"The Night Bard" by Catherine Asaro?

Question

Why does the Australian cover of "The Night Bard" have a girl with black hair when if you read the story the author goes to great length to let us know just how golden blond the main characters hair is?

Do the publishers/front cover artists not read the story or get a description of the main character?

Answer 1

I am sorry to say that publishers and illustrators do not always read the book they are publishing. I just finished a story by the incomparable Elmer Kelton. The story is about a Confederate soldier trying to do his duty when the men under his command have no confidence in him. Yet, the front cover has the men dressed in Union blue.

When you offer your book to a publisher you should make sure they understand your concerns about the cover and any illustrations that will be depicted on or in the book.