RE: Are Designers Over-designing?

I think the answer to your question is yes...to both. This is the crux of what makes a true brand winner – a marketing plan that can not only entice new audiences to inquire within but also a solid product to hold up their end of the deal. The only reason that these books may not have had "pretty" covers back in the day, is because that's what was expected. And in today's age of visual aesthetics in all we do, it's imperative that the book industry keep up. Emily Keller sounds more like a literature snob who can't embrace the new world we live in. And who knows, maybe she can bring back the style of no style at all. Because the truth of the matter is that even when no decision has been made about the design, then really a decision WAS made – some of us choose to not choose and that's a style all its own.