 |
| Image from www.andrewkeir.com |
But in the end, I was still torn between what I'd handpicked myself and what they'd originally offered me. My publicist said, "they are both striking. [...] I think you can't go wrong with either one." My editor likewise said, "I honestly don't know which I'd pick. :-/" And in a small poll among friends and family, the opinions were divided evenly.
Long story short: This was a bitch of a decision. Truly spoiled for choice. But as of this week, I did give Regis my final answer.
In the spirit of the book's title, I shall keep the cover a secret until its reveal. ;)
I've learned this from the process, though: In these modern days of Amazon and e-readers, how a cover looks as a thumbnail is critical to its marketing. Regardless of how gorgeous it may look on a full-sized book in your hands, even those buying print copies online will first view it as a thumbnail image. So as I tried to make up my mind between two stellar options, I was not only enlarging the images to appreciate their details but shrinking them as well to see what they'd look like online.
In the meantime, am just trying to process that this chosen cover will be appearing on Amazon.com, BN.com, and Omnific Publishing's website soon. I really don't think I know what I'm getting into here. But it's awfully exciting, and I'm just going to try to enjoy the wild ride.
I have to ask you all out of curiosity, though:
When it comes to book covers, do you think less is more--i.e., a design that's catchy but simple and leaves you guessing what the story is about? Or do you prefer more detailed imagery that sets specific expectations?
Cheers!
~ Rumer
Wow, this is great news Rumer! Even if your book cover reveal wasn't included (and when can we expect to see it, btw? :P ) Good idea going with something that looks good online, in a thumbnail -- even if it wasn't the cover you suggested (or was it? come on, give us a hint here!)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sucked in by fancy graphics, more of a 'stay true to the story' type guy. Understated images work well for me, something subtle yet surprising, if you know what i mean.
Sorry to be such a cover tease! I think I lucked out with both my cover options being fairly understated, but one of them kept teetering on the line of Is it classy? or Do I see it on the cheap rack if it's not done just right? I went with the path of least resistance. I don't think it will wow anyone, but it's classic and safe. That's how I roll. :)
DeletePlaying with the size of the image is so smart! Something that can be easily forgotten when you first see the cover art.
ReplyDeleteI like covers that catch my eye. Sometimes they're simple and others they give clues to what type of story you are about to read, be it rom-com, paranormal, etc. Too busy, though, can be a turnoff. Can't wait for your reveal!
Completely agree with you. Too many elements on a cover just gets confusing and tacky. And I would've never thought about viewing the cover options as a thumbnail if my publicist hadn't pointed that fact out to me! I still think I couldn't lose with whichever cover I chose so am really trusting my gut on this one. It had better not screw me over. :)
DeleteA cover has to look good at many sizes.
ReplyDeleteBet you chose the right one and look forward to seeing it.
I admit, I prefer a detailed cover with a potential scene from the book. I dig the amazing artwork that graces most science fiction and fantasy book covers.
I agree with you that there's some really spectacular cover art out there that sucks you into the story's world straight away--a big reason why I was so torn. My options were either simple or detailed, and while the simple automatically caught my eye, the detailed on closer look offered a lot of intrigue. Fingers crossed that I chose wisely.
DeleteRumer, I totally agree with you about authors needing to stay out of the decision but it's so HARD! My cover for Streamline was totally different than I'd imagined but totally better than I'd imagined.
ReplyDeleteI like many different types of covers so it's hard to choose. I don't like cheesy shirtless bohunks or covers that are too busy.
It IS so hard, Jennifer!!! That's why I finally cut myself off or it would have gone on forever. I started to feel like Jimmy Fallon when he played the IT guy on SNL, where I just wanted to say, "MOVE!" and sit at the computer and do it all myself. :)
DeleteI'm totally with you on the shirtless bohunks. Cheesetastic. Your cover for Streamline, in sharp contrast, is gorgeous!
I have to confess that I'm a sucker for striking cover images which allow the eye to zoom in and settle on a focal point (if that makes sense...?)
ReplyDeleteMine will pretty much only offer one focal point, so hopefully that'll do the trick. :) I agree with you, Michelle, that it's great when your eye can just go right to an image rather than be distracted by an overly complex design.
Delete