My book is about 4 weeks from being self-published and I am being asked whether I would like the cover to be gloss or matt. I know what the difference is but I wonder which would be best. My book is a memoir called "Is it about that boy?"
I have checked through my many paperbacks and reckon it is about 50/50 gloss or matt.
I would say gloss and depending on what your novel is about, and the overall effect you would want your readers to be drawn into the book, once it is on the shelf. You could also go for the slight raised or embossed package. As an artist, it would be what I would choose personally. But I am only at the beginning of my own novel, and rewriting and editing chapters at present.
What is your novel about?
I prefer gloss as not only does it seem more resistant to finger marks but most trade paperbacks seem to be matt, so in terms of purchaser perception it positions a book a bit above that level, IMO.
It's really personal preference, though.
Just to add, the cover has no colors, it is black and white, with a photo of a boy's face on the front and the printed blurb on the back.