I happened across an article yesterday about whether or not you should include your photograph on your book cover. The professional suggested that this tactic should be left only to those who are already in the public eye—who are recognizable celebrities.
I have a different take on this issue. I believe that readers want to see what the author looks like. I often turn a book over and look at the back cover to see what I can learn about the author of a book I am thinking about reading or that I am in the process of reading. Don’t you? It’s sort of like when you are on the freeway and the driver in front of you suddenly slows way down, veers into the next lane without warning or does something else out of the ordinary. When you get a chance, don’t you take a look in that driver’s direction just to see what he looks like? Don’t you have this urge to see what sort of person would behave in this way or what is wrong with him? I think it is a universal response.
We judge people by their appearance. It’s true. If the driver, for example, has gray hair, you are more apt to excuse their driving mistakes by saying, “Their old and confused.” Or you’ll decide, “That woman shouldn’t be driving at her age.” If it is someone of another culture, you might determine that they don’t understand our driving laws. You will get a look at the driver if you possibly can and you will pass judgment.
We pass judgment with regard to authors, too. What do you think when you discover that the author of a book on motorcycle mechanics is actually a woman or that a burly man wrote a children’s book you just read to your kids? Readers have expectations about the authors of the books they read and they will try to find out more about him or her.
Should you post your photo on the cover of your book? If you plan to do personal appearances, if you are developing a brand around your line of books/your persona, if you hope to become familiar to your audience and want to be recognized within your field or genre, then you certainly should include your photo on the back cover of your book. You’ll also want your photo on your brochures, website and even some press releases.
We have discussed your publicity photo a couple of times in this blog. One of the points I always make in posts, articles and books is the importance of using a photo that fits the purpose. In other words, if your book is about dog grooming, by all means, use a photo of yourself interacting with a dog. If it is a book on humorous grooming tales, you might get bold and post a photo of you attempting to lure a dog into your grooming shop, for example. Or use that scenario on the front cover in a caricature drawing and use a more professional shot of yourself on a corner of the back cover.
The bottom line for me, as far as whether the author should use his or her photo on the cover of their book depends on how much recognition they want. Sure, most of your readers don’t know you, but you want them to, right? You want them to remember you, attend your book signings, presentations and workshops. You want them to purchase additional copies of your book for friends and to buy any new books you produce. You want them to know who you are when you walk into an exhibit hall or conference.
I say, sure you may not be a celebrity, YET, but becoming an author could be a start.
On a personal note: Today, as you all know, is 11-11-11. It is also Veteran’s Day. And it is my mother’s 90th birthday. Not only that, this week, my mother’s first great, great granddaughter was born and she was named after my mother. What a birthday gift.
Speaking of gifts: I haven’t seen it yet, but I understand that The Writer has listed their top ten books for writers and authors and my new book is included in the list. Can’t wait to pick up my copy of The Writer today. The new book, in case you’ve forgotten, is Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for Promoting Your Book (Allworth Press). Order your copy here: http://amzn.to/oe56Ia
Congrats on the listing in The Writer! That should certainly boost sales.