Gloss or Matte bookcovers?

by | Aug 17, 2015 | Uncategorized | 47 comments

In general, which cover do you prefer when reading a paperback? Gloss or Matte? I like both for different reasons… 
L- Matte    
Thank you for input 🙂

  1. sharonkconnell
    sharonkconnell on August 17, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    I prefer gloss for my book covers. They seem to be more vibrant and fresh.
    The front cover in matte finish on your book looks very good but I like your back cover better in gloss. Still, the reader is going to look at the front cover first. So in this case, with the picture looking as though it is something out of a dream, the matte would probably be more appropriate. Hope this helps.

    Reply
    • brittneysahin
      brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 12:10 am

      Thank you Sharon! 🙂 Wish I could offer both to cater to both preferences!!

      Reply
  2. S. J. Lynn
    S. J. Lynn on August 18, 2015 at 12:34 am

    I like matte finish better when the book is dealing with any sort of suspense or action. I just had a friend tell me the other day that she loves matte books with dark colors. She’s more likely to pick it up off of a book shelf. 🙂 I agree with her, though gloss is nice too, but for what you are writing, matte finish is better!

    Reply
    • brittneysahin
      brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 12:37 am

      I chose matte originally & ordered it- and then my husband said to try glossy – so I got confused! 🙂

      Reply
        • brittneysahin
          brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 1:00 am

          I like the back in gloss better – but the book feels overall more mysterious (and has a better texture) in matte … So ..?

          Reply
          • lucciagray
            lucciagray on August 24, 2015 at 10:44 pm

            I did the same. Got the matte first, and it didn’t seem quite right, so then i thought I’d try the gloss. For my cover gloss was definitely better.

  3. S. J. Lynn
    S. J. Lynn on August 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Ultimately, it’s up to you! Personally, I think the front matters the most because it’s what everyone sees first and it’s good to have it so it grabs their attention and pulls them in ☺

    Reply
  4. jmpayer
    jmpayer on August 18, 2015 at 1:59 am

    It’s a little hard to tell by from a photo but either will probably look good for its own reasons, so just go with your gut. 🙂

    Reply
  5. stephaniebaumgartner
    stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 2:29 am

    I prefer matte. I couldn’t really give you a reason, I just think it looks nicer. Maybe it’s just my preference 🙂

    Reply
      • stephaniebaumgartner
        stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 2:38 am

        I published a series (and again, as the author, this is totally up to you, and all of us are different), but the gloss covers made it look like I printed the covers myself (lol) while the matte, I felt looked more polished and professional. Again, that could just be my preference, though. Your cover looks great, by the way!! What is your book about? If you have a specific link I can read about it, I’ll check that out.

        Reply
        • brittneysahin
          brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 2:40 am

          Thanks Stephanie! I really feel the same (my husband threw me off!!)’- my book is a romance suspense. I have the blurb under the page: my novels – or more info on my website: brittneysahin.con
          What are your books about??

          Reply
          • stephaniebaumgartner
            stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 2:45 am

            Awesome!! I’ll definitely check it out! (I love reading fellow budding authors!! We gotta stick together 😉 lol)
            I’ll check out your blurb and stuff now and put it on my to-read list!
            I write WWII fiction 🙂 My series has romance in it, but focuses primarily on an inside perspective in Nazi Germany. I plan on releasing a WWII romance next year, though!
            Here’s a link to my character profiles and there are links to the books at the bottom. 🙂 No pressure to buy or anything, but I’d still love for you to check it out! Your Next Favorite Book Characters: Sophia’s War | Stephanie Baumgartner
            http://stephaniebaumgartner.com/your-next-favorite-book-characters/

          • brittneysahin
            brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 2:48 am

            As a former history teacher and lover of romance – your books sound great. I will also check them out. Be sure to add your books on my “share your work” post – next one is 9/1 – I advertise fellow authors by the genre!

          • stephaniebaumgartner
            stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 2:50 am

            Oh awesome!! I definitely will!
            And that’s so cool that you were a history teacher! I never finished college, but I’ve been thoroughly researching World War II for the last 9 years. I’m a fanatic, lol

          • brittneysahin
            brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 2:57 am

            After reading the descriptions of your books- I am super excited to read them. It is always nice to read a great book that has history in it as well 🙂 Added you to my goodreads list!

          • stephaniebaumgartner
            stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 2:58 am

            Awesome!! Thanks so much, Brittney! I LOVED reading your post about the inspiration you glean from music – I’M THE SAME WAY!! Most of my work probably wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for music!

          • brittneysahin
            brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 2:59 am

            Eventually I want to create a playlist for my books 🙂

          • stephaniebaumgartner
            stephaniebaumgartner on August 18, 2015 at 3:01 am

            You should!! 😀 I dedicated a whole page to my playlists because they play such a pivotal role in the development of my characters and stories! :X
            It’s been so great talking to you! I look forward to reading your book and watching your success!

          • brittneysahin
            brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 3:10 am

            Thank you- you as well!

  6. Karissa Thorpe
    Karissa Thorpe on August 18, 2015 at 4:41 am

    I think matte looks good on this.

    Reply
  7. Amber Dane
    Amber Dane on August 18, 2015 at 5:02 am

    I prefer gloss. Both above look good though 🙂

    Reply
  9. Ritu
    Ritu on August 18, 2015 at 10:07 am

    I Have to say I’m inclined to go matte…. Not sure why, but I think it definitely looks more polished, ironically, the. Gloss!
    If I ever get mine finished yo a standard of publishing, I’d go matte, but maybe glossing the title itself, ….

    Reply
  10. The Story Reading Ape
    The Story Reading Ape on August 18, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Britney, keep a watch on the comments under my re-blog of your post – folks are leaving their comments there as well – Sigh 😀 😀 😀

    Reply
  11. Lisa Shambrook
    Lisa Shambrook on August 18, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    I love the matte covers. I think they’re more classy and proffessional, and they feel lovely, much more tactile. I had mine printed in gloss and was delighted when they introduced matte, they look so much better! I also agree that dark colours look better matte. Still, it’s all opinion, and whatever feels best to you 🙂

    Reply
  12. L. M. Webb
    L. M. Webb on August 18, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    They both look very professional. You could definitely get away with either.

    Reply
  13. Erika @ Booksthething.com
    Erika @ Booksthething.com on August 18, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    It depends on the cover – sometimes the glossy finish really shows off the image – but I like the feel of matte.

    Reply
    • brittneysahin
      brittneysahin on August 18, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      I was surprised at how different the book actually felt with the matte. Prob psychological for me- but even the pages felt better quality! 🙂

      Reply
  14. noelleg44
    noelleg44 on August 18, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    I prefer gloss because I prefer the sharpness of the images and the brightness of the colors.

    Reply
  15. orangepondconnects
    orangepondconnects on August 18, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Matte 😀 I’ve always loved the look over glossy for some reason. And hey! You have a physical copy of your book!!!! How exciting!

    Reply
  16. lynhorner
    lynhorner on August 18, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    I like matte covers best. They “feel” better to me and the softer finish imparts a sense of mystery, perfect for my romantic suspense/paranormal stories.

    Reply
  17. Gigi Sedlmayer
    Gigi Sedlmayer on August 18, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    Even I like the matte covers better, but the gloss covers are better for colours and all the structure.
    So, I think gloss is better.

    Reply
  18. Bette A. Stevens
    Bette A. Stevens on August 19, 2015 at 1:53 am

    Hi, Brittney. Great cover! I like the glossies the best. My suggestion: I like to order copies both ways, but always end up chosing the glossy. May just be personal choice???? KUDOS on a great cover either way! 🙂

    Reply
  19. lisaemme
    lisaemme on August 19, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Is one cover curling more than the other? I was following a discussion on Goodreads and someone said matte tended to curl more. Then, of course, someone else chimed in and said in their experience glossy tended to curl more! Personally, I prefer the matte.

    Reply
    • brittneysahin
      brittneysahin on August 19, 2015 at 5:06 pm

      The one that was curling is the one I used for proofing (and my toddler spilled a drink on it!) – the gloss just came in the mail … I think I am going with matte 🙂

      Reply

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