If you're like me, you've struggled over the right headshot for
your blog or your novel. You may have excluded a picture altogether or chosen instead a symbol that best illustrates who you are as an author.
We all struggle with this issue, an issue seldom spoken of.
For a long time, although my hair is white, I opted for a younger face staring back at me on my profiles.
You're probably thinking: Easy for you, Joylene, but I'm not
photogenic.
Trust me, I’m not either.
The publisher chose not to have my headshot on the back of my
second novel, Broken But Not Dead in 2011. I never asked why.
Before Dead Witness was published in 2008, I almost had them use
my initials instead of my name for the same reason I used Photoshop on my photo. My books have dark themes about war, child abuse, and the
complexities of the parent/child relationship. I wanted the face on the back
cover to reflect the seriousness of my subject matter.
My point?
One day I asked myself: When was the last time you judged a book by the author’s photo?
By all means, clean up. Put on your best duds. Use PhotoShop if
you must. Your novel will be around for a very long time. Look your best. But
know that readers, the intelligent beings that they are, could care less if
your hair’s grey or you’ve got red botches around your nose or chin; or whether there’s
a huge ZIT on your forehead. Okay, depends on how large the zit is. But honestly, in the end it’s about the story.
To have a headshot or not to have a headshot?
Doesn’t matter. I promise if you want to write and publish good
fiction, you start by loving yourself. Start with that, and everything else
will work out just fine. Maybe even outstanding.
No headshot for me. My publisher asked if I wanted one and I said no. And I'll stick with that.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's okay because you love yourself, right. It all starts with self-love and goes out from there.
DeleteSeeing an author's picture doesn't affect how I feel about the story. I don't put my own picture in my self-published works, and my latest release with a publisher has no headshot.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone judges a book by the author's headshot, which is what this post is about. Although, I do like putting a face to the voice, I don't need to see the author's photo. I'm just surprised by how many authors feel the way they look lessens the value of what they do.
DeleteI just don't bother putting any on the book. Not that i care, it's just as you say no one really cares so why bother when I don't need to.
ReplyDeleteThat's the attitude, Pat.
DeleteIf you want to use one, author photos shouldn't be taken lightly. It's important to look clean and neat, and to also convey the type of books you write, if that's possible. My small press doesn't include headshots with our eBooks or print books, but I do have one for my blog/social media. For social media, I think readers like to see the author, know they are a real person. For books, I don't think many care to even look. I don't even look at the headshots in books.
ReplyDeleteI like that I'm able to see a person's spirit and character through their photo. You're right, Chrys, it makes them real. I have so many friends online that I care deeply about, yet I've never seen them in person. It's their kind and generous spirit I sense when I look at their photo.
DeleteChrys--I agree that author photos need to be taken seriously. Even if you don't have one on your books, they're important for your author page and website. Nobody cares if you look cute or young. They want professional and real. The biggest mistake I see with authors on social media is photos that show too much skin. If you use a photo taken in your bathing suit, everybody will assume your blog or website is a porn site.
DeleteGetting a professional snapshot is a plus for sure. Thanks, Anne.
DeleteI'm so glad my publishers don't put head shots on book covers. But you're so right readers not caring what those author pictures look like.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're glad, Susan. Seriously, whatever makes you most comfortable.
DeleteChrys is right that an author photo should look good and represent you and your genre. I had a fellow pro photographer take mine.
ReplyDeleteI had a reader once tell me that I looked much friendlier in person. That was when I started smiling for the photos.
DeleteI usually fly over author photos in books without much notice, but I was surprised to learn that my teen daughter knows exactly what her favorite authors look like. Perhaps that just goes with that age group???
ReplyDeleteI hope so. Although, I know what my favourite authors look like too. I would hate to have them pass me on the street and me not know who they are.
DeleteI agree with you, but still want a good photo on my cover, because like you said, it will be around awhile. Also, I do look at others and I too, want to make a good, positive impression. I'm not stressing over it, but I want to like the photo I see staring back on all those books! Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteThe good part is the older we get, the more we're going to love that photo! Thanks, Lisa.
DeleteThe photo used on my print books is one that was taken at a studio. I use the same photo for social media.
ReplyDeleteA studio is definitely answer for authors. They bring out one's best features. Thanks, Joy.
DeleteHi Joylene .. another must for me - I do not like having my photo taken - but must do something about it and get some shots taken that I can use .. 'frot' ones don't help ... cheers to you... HiIary
ReplyDeleteCheers to you, too, Hilary.
DeleteFun post, Joylene! I always check out the author's info in a book, and I enjoy seeing their photos (but it doesn't bother me, if there isn't one). I read the dedications and the acknowledgments too. I'm always curious about the authors and their processes when writing a book. I haven't had to worry about a photo for a book yet; but one day soon, I hope to have that problem!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's one of those wonderful problems we authors have to deal with. Thanks, FB.
DeleteOkay Joylene, I'm feeling guilty about my absent photo...
ReplyDeleteI suppose there will be a photo when I eventually publish "the book"! And I'll make sure to get a professional shot taken.
So the hot air balloon will have to suffice... for now. But it has a purpose, you know? It portrays me, in-transit, on this never-ending journey...
Haha, Michelle, a hot balloon is fine. Just means you're too hot for a photo shoot. "On this never-ending journey"... I like that.
DeleteYou''e so right that this is an issue that's hardly ever talked about. Last time I had author photos taken, the photographer asked what kind of look I wanted. I told her, "I just want to look pretty." Her response was "Don't worry. I'll Photoshop it." Didn't she know she was supposed to say,"You are pretty!"?
ReplyDeleteOy vey, that must have stung a bit. I'm not so sure photoshop is a good thing. I saw that article online about the models and what photoshop removed. Seemed so stupid when all those imperfects are beautiful and only serve to make us look human.
DeleteI've only had one pic for a story and that was 5 1/2 years ago. Since then, no headshots (or anything else for that matter).
ReplyDeleteFather Nature's Corner
Enjoyed your post on your blog, GB. I think you can use or not use a headshot. Happy New Year.
DeleteMy picture is all over the web, I don't think it needs to be on my book too. WItht that being said, I atctually take really good picture. I'm no supermodel by far, but I take a good pic. I think the cover art should be the focus of the cover and the story and writing the focus of the interior. If the reader is pleased, then they'll look me up and find my face everywhere. Good piece.
ReplyDelete