Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen A. Wyle on March 3, 2012 at 12:15pm

Deni -- I design with online sales in mind, so anthing like normal print would get lost in icon size. If I kept the photo as the basis for the cover, I think "a novel" would be a good addition. However, I've reluctantly decided that the photo -- especially with this title -- suggests inspirational literature of some kind (fiction or nonfiction) -- so I'm starting from scratch. I'll probably hire someone who's good at finding good royalty-free photos, and get images that suggest three different ages of one of my characters (this makes sense in context :-) ).

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on March 3, 2012 at 1:32pm

Whatever photo image you choose, take a look at some of the books you like on the screen. I went to Robyn Carr and Susan Wiggs. Both have covers that are something like I suggested. I can see them just fine, no matter how small. Amazon is about as small as they come. 

But both beg the question? Are we bold enough to put our unknown-ish names in BIG letters at the top?

Makes me smile to think about it!

Good luck with finding new photo. I read something the other day (horrible with the where and when - sorry) wherein an author spoke of finding the correct image (approved by publisher) for her novel, and that house definitely wanted something that showed the setting and some characters on the cover. Most of the books I'm reading these days are setting only.

Permalink Reply by Tyra Brumfield on March 3, 2012 at 1:30pm

I read your last comment, Karen, and I think you're on the right track. At first glance, I thought this was a non-fiction piece. 

Permalink Reply by Janet McAdams on March 19, 2012 at 8:01pm

Of these 2, I think the one on the right is more effective. I think one reason folks here are complaining that it may be a little too plain is that it's very symmetrical. The eye is drawn to the center, the title is centered, so we don't roam around much. Look at a bunch of covers and note how rarely everything is lined up so neatly.

Try moving title & name down and to the right.

I would also consider toning down the high contrast of the blue against the orange. What about a charcoal? Still a nice contrast with the photo, but not so garish.

Finally, are you sure your title is doing the book justice? It seems a little generic. The best titles are mini-maps that tell the reader how to enter the text.

Good luck with it!

Permalink Reply by Deni Cary Phillips on March 19, 2012 at 8:37pm

Hi Karen. I like the one on the right more, but also think the charcoal might be a good idea. How about a little blurb that leads you into the story. That might help the non-fiction vs. fiction thing.

Deni

Permalink Reply by Karen A. Wyle on March 20, 2012 at 7:23am

For those just joining this discussion: I've decided this cover, despite the gorgeous photo, is all wrong for the novel, which is a character-centered family drama with mystery elements. I'm now planning on a cover featuring either three ages of one character, or two characters looking at each other, or some combination of both.

Permalink Reply by Regina Y. Swint on June 22, 2012 at 3:33pm

Sounds good, Karen. I like the idea of a character-centered drama having a character on the cover.  Good look to you!

Permalink Reply by Merry Lervold on June 22, 2012 at 3:31pm

I like the second one, with your name lowered.  But... an idea... If you changed the text affect of Reflections to have the word itself have a reflection, that might be worth a try.  I wouldn't be able to say if it'd look good or not though, unless I saw it.

Permalink Reply by Merry Lervold on June 22, 2012 at 4:02pm

Here's a couple word-art tries at using the refection theme...

Attachments:

• Word Art.pdf, 109 KB

Permalink Reply by Linnea Worley on July 2, 2012 at 6:40pm

It's hard to read the title on the first one. I'd go with the second one, but try a darker font maybe.

Permalink Reply by Carrie on July 15, 2012 at 9:52am

I like the one on the right better, the regular type size doesn't take away from the picture and I love the picture!

Permalink Reply by Lexa Cain on July 20, 2012 at 7:17pm

I also like the second, though they're both very beautiful. Good luck with your book. :-)

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