Comments, please, on possible book cover!

Here are two takes on the same cover idea for my WIP, Reflections. (The gorgeous photo is by Nick Carver.) I have the feeling the ideal would be somewhere in between, as far as the text goes. Comments??

Tags: Reflections, WIP, cover, covers, font, options, text

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Permalink Reply by Cailin Cecchini on February 29, 2012 at 1:24pm

I would go with the second. Simple fonts look more professional. The shading and color fade on the first one looks like something I would do in grade school for my book report covers. The picture is gorgeous!

Permalink Reply by Deb Lewis on February 29, 2012 at 1:48pm

Hi Karen,

The photo is gorgeous. I like the one on the right - it's cleaner, doesn't take away from the art (which seems to perfectly fit the title) and is not cartoonish. For some reason, to me, the one of the L looks amateurish.

Best wishes in the "agony of choosing."

Deb

Permalink Reply by Vicki Batman on February 29, 2012 at 1:49pm

I like the size of the font on the right for the title. But I'm not sure it is in the right spot.

And have you tried positioning your name at the bottom?

Can't wait to see what you decide.

Permalink Reply by Karen A. Wyle on February 29, 2012 at 3:06pm

So far, everyone prefers the one on the right (which is the one I did, so I'm pleased :-) ).

I liked the idea of having both the title and the author text in the lighter/bluer parts of the image -- but that may make the whole thing too top-heavy.

What do y'all think of this version?

Permalink Reply by Vicki Batman on February 29, 2012 at 3:14pm

Better. Can see the water above your name.

Permalink Reply by Carol Hedges on July 21, 2012 at 1:17am

This is better for the title, but your author name is less prominent. I go with the original right hand side one. I am also choosing a cover for my ebook 'Jigsaw Pieces' and will, as soon as my desinnger and I have finalised it, share with you all for your comments. The main thing is that the title and your name has to be in clear font and easily recognisable and read - I am 62 and with poorish eyesight, and I found the second original the best. Is this going to be an ebook? If so, try it as a thumbnail. You soon get the idea of what is feasible.

Hope this helps. Sorry for Brit spelling, I live in the UK and we spel diffrent here!!!! : ) carol

Permalink Reply by Regina Y. Swint on February 29, 2012 at 5:58pm

I like the one on the left. The font matches the picture, to me. It looks billowy and thoughtful. The one on the right looks sterile, like a resume. I do like the author's name lower, though, where it's not in the water.

Permalink Reply by Karen A. Wyle on February 29, 2012 at 8:37pm

I'm wondering, now, whether the combination of the title and the photo would mislead readers into expecting either Christian fiction or Christian nonfiction. (The book is a family drama with mystery elements, set in an afterlife of my own devising.) Thoughts, anyone? I hate to give up either, but this may be a cover version of the "murder your darlings" situation....

Permalink Reply by Dana Alexander on March 31, 2012 at 11:23pm

Karen,

I'm a little late in replying, but I too like the one you posted above. For what it's worth, I didn't get at all that it could be Christian fiction or nonfiction. Love the book idea!

Permalink Reply by Tyra Brumfield on February 29, 2012 at 9:26pm

I bought a book the other day because of its great cover (and am enjoying the story inside). The photo here is beautiful, but the text for both is lacking, I think. 32pt. script would catch my eye, with the author's name in regular font below the title or even a blue bar across the bottom with the author's name (in white? gold? black?) and the script above. This says self-published to me (sorry) and I would probably walk away, but then I tend to be a snob about books.

Permalink Reply by Susan Sommer on February 29, 2012 at 9:41pm

I agree with Tyra. I've noticed that the covers of self-published books seem to be lacking something--not sure what exactly, but they often look amateurish. I like what you've done with moving your name lower, but overall it seems a little empty. Good covers often have a combo of photos/images or elements such as bars, borders, or other geometric features, as well as a combo of typefaces. Study some covers of books around your own library to get ideas. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on March 3, 2012 at 11:43am

I like the picture, but as a cover it's not busy enough for my taste. I think the title needs to be bigger and the image is lost in the words. Someone should write a line of praise for the book or your writing. For example, the first one I pulled off my shelf says "A remarkable storyteller." - Library Journal

I assume it's a novel? With a one word title that can be misinterpreted, perhaps it should say, Reflections, a novel. That way no one will mistake it for memoir.

You might try dropping the important part of the image and putting the title and your name at the top, maybe even on the topside of a border - possibly something indigenous to the book or the setting.

My two cents. Cover art is tough. Best of Luck!