I'm well on my way through revisions on my first contemporary romance, Unwritten Rules, so it's time to start experimenting with cover designs. I've put together three preliminary mock-ups and am looking for your feedback.
Based on the blurb (below), which cover best embodies the tone and content of the story? Which would make you want to buy the book? (If nothing would make you want to buy this book, now would be a good time to mention that, too!)
Do you like the colors and images?
Do you prefer to see characters on book covers or just settings?
If you like figures, do you prefer to see their faces or just bodies?
Which fonts do you like best?
I'd really appreciate any input you might have!
Here's the blurb:
Things aren’t going Madelyn Li’s way. Her bodyguard
agency is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, her grandmother keeps hatching
plots to marry her off, and someone is trying to kill her latest client. All
she wants is to safely escort thriller writer and former CIA agent Carter
Devlin on his cross country book tour and collect her check, but two obstacles
stand in her way: a shadowy assailant and her own growing attraction to her dashing
client.
Carter Devlin has agreed to accept the beautiful and determined Ms. Li as a bodyguard primarily to appease his publisher. After all, who would want to kill a beat-up, retired ex-spy on a book tour? But when the attacks turn deadly, he soon learns there’s more to Madelyn than a pretty face and tempting body. Will the spark become a flame before a killer snuffs it out?
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| #1 |
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| #2 |
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| #3 |
Hi Alison,
ReplyDeleteI like the second cover best. I like that you can't see her face, which gives the reader the ability to think of what she looks like. And I like the skyline. It seems more dangerous and exciting than the bridge.
Tami
Tami, this is my favorite, too, although I'm not sure about the font. The story begins and ends in Chicago, so the skyline sets just the right tone. I also usually prefer not to see characters' faces unless they're perfect - which is very rare.
DeleteOkay, here we go. You know me and my need to tweak! I love the nighttime bridge background but prefer the legs shot in #2. Is there a way to make the legs (or something similar to the legs) shot work with the bridge background. Or maybe a smaller backward figure but the full thing instead of the waist up. My two cents that may or may not be worth that much. LOL Does this mean I get to edit your book soon? Oh, I like the font on #3 best.
ReplyDeleteI was SO hoping you'd chime in here, Jannine! I love the elements in these and experimented with a few combinations but not all the possibilities - by far. The story is set in both Chicago and San Francisco, so both backgrounds are appropriate, as well as eye-catching. Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'll try them out and see how they look!
DeleteI'm probably 3/4 of the way through the revisions, so expect to hear from me about the edits soon!
I like #3. The cover is crisp, and the blue/red combo is great. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. I wanted something that would pop in the tiny thumbnails on Amazon.
DeleteCover #2!
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely in the majority, Nan!
DeleteCover #2 by all means! It fits the blurb better than cover #1. I don't care for cover #3 because I don't like faces on my covers, as I prefer to imagine the characters on my own with the writers description. Cover #1 doesn't lend to the woman being a bodyguard.
ReplyDeleteCover #2 does have that sassy air - much like the book!
DeleteOkay multi-talented Alison... I like the nighttime background and font of #1 and the model in #2. The imagination soars...
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck in your new ventures!
Thanks, Debbie. I'm going to try a few more combinations of these elements. Those legs are a definite winner!
DeleteI like number 3. Without knowing the story, I can know the heroine is oriental and can handle a gun. The background says big city.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Brenda. #3 does give the most information about the story. I'm just not sure it will attract as wide an audience as #2. People (me included) seem to love those legs!
DeleteI'm sorry to be slow with this--you've gotten lots of great responses. But I, too, like cover #2--although the colors do pop on #3. But, mostly, I love your blurb. Holy moly, wish the book was out now--I'd pick it up in a heartbeat! Good luck with this--whichever cover you go with, it'll be great!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence on the blurb, Liz! This is a really fun story, and I tried to bring that out.
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