Programmed For Pleasure
Authors (both traditionally published, and new Indie or self-published authors) know that the cover of your book is one of your biggest marketing tools. It’s your calling card, your chance to catch the attention of a potential reader and entice them to take a moment read the story blurb and then hopefully to buy your book. So I worked very hard on the cover of Programmed For Pleasure. It’s my third title, but my first full-length book. Programmed For Pleasure is a slightly futuristic erotic romance. Does my cover convey that other-worldly feeling as well as the sexual element?
The title of any book is also important. A reader should be able to tell just from the title what the book will be about. My title may convey erotica, but it’s actually an erotic romance. And the story, pardon the pun, is more than skin deep…
Here’s the premise:
Tau Cetus police agent Jai Turner is being sent undercover as a Beautiful Dolls sex robot in order to bring down the planet’s most notorious arms dealer, Marque Callex. The police have never been able to get close to Callex, and Jai’s assignment is to use her sexual skills to satisfy Marque, and to coax information out of him on his illicit weapons dealings—information that will lead to his conviction.
Notoriously reclusive arms dealer Marque Callex only accepted an invitation from Beautiful Dolls because he needs a little stress relief. With his deadly line of work—and the dangerous secrets he’s keeping—he rarely lets anyone into his life. That’s why a week of free, no-commitment, no-holds-barred sex—in return for giving Beautiful Dolls owner Anson Carron feedback on how his newest model of sexbot performs—is perfect for him.
But neither Jai nor Marque are what they seem, and their week together has consequences neither expect.
What do you think? Have I created an attention-grabbing cover with my heroine’s starburst blue eyes and too-perfect robotic face? Does the title convey what the book is about? Is my premise interesting enough to entice a reader to want to buy the story? And do you agree that these elements are important in marketing a book?
Let me know what you think! I’ll be giving away a free copy of Programmed For Pleasure to one commenter chosen at random. 🙂
Jenna
www.jennaives.com
Comment
Yes you did & I agree.
Comment
The eyes really grab your attention. The premise has me wanting to know what’s going on and what the secrets are.
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
Comment
HELLO JENNA
YOUR COVER SAYS ALL THAT. THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMEN LOOKS LIKE SHE CAN HYPOTIZE ANY MAN THAT COMES HER WAY. SHE IS DETERMINE TO DO HER JOB AND GO BEYOND, WITH THAT ALLURING LOOK ON HER FACE 😆 😀
Comment
I thought it was right on the money and I can’t wait to read it bibbiesparks@yahoo.com.
Comment
The cover definitely catches attention and I was curious enough to read more. I’m adding this one to my interested list.
Good luck with the new release.
Comment
Thanks for the positive feedback, everyone! I’m glad you think I did a good job with the cover, title and blurb 🙂
I’ll pick a winner for a free copy of the book at the end of the day.
And thanks so much to Delilah for letting me be with you today!
Jenna
http://www.jennaives.com
Comment
Hi Jenna! I think you hit the trifecta! Congratulations on your newest release!
Comment
I have always enjoyed the idea of good versus bad, ie cop versus arms dealer. It adds a bit of spice. And a sex doll? Letting the man take control is awesome! Love the cover too!
cc_clubbs at yahoo dot com
Comment
Hmmmm. This sounds like something I want to read. I will look for it.
Comment
A very striking cover, it looks like it captures the story beautifully. Congrats on your first full-length novel and good luck with the release!
Comment
Jenna, you are a “new to me” author and the cover of a book is the first thing that usually grabs the readers attention. I know if does for me. I look forwarding to checking out this series. Thank you for sharing and happy writing!
Comment
I’m so happy to hear that everyone likes my cover! Thanks everyone for your feedback :)\
If you’d like a chance to win a copy, be sure you include your e-mail addy with your comment!
Jenna
http://www.jennaives.com
Comment
I’m a huge fan of futuristic romance, and this story sounds awesome. I’m off to buy it right now because I want to support you! Good luck with it!
Tanya
Comment
Love the cover and the content makes me want to read it!! ❗ Yeah a new book for me to read 😉
Comment
Thanks Tanya and Ronnie 🙂
Jenna
Comment
VERY effective cover. Realistic enough so we believe that in a future time such robots are feasible, but just artificial enough so that it creates an alien effect. Just a little creepy in a good and intriguing way. Good work.
Comment
well Ms. Ives I went to your site and I agree,the cover is perfect,because she does look like a lifelike person,but almost to beautiful to be real so I can see where he would believe she was a sex doll.I have a feeling that secretly he is a good guy oh I sure hope so,because after reading the snippet and seeing the cover and I lover paranormal and futuristic novels,specially if they are streamy that I went ahead and bought the book on the spot.With around 200 pages I should easily be able to finish it tomorrow,I will review it on Amazon and If you have a web page or blog or even a facebook page I will send you a copy of the review,if not you will find it on Amazon by the first of next week,this looks so good I don’t think that its going to be on my to be read list past tonight,it looks to interesting and I can honestly say this is a new idea,in all the books Ive read (a book a day) Ive never seen one with this idea so this should be a very good reading experience. Thanks for coming on Delilahs blog otherwise it might have been years before I heard about you,but I always check out the authors on Delilahs blog and have never been disappointed yet in an author that she has recommened!! my email is zanarigrandma@gmail.com Thanks
Comment
Love finding new books to read. cant wait to read this one. Adding this book to my buy list.
lauratroxelatyahoodotcom
Comment
That cover sure grabbed my attention. She looks like she’s programmed to seduce and subdue any male human who comes her way. One doesn’t know whether to pity or envy the poor guy.
Comment
Sounds very interesting & I like the cover it’s very cool and I would definitely read your story.
Also, Delilah loved “Shattered Souls” just finished reading it. It was my first of your books and now I want more please. 🙂
Comment
WOW! The support from everyone here has been amazing! Thank you all so very much!!
Jenna
http://www.jennaives.com
Comment
I love this cover! You know what they say…a picture is worth a thousand words.
Great balance, and it makes me want to read the story…in fact, I think I better go order it now.
Comment
Your cover and blurb are definitely eye-catching. I completely agree with you: the cover and blurb must hook the reader. Great post.
Comment
What a great imagination you have. I think that the cover is beautiful. Because the cover is uncluttered, the face clearly shows the robotic features.Yes, it shows it will be a futuristic story. Well done. anpa@gmail.com
Comment
Sorry, always forget the e-address…
elewkf1 at yahoo dot com
Comment
Wow, Jenna! I’m definitely intrigued, and I like the look and feel of the cover! The image gives us a feel for the storyline–great hook in itself!
Comment
Love the cover! It does convey a futuristic, droidy vibe, but not in a gritty “Blade Runner” way. I also like the blurb. You’ve got a lot of elements that always hook me…mistaken identity, rogue hero…sex! Well done.
Comment
I would say yes, but if a human is to pass as a robot they must have made big strides in robot animation in the future, so yes it would be interesting to read about he can fool him.
Comment
Thank you everyone for your positive comments on the cover, title and blurb for my new release Programmed For Pleasure!
Susan W. has won a copy of the e-book, and I will contact her directly!
Thanks again to Delilah for letting me blog for you guys, and you can visit my website if you want to read an excerpt from Programmed For Pleasure 🙂
Best,
Jenna
http://www.jennaives.com
Comment
The cover is perfect for what you want to achieve and the title definitely caught my attention, the blurb on top made me add this to my wishlist 😀
Comment
Thank you so much Jenna! I can’t wait to read and find out more about Jai and Marque!
Susan