Writers and publishers: The aesthetics of covers are not a substitute for content

Hazza Abu Al-Rish (Abu Dhabi)

Writers and publishers at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair confirmed that book covers form a visual harmony between the content of the publication and its title, pointing out that there is a close relationship between the reader and the cover, as the cover is eye-catching to the reader through its aesthetics, and he may become passionate about the book at first sight.
Abdullah Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Emirati Publishers Association and founder of Dar Al Ramsa, says: “Today there are many Emirati literary works that shine through the choice of titles and covers, and they also succeeded. Because she realized well that the cover is the key to the reader’s passion, and through it he can attract him to buy the book, read it and be passionate about it.” He added: “Covers are a philosophy that makes the book close to the reader, touching his conscience, and an important starting point to encourage visitors to the exhibition to stop and pay attention to the details of the cover and the creative touches it contains, in addition to the title, which undoubtedly precedes the author’s name, and this is what distinguishes the matter. When the cover is drafted “With high-quality professionalism, the image is more impressive to the reader.”
Al-Kaabi continued: “Without a doubt, there are many publishing houses that have paid great attention to the covers, and the idea of ​​content and content of the book has disappeared from them. The cover and the title may be far removed from the text that the book contains, and here the issue of lack of trust arises between the publishing house and the reader,” he pointed out. “True success is the creative balance by formulating comprehensive creative content that combines the cover, title, and content. Because in reality it is the trilogy of success, creativity and uniqueness. The issue is complementary and makes the reader confident in publishing houses.”
Jamal Al-Shehhi, General Manager of Dar Kuttab for Publishing and Distribution, says: “The cover is the threshold of the text, and when we say this phrase, it means that there is a connection between the cover and the text, and that it is integrated into the original, linked to its details and chapters. It is an integrated, creative, organic unit, and it cannot be absent.” One part from the other, because it will lose its creative standards.” He adds: “And let us not forget that there are many local literary works that have succeeded in choosing titles and covers, to reflect the vision of the content of the text to the reader, and to present him with an integrated picture of the creative work contained in the publication, and this is the innovation in the presentation in itself.”
For his part, Muhammad Khamis, a novelist and screenwriter, says: Covers have become marketing tools for publishing houses and writers because of the importance they carry, stressing that it is necessary to work on organizing awareness sessions and workshops to teach how the publication works, choosing covers and titles, the interconnection between them and the textual content, and that there be An exchange of experiences between designers and authors, to advance literary work, and to ensure that the creative achievement is integrated in all aspects.
Dr. explained. Rashid Al Mazrouei, a researcher in folklore and founder of the Folklore Heritage House, said that covers play a major role in attracting the reader and encouraging him to read the text. The cover is the first glance that the visitor seizes in cultural forums to find a specific title, meditate on it, and delve into its depths to reach the ideas spreading between the two covers. This book is parked in a corner of that participating suite. He adds: “We must all be concerned with the reader’s confidence, and keep up with ideas and challenges in a way that is not devoid of creative work, and for the publication to carry an integrated creative momentum in terms of the cover, title, and content that makes the reader tune in to this inspiring achievement.”