The Ultimate Romance Question: Shirt or No Shirt

Shirt or no shirt?

Seems to be the ultimate question among my romance author friends.

On the cover, do people like shirtless men, or models with shirts?

When one considers statistics, shirtless men covers sell more. Check out this report here that shows some interesting numbers when it considers covers and sales numbers.

Certainly, in romance, covers with men sell more than couples, women, or scenery (per the previous report's statement).

But the question always returns about shirtless men or not on the cover. I believe when writing erotica, the bare-chested man sells more. But what about sweet romances, paranormal, or inspirational? I believe that most of it depends on the genre, because the cover is supposed to convey the overall theme of the novel to the reader, first and foremost.

But even in non-erotic genres, why are the sales so much higher on books with bare chested men on the cover?

Perhaps the age-old mantra is still in full effect: sex sells.

I certainly understand the appeal. And some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen have the shirtless, ripped male model on the cover. One of my dear author friends has her entire brand around the washboard-abs hotties on the front. They sell like hot-cakes! (Pun intended).
For me, it's not an automatic turn off with a bare chested man on the cover. But it's not an automatic one-click buy, either. My romantic suspense novel, Prince of Solana, has one smokin' hot man on the front, but he's completely clothed. *swoon*

What are your thoughts? Do you like bare-chested men on covers? Why or why not?

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance. She's a strong advocate for autism awareness and acceptance, and includes the element of water in all of her novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, BookBub, and join her monthly newsletter on her website for updated information and prizes!

Holiday Gift Guide for Writers

Writers tend to be like black sheep. Everyone knows a writer: in the family, a friend, a quirky coworker…we’re everywhere. :)

With the holidays around the corner, here’s a simple guide of various gifts that writers would greatly appreciate, including a few items to avoid.

~ Printer paper - Reams of it. Because most writers go through them like water. Or wine. Or chocolate.

~ Ink - See paper.

~ Coffee, or Starbucks gift cards – Most writers could probably use this best in an IV, but unless you’re a doctor and can write a prescription for the needles, best stick with the gift cards or beans.

~ Pens – Something cool, unique, different. Even a different color than the usual blue or black.

~ Coffee mugs - Just like pens. Be unique (and dishwasher safe!)

~ Books – Duh! Bonus points for knowing their favorite genre. But a safe bet would be a gift card to their favorite bookstore.

~ Comfy Clothes – Bonus points for writing related shirts/sweaters, such as “I’m the PsycHOTic

Writer Everyone Warned You About,” or “Grammar Snob,” or a personal favorite “Don’t Piss Me Off, Or I’ll Kill You In My Novel.”

~ Subscription to Writer’s Digest or Writer’s Journal – precious jewels in the mailbox, that many budget-conscious writers are forced to consider luxuries.

~ Massage or Spa Day gift card – This forces us out of the house to relax our writing muscles.

Don’t Bother With These:

X Thesaurus – Every writer already has one, and every good writer knows not to use it.

X Digital Voice Recorder – Every phone has something already on it that works. My phone came with 3 different apps.

X Journals – Unless specifically requested, stay away from these! Every writer has a billion of these shoved somewhere in drawers. Plus, it’s a cliché. Writers are supposed to hate clichés.

Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas and starts you off in the right direction. Have a fantastic holiday!

Susan Sheehey writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Follow Susan at http://www.SusanSheehey.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and Amazon. Be sure to check out her upcoming release, Jewel of Solana!