Refrain from using these two words: A Novel.
Why is it that so many authors have to put 'A Novel' onto the front cover of their book? It's become ridiculous to me. I've never liked it one bit and over time, it's become a crutch with others. Look at the best-of-the-year lists. Most of the novels selected have those two obvious words plastered onto them.
WHY?
When I order a pizza, it doesn't say A PIZZA anywhere on the box. When I get a burrito from Chipotle, it doesn't say A BURRITO on the foil. It's just silly.
That's why you'll never see that from any of my covers. My first book No Net is void of that bad habit. I have two rules for my front cover guidelines.
1. Have my name integrated into the actual world of the artwork.
2. Have the title of the book itself integrated into the actual world of the artwork.
That's it.
All I ever see when I'm at a bookstore is the same exact pattern playing out. Author name up to the top, lined up perfectly...or down at the bottom in the same fashion...and the title of the book mingling with the evil words A NOVEL. It bleeds familiarity, sure. But it is monotonous by now, don't you think?
In my opinion, it sucks. I can't be the only one who thinks so...
I believe it's time for a change.
I'm going on record right here. I will never do that. I'd like to see fellow writers think outside the box a little more in the future. Take risks, have fun. Be creative!
I truly hope that people follow my lead with this one day.
Just say NO to A NOVEL, everyone. It's bad for your health.
FYI! If you want to blame the culprit of this traditional literary custom, read this article about the origins:
http://annieneugebauer.com/2013/01/14...
Rest in peace, Emily Brontë.
1818-1848
WHY?
When I order a pizza, it doesn't say A PIZZA anywhere on the box. When I get a burrito from Chipotle, it doesn't say A BURRITO on the foil. It's just silly.
That's why you'll never see that from any of my covers. My first book No Net is void of that bad habit. I have two rules for my front cover guidelines.
1. Have my name integrated into the actual world of the artwork.
2. Have the title of the book itself integrated into the actual world of the artwork.
That's it.
All I ever see when I'm at a bookstore is the same exact pattern playing out. Author name up to the top, lined up perfectly...or down at the bottom in the same fashion...and the title of the book mingling with the evil words A NOVEL. It bleeds familiarity, sure. But it is monotonous by now, don't you think?
In my opinion, it sucks. I can't be the only one who thinks so...
I believe it's time for a change.
I'm going on record right here. I will never do that. I'd like to see fellow writers think outside the box a little more in the future. Take risks, have fun. Be creative!
I truly hope that people follow my lead with this one day.
Just say NO to A NOVEL, everyone. It's bad for your health.
FYI! If you want to blame the culprit of this traditional literary custom, read this article about the origins:
http://annieneugebauer.com/2013/01/14...
Rest in peace, Emily Brontë.
1818-1848
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message 1:
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Mkittysamom
(new)
Jun 14, 2016 03:32PM
I actually believe when a book states "novel" it means not a series type book..since those are currently everywhere....chasing me, in my dreams..will this story ever end ahhhhh lol anyways..I have to admit that I don't like "series" that aren't a comtinuation of the story, but a new story just like the previous one, with a new plot and same characters. Maybe I read Way To Much.. Well at least I am learning my preferences. Thanks for the post, I'm going to read the "a novel" custom and see if I am wrong :). Cheers!
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Don't forget although there are many smart people out their.. Unfortunately .. Some aren't as gifted, we are all different levels of stuffings... Ok I feel like I did my peace.
I'm sorry, Meghan...I did not see these comments until just now. I agree with you about that aspect, series do tend to run wild and labeling your book with the tried-and-true "A Novel" does seem to eliminate an assumption of ongoing saga syndrome. However, I've decided to spin all of that around and turn it on its own head/tradition. I thought of something that no one has done before.I'm going to have those specific two words slapped somewhere on every single book I write and put out as a way to mock the industry/poke fun at the pompous people who take it much too seriously. I really don't like conventional thinking in fiction as I believe it grows tiresome and breathes that been-there-done breath on your senses as a whole. I like to spread my wings of imagination and creativity to the fullest extent whenever possible. That way, it's always exciting while creating.
Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for answering back! I'm glad to add you on goodreads!! Also thanks for reminding me, I had forgot I commented because it is actually rare that I do. Meaning I only comment if something really interests me
