It is so important and something I learnt the hard way. It's not so much about how you see the book but how you want others to see the potential of the book.
For my book 'Heat', because I had such a strong understanding of how her past had affected her built the character that she has, I had a definite idea of wanting to go with a kind of lost childhood look for the cover. I felt so strongly about it and I really pushed the people how helped me with the cover for what I wanted. I was quite happy with the result but after some time I found that it was being perceived in the wrong way by my audience and not giving the message it should have to spike the right interest.
I went through a redesign process and although I was happy originally I am more than happy now. My cover still gives the lost girl feel but also show the elements of fantasy and adventure. It has been received a lot better now too.
Strong character development. For me, this is the key to a good story!
I've read good stories with poor character development which have left me feeling unfulfilled and I've read not so good stories with great character development which still cause me to feel a certain way because I actually cared about the characters and their journeys.
Now, a great story with great character development, this is when you are leaf broken-hearted or just so happy you want to smile all-day.
