Did anyone here hate their cover?

[alisonbeightol]

this seems like such a petty issue but I have a bit of a problem. I hate hate hate the cover for my book. It looks VERY VERY similar to an author who was contracted by my pub who left to self publish her books. I have serious issues with it and worry that readers of her book will confuse mine for hers based on the cover or will think I'm trying to cash in on her success. Her book was the top seller at the publisher in 2011.
Any thoughts?

[Zooks]

Am not in that situation but wonder if you've mentioned this to your agent/editor/design peeps.  I totally get your thoughts/feelings and would express same to those folks.  Good luck.

[alisonbeightol]

I did and at first they were receptive, but two weeks later they did a 180. Now I'm kind of stuck.

[violet]

Alison, I just had a friend go through this. It sucks.

She also complained but they didn't yield. And since it's not stated anywhere in her contract that she has final say, that's that. Not much more can be done. That being said, unless the titles are similar, no one will confuse them. Are they the same genre?

B3th R3v!s' - Acr0ss th3 Un!v3rs3 had the same cover as someone's self-pubbed book about sex and love, I kid you not!

So try not to worry. (Easier said than done, I know.)

 

[alisonbeightol]

yes they are the same genre. and they are vampire books.

[bodwen]

Complain.  It's your book.  The worst they can do is ignore you, and then you're in the same place you are if you don't complain.

I once saw an image I declined for the cover of my novel used for the cover on a music compilation CD.  I kid you not.

[munley]

If you don't succeed at getting changed, perhaps your sales will benefit by people mistaking your work for the popular author whose cover yours resembles. They'll read you book and like it and become your followers too.

Even so, I would keep all correspondence about your requests to have your cover changed to prevent it from looking like hers. Probably some certified snail mail as well, in case the "similar author" complains about some infringement. You can show that you made efforts to have the cover changed and any infringement was done by the publishers who refused to change it.

Do you have an agent or rights attorney? They might be the best people to advise you.

[Tabris]

If you complain, give a bullet-pointed list of reasons you don't want the books to appear with the same cover.

1) The appearance that your work is derivative of hers
2) Possible backlash from the author who left them
3) The appearance of low production value if people think they're using the cover of her sequel for your book

And so on. If the cover is in conflict with the theme or tone of the book, that might be included too, but I wouldn't make too much of it. You need to approach it from a marketing/money perspective. The cover is just a selling tool. If they think they'l lose money with a crappy cover, they'll change the cover.

If, on the other hand, they could earn a billion dollars with a photo of my cat on a watermelon, they would (and should) proceed to do that. So when you complain, keep it all about the branding and the marketing.

[angikelly]

Had two friends go through this, one even took as far as the executive editor, and not only were the covers not changed but it caused a strain in the relationship with their publishers. So be careful in how you approach this situation. I agree with Tabris. You might have better luck if you approach it from a marketing/branding perspective. Good Luck!

[violet]

Had two friends go through this, one even took as far as the executive editor, and not only were the covers not changed but it caused a strain in the relationship with their publishers. So be careful in how you approach this situation. I agree with Tabris. You might have better luck if you approach it from a marketing/branding perspective. Good Luck!

This. My friend was very precise and no change. Only now she feels like her editor hates her, even though my friend was very courteous. It's a very tough situation, and I'm sorry you're going through it.

[MaryL]

Certainly let your reasons to object be known to your agent and editor. I know this won't make you feel any better, but this kind of thing happens all the time. Some cover art appears 4 and 5 times in the same genre within a short span of time. *hug*

[LateToTheParty]

If you complain, give a bullet-pointed list of reasons you don't want the books to appear with the same cover.

1) The appearance that your work is derivative of hers
2) Possible backlash from the author who left them
3) The appearance of low production value if people think they're using the cover of her sequel for your book

And so on. If the cover is in conflict with the theme or tone of the book, that might be included too, but I wouldn't make too much of it. You need to approach it from a marketing/money perspective. The cover is just a selling tool. If they think they'l lose money with a crappy cover, they'll change the cover.

If, on the other hand, they could earn a billion dollars with a photo of my cat on a watermelon, they would (and should) proceed to do that. So when you complain, keep it all about the branding and the marketing.

Brilliant points, T. I would add, they are looking to maximize money spent, (already allocated for the previous author) and capitalize on the the similarities. I would NOT let them know your emotions under any circumstances.
**Update**
I just re-read Mike Nappa's essay, "The Gatekeepers," in the 2012 Guide to Literary Agents. He details how hard your editor fights to get your book past the P&L folks. Unless the cover patently violates your sacred values/honor, I would stand shoulder to shoulder with the editor.

[AlythiaB]

I think the most positive thing about this situation (though it sucks and I feel you!) is that you may gain more clicks on your book in the virtual search world because of the similarity and then curious readers will snoop around at what you have to offer. Unfortunately, since you already have complained and it hasn't gone anywhere, they may not change a thing. (But by all means, try if you feel you must!) Is this your first book, or one of your firsts? If so, you may not have very much say because of the fact that you're a rookie. I say that in a good way, though. One day, if you've proved yourself in the literary world, they'll bend to your will. Hopefully! Best of luck!

[ChokeCherry]

I have a similar problem with my book. The cover is awful - terrible artwork and really makes the book look like a piece of trash. The publishing company ignored all complaints and the sales have been miserable. I just pretend the whole thing didn't happen and have moved on. (Not that best answer - I know  )

[AlythiaB]

Chokecherry, what's your book about?