On: The most interesting book cover designs are often ...

[ghaff]

I think, outside of some classic-looking hardbound books, too simple a cover--e.g. #2--from an unknown author would scream low-rent work. It's totally unfair. I sort of hate having to get a decent cover design for a book that's going to be mostly digital downloads. But I sort of feel I have to do something.

[loughnane → ghaff]

For sure to some people, but not others. That second example is hackett publishing and their sparse look is recognizable to some.

Reminds me of https://xkcd.com/993/

[a1o → loughnane]

There are definitely brands owned by the market itself that does that nowadays.