Which Book Cover for Novel Re-Release?
Please help me choose. My novel Revelation, which came out in hardback in 1988, is re-emerging in a few weeks in digital form. Which of these would you use? A, B, or C.
The Revelation cover needs to give a very slight hint that something unsettling and off-kilter goes on in the story. Troubled minister, stirred-up congregation, mystical experiences. I asked that that be done with the font — definitely nothing Halloween-y.
Also please ignore the differences in size and clarity if you can. I couldn't make them do quite right.
Your thoughts on the choice?
A.
B.
C.
Categories: enhancing creativity
Tags: book cover, book cover design, cover design, Dreamstime, Dreamstime.com, Jennie Malcolm, Jennifer Walz, mystical experiences, revelation, Revelation novel, troubled minister
Comments
B, I think.
…I think is kinda where I am too, Kenju. Thanks.
C!
Suddenly I realize I’m getting several professional opinions here. Thank you, Frances!
Hi Peggy, sorry to say, “None of the above.” They don’t convey the feelings you describe. Pics are too ordinary and churchy. Needs more mystery and atmosphere.
I love your straight-forwardness, Nancy. I know what you mean, and at the same time, I may have oversold the mystery idea a little in the post. But I’m thinking…. Thanks!
I like B.
Thanks, Rebecca.
I like C. nice clear picture for older eyes
Good point, Ann.
C
B
A
Thanks, Lacy. Your reply makes a nice little design in itself.
I like the roof in the picture. I'd vote for A or B.
Thanks, Jeanette.
I did a similar poll two weeks ago on my website — such a fun process. I would think about something less literal? Maybe more abstract than a church building as the unexpected element you mention doesn't come through.
What about an object or animal or someone on the roof or in an unexpected position? Covers are so hard to get right! Good luck…
Were your views changed by your poll on your blog? I went looking for it on your beautiful blog, but couldn’t find it.
Of the three, C. Seems kind of generic, though.
Thanks, Robin. Not totally sure what you mean by generic, though.
I like A, or B, but I take issue with the lower text being right on the roof line. It's very distracting. I like the shading, leading the eye into that text. You've definitely got tension with that steeple poking the title. Ow. LOL!
That steeple poking the title really got to me too, Beth. I think that’s a wonderful touch.
Everybody's an art director, right? But honestly I'm kinda with Nancy and think there might be other possibilities. A and B feel off perhaps because the scale of the steeple is off compared to the roof. C is quite static. In the end go with your instinct; it never lies.
It’s a wonder, isn’t it, that committees ever get anything done? Thanks, Frances.
I like the simplicity of C. Thinking the building doesn't add anything significant.
Betty
And a reply from a painter. Thanks, Betty.
Greetings Peggy, I like "B" the one with the title in RED. I like the clean lines on the roof and the overall clarity of it. C looks like something that I used to see in Noho when I was at Smith College while walking around the block to Kevin & April Eastman's home down Elm Street before they got divorced… Used to see a lot of Bentleys and Rolls-Royces in front of it for weddings. Nothing wrong with "C" just like 'B" better. Which do you like? Hope you are well.
Interesting, the memories the image evokes for you, Eileen. I’m not going to give away my preference yet. I’m still collecting responses. Thanks so much for yours.
If it's gotta be one of these, it's gotta be C.
It does. I’m in love with the photo. Thanks, Mary.
Of the 3, I like # 2 best, w/ a marketing suggestion. Since the church in the book has a university / intellectual type congregation, I'd color the church roof on the cover oxidized Copper / verdigris green. It'd be prettier, classier, & better appeal to a similarly-churched & SES status Buyer / Reader. Aiki
Interesting idea, Aiki. Thanks.
Like you really need this…what's wrong with the original cover? It hints at the story: Rev -Ela-Tion. After all, the Rev is the one who experiences a type of Elation.
You have a sharp eye, Greta. I like the Rev -elation message too. But I don’t own that design or the right to use the photo; that belongs to Simon & Schuster. Plus, I’m excited about getting a new cover; it’s kinda like shopping for shoes, but far better.
Peggy, while I do like these…the contrast of the steeple with the blue sky…but it is something commonly seen across America and makes me think it is a book by a pastor about the book of revelation,
have you considered something along the title imagery I.e….hoof prints in different colors …ie four horsemen, not too apocalyptic but something more to prophecy?
Thanks, Dawn. No, I hadn’t considered that. And I may have to jazz it up — but for now, I’m going with one of these and see how it goes. Sorry not to see you at the marketing dinner.
Since I'm new to your site and this is the only post I've read, I realize my opinion may be slightly less credible than some of your other more faithful readers. However, if you are still in need of an opinion, I'm happy to share mine: Option B.
The color of the font draws exceptional attention to its chilling nature, and the peek-a-boo view of the church lets on that the story is about what goes on inside the church rather than about church itself, which I believe is a subtle, but important distinction.
Anyway, thank you for reading a green comment like this one. I wish you all the best. I will make a note to try a sample on my own Kindle. I do so love the world of eBooks.
Angela, thanks so much for your comment and your visit. I appreciate your weighing in. Do come visit again. I’ll check out your brightness of dawn site.
So great to see you over at Brightness! I am back looking around at your other posts today. I so enjoy connecting with other passionate believers who are also passionate about writing.
Thanks, Angela. And Brightness is such a nice shortened name for your blog.
Definitely B. More interesting visually, and I like the "darkness" at the bottom of the cover, presumably hinting at the darkness in the story. Font is a good choice.
Good point about the darkness, Bill. It is intended to hint at the darkness in the story. Just visited your margawriterville.com, which is delightful. Using your Hawaiian shirts as graphics is inspired — I had to go to every page just to see the shirt art.