Reader Andy Hudson writes:
I wonder if you might consider a blog post on this subject. I ask because I was passing a secondhand bookshop today, in the window of which Galen Strawson’s “Selves” was displayed; I bought it partly on the strength of the beautiful cover. Conversely, I have always been disappointed and surprised that seminal works like “Naming and Necessity” present such a dismal appearance to the world, at least in their UK editions. All a bit trivial, I realise, but I’d be interested to know (a) how much effort authors invest in this aspect of publication, (b) whether it’s thought to have any significant impact on sales, (c) whether the author or the publisher takes the lead, (d) whether securing permissions is time-consuming, expensive, etc., etc.
I can report my own experience, including with my latest book. I typically have the publisher give me various choices, and then I choose from the ones they offer (or, in the case of my latest book [Moral Psychology with Nietzsche, advertised in the left column], my wife and daughter chose the cover). Publishers typically have designers on staff who can offer various options--that also moots the issue of "securing permissions." But I know others in philosophy who spend considerable time and effort in selecting their own designs or art work for the covers.
Comments are open for reader responses.
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