Cookie cutter covers tend to be tasteless, but some recent examples touted by several publishers really hit bottom. I understand authors are strapped for funds, but the cover is the first thing a potential buyer sees. A book is truly judged by its cover.
Go to any brick and mortar, if you can find one. (Just kidding. I love hanging out at Bookman's when in Arizona. The stores are big, friendly, and busy) So, what do you see? First, a potential customer looks at the cover, second, the back, third, the first page or two of the novel. One leads to the other. Lousy cover and the potential buyer moves on. Poor back, next please. I'm a really tough buyer. You've got to get me interested in the first paragraph or it's a no sale.
In addition, the cover should say something about the contents. For example, for Death by TOP SECRET which involves Area 51 out Las Vegas way, the background is a satellite photo of Area 51 (and the Air Force was not pleased, but I didn't take it) with appropriate type. Incident at Beaver Creek involves the Pueblo Indians and has a SW Indian motif with a graphic of Kokopelli, a major player in the spirit world and the story. For book 2 in the A Pirate's Legacy series we used a 1600-era map overlaid by the masts of a sailing ship. Probably because they were in the story, too. You get the idea. I'm not bragging. I've have some design and layout training, but these puppies had to pass muster by several graphic-minded artists. They are simple, unique, and so far, attention-getters if sales are any judge.
An author should give as much attention to the cover as what is inside. Perhaps they don't have the artistic talent, but after all the work they put into authoring a novel, they deserve more than cookie crumbs.
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