest mistakes self-published authors make is not investing in a professional cover. If you're going to put all that time into writing and publishing a novel, and then throw an amateur cover on it, I think you've made a mistake. Another mistake is not hiring a decent editor if you need one.
Omg, did you read some of the new cover disasters? Whorenado and Children of the Lambs are the best :3
I've mentioned this before in similar discussions, but besides terrible artwork, what's with books with multiple titles? The Wind Across My Face I Breezy Murder Mystery Book 1: The Year of El NiƱo Pick a frakking title - one title - not three!
That was funny. I have extensive experience in photoshop, so if you're close to your self-publishing deadline and want a free cover -- shoot me a PM. If I have time, I'll get the details and help you out.
Haaa. Reminds me of the first book I finished and I wanted a cover for it. I got a friend to make me a cover for it. He took a selfie, changed the color of it, then manipulated the photo so much it looked like a star burst and you had no idea it was originally a selfie. Twas quite beautiful, really.
The horse one isn't that bad (ok, the topic is creepy), but I wouldn't rate the cover as bad. Texting Mr Right mightn't be fantastic, but it's hardly the worst either.
I'm not sure it's that simple. I think the people who put their books out with these covers simply have no sense of vision. I mean, how could they? I honestly don't think they realise how bad their cover is until it ends up on one of these sites. This returns us to the 'never judge a book by its cover' argument, and why I believe it's not only justified, but advised. If these people can't see how bad their covers are, what's the writing going to be like?
Well, Candy, Blood, and Sex sure lets you know what the book is about, doesn't it. Rapture Theory's cover wouldn't be so bad without the pool ball holder.
Hi, OMG they're brilliant! My only objection is that none of mine are included. But personally the photoshopped cat / bat on the Lorellei book takes the cake. It's just so brilliantly wrong. Cheers, Greg.