I'm certain it's not deliberate. It's just that, with limited money to spend per cover, it's a lot cheaper to buy a stock image than it is to hire a photographer to create a new one. The problem with stock images is that, for the most part, there's no easy way to find out who else has already bought it and used it, so you may well end up using a photo another book already has as a cover.
Thanks for the schooling.That is rather interesting...
Publishers and agents say that one of the benefits of the traditional publishing industry is a well executed book cover. I wonder what writers will say to that when they discover that they can simply buy a nice image of iStockPhoto.
I find it hard to believe that after this many identical covers, book publishers are still clueless that 10% of all books now have this cover photo. I am groaning...
that's great, but nothing beats the exorcist: http://www.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/large/5/9780061962165.jpg
ReplyDeleteI reckon this blog should be made mandatory reading for all book cover designers.
ReplyDeleteDerek, I thank you!
ReplyDeleteIan, that's a unique photo! It doesn't count!
Ian, I just gotwhat you meant, and now I feel stupid. Sorry about that!
ReplyDeletenice post...eye opener
ReplyDeleteIs there a particular reason why publishers reuse these images so many times?
ReplyDeleteFill a layman in will ya?
I'm certain it's not deliberate. It's just that, with limited money to spend per cover, it's a lot cheaper to buy a stock image than it is to hire a photographer to create a new one. The problem with stock images is that, for the most part, there's no easy way to find out who else has already bought it and used it, so you may well end up using a photo another book already has as a cover.
ReplyDelete@JRSM,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the schooling.That is rather interesting...
Publishers and agents say that one of the benefits of the traditional publishing industry is a well executed book cover. I wonder what writers will say to that when they discover that they can simply buy a nice image of iStockPhoto.
Doesn't this take away business from you guys?
I find it hard to believe that after this many identical covers, book publishers are still clueless that 10% of all books now have this cover photo. I am groaning...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.Exorcist is one of a kind and no one beats it.
ReplyDeletestrength training routine