Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Writers & Book Covers & Choices

I've gotten some feedback on my choice of book cover so I'm trying to redo it. I have a few people helping and I'm very grateful for their ideas. It gives me so much more to think about now. I'm still not sure which way to go. On one I liked the wings better than the wings I  made.

This book is a romance involving angels. There was a great angel picture on the net that would be perfect but it would cost at least $120. That's without checking licensing. Some pictures I found, after checking the fee for book cover usage, were outrageously priced.  Most romance covers have hot guys or girls on the cover but actually, I don't want to pay that much money at this point. My first book isn't making that  much money so I'm on more of a shoestring budget right now.  I think I can generate an adequate cover on my own. (okay, make that HOPE I can generate an adequate cover)

What do we need when looking at a cover? Bold title? Eye catching background? What's your way of designing a cover? What's the first step?

I look at the cover designer that Konrath uses. He does great work and is reasonably priced. Maybe someday when any of these books generate some money I'll invest in his covers.

So I come here for a vote. Pick your favorite? Or tell me I'm totally off base here and none will help sell the book. It's okay, I need advice!





7 comments:

Chihuahua Girl said...

I like the first cover (Beautiful sky and no angel wings). The font is really lovely for this cover as well. :-)

~ Tina
Park Avenue Chihuahua

Chihuahua Girl said...

If I had to choose a second cover it would be (5th one down - bottom middle one). However, I would change it to the font type of the first, keep the same font color (light bluish color) but center the title right in the middle of the book like the first cover. Hope these suggestions help. :-)

~ Tina
Park Avenue Chihuahua

Charles Gramlich said...

Personally, I like the one to the far right in the top row. the red lettering over the wings.

Jess@Fairday's Blog said...

My top two are the 1st and last. I think the title stands out and the layout looks really good. Covers are SO hard! :)

Good luck!

Cean said...

Hello ^^

Firstly, I am a book reviewer and also freelance book cover designer. I can't help but be attracted to posts regarding cover arts. So... I saw your post on book blogs ning so I came here to comment and hoping I can help a little.

If I really must, I'd choose the 4th one. However, I feel that I should say perhaps.. you're kind of off base there. Hmmm.. in my opinion, try a different font, and combine perhaps two different fonts. Change the gradient/color. The wings are perhaps too abstract, try gentler softer feather ones. I understand the budget part but trust me, if you search deep enough, a pair of wings won't cost more than 30-50 bucks for commercial usage.

Alternatively, I'm willing to help for a small fee :)

Unknown said...

Hi! There are so many more "eye-catching" stock photos with angels and such (visit: Shutterstock.com or DeviantART.com for examples) I think you can do your book more justice by investing in at least 1 stock image with more "bang". Keep in mind that people judge a book by its cover!

E.C. Adams. http://www.thevampirecode.com

Stormi said...

I like the first one with the sky no wings.

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