To pick a pic or not to pic, That is the question

So this entire time you have envisioned your character in your mind, the physical features and the personality to go with it. You the writer, know exactly what your character looks like, you dreamed him/her up right? But how well does your reader know your character?

Recently, I saw a new cover for a book very near and dear to my heart, this is a book I read pre- publishing, so I had my own image of the the characters already made up in my mind and stored them there for future reference. I for one, like to put a face on a good strong character, or even the smarmy creepy, little buggers who are often the bad guy, or just a two faced pig who you love to hate. However, when I saw an image post-publishing, I thought, "THAT IS NOT WHAT I HAD IMAGINED" WELL DAMN!!

So, what happens if a writer doesn't put his own image on that front cover for you to see? Well, it's left up  to the reader's imagination to sort it all out. As a new writer, if you choose to omit the picture of a character, or at least an in depth description, you may end up disappointing some fans, later on down the road. It's a small hiccup in the process of writing, but that is what your reader's are here for. We love the detail, the imagery, the charisma and the general attitude of the character.

TIP: As a writer, decide ahead of time, if you want your reader's to use their imagination to detail your characters for themselves, or stick to your guns and put a real face to that piece of hard work you have running around in your head.

It is not always easy to create a cover design from scratch on your own unless you happen to be fluent in this particular department. I for one am creative, but I have no clue how to create a computer image and do those  tricky over lays to create the perfect cover for my own books. It is a drawback for being a beginner, especially if you are going to self publish.  If you can wait it out (the thrill and excitement of putting your hard work out their for the public) save some money up and contact someone for a price on a great cover for your book. Books unfortunately do sell a lot by the cover alone. Sad thought, that is: however people are superficial at times, and like to see what they are getting before they open the pages to great story.

All in all it is up to you the writer to guide your audience in the direction of the story. Keep writing and keep reaching for the stars. One day your baby could be on the Best sellers list!
Good Luck and have a great day!