I’ll soon be running a campaign on Goodreads for my first novel, A Wonderful Place To Die. I’d love to get your opinion on what cover I should feature. Whichever one gets the most votes is the e-book cover I’ll use on all my sales pages going forward.
If you’re not familiar with my book, it’s a work of literary fiction. My concern with the original cover, Option 1, was that it was unintentionally giving off a religious book vibe. My very talented illustrator friend took inspiration from Renaissance art when she drew it, and it is symbolic of a particular chapter.
After my bff took a look at my new e-book cover, Option 2, she told me it looks like a cover for a dark fantasy novel with witches or an evil queen, not something she’d expect for a lit fic book. On second thought, I can see why someone might think that. However, I do think the colors and the slightly distressed appearance of the black background (which may be a little tough to see on your screen) are fitting for the story.
Feel free to also let me know what comes to your mind when you see these or what vibe you expect from a literary fiction novel. You can share in the comments or by emailing me at nightowl1471@gmail.com.
I would guess that as communication, the second one works better? The expectations it creates are probably more in line with the work inside. Just a hunch, though.
And then there's aesthetics, and on that front I like 'em both. Good options there!
Hi there,
I really like option #2! Although it's giving a kind of mystical vibe, the word "die" in your title, makes it a more fitting invitation, to the reader, to open it up, and go inside! It's intriguing!
Option #1 definitely has a more spiritual quality to it. It looks like the word "Blessed" should be in the title, lol! It's lovely, but unless I were looking for a book about spiritual things, I would pass it up.
It's kind of exciting to think I might have a say in what will become the cover, for your upcoming bestselling novel!
All the best!
Chestine Johnson (also a future bestselling author!)