Saluti da Bologna Global Rights Exchange!

As I was browsing around bookshops in Sicily, I was struck by the difference in colour, presence and atmosphere compared to some of the ones I go to in London. Essentially, this is because books are rendered and produced in different ways depending on the markets they go into. One of the obvious results is that we are often offered a variety of alternative covers of the books we love. 

For instance, The Vegetarian by Han Kang has a totally different look in its Italian version (published by Adelphi Editore) and UK version (published by GRANTA).

Think about it: what were these publisher’s ideas when they came up with the cover design? What differed in their ambitions? Is there anything that has been maintained? 

And lastly, which one do you prefer?

I find these kinds of comparisons to be particularly engaging as they encourage you to consider the publishing industry in broader, more global terms. The purpose of publishing books is also an attempt at persuading potential customers to fall in love with a story and an author. So what comes to mind in these instances is: why are publishers from different countries doing it differently? 

 

 

These are other examples of evidently distinct cover designs. Next time you’re in a book shop, come up with some yourself! And if you enjoy the comparisons, and the analysis that come with them, you might want to join the Jackets Off Book and Illustration Exhibition at the upcoming Bologna Children’s Book Fair. There will be more on Jackets Off in the upcoming weeks, but for now consider traveling to Bologna from the 31st of March to the 3rd of April and take part in all of our events as an exhibitor or as a visitor (tickets are available on the website).

That’s all from me today, happy book cover hunting!

Ciao, ciao. 

 

- Lara Abrahams