Gary Sullivan examines book covers and talks about what works — and what doesn’t.

Some of my favorite book covers have photos of the author on them. You can say the photo below of Sexton in a swimming pool does not have to do with the poetry, and that would be a fair criticism. What works for me is the unusual tint color, the poet looking off to the side, and the oddness of having her in a swimming pool (so informal!).

Here’s another Anne Sexton book cover:

This is a book of love poems, which works well with the red-pink tint, the dressy dress and the casual lean against the door frame. Sexton looks a bit flirty and elegant at the same time.

Of course, Richard Brautigan was famous for posing on his covers. Snarky critics would say that’s about all he’s famous for. I grew up reading his work, so I’m going to be nice.