Book Cover Design aka HELL!

Ok, that's probably a bit more melodramatic than I need to be, but this is a frustrating process. I was on Kindleboards the other day and posted the potential cover for my third Immortalis book, Pandora's Box. What caught my attention more than just the comments on the cover I was working on, were the comments about my original books, Immortalis Carpe Noctem & Hunters & Prey.



Many of the people posting comments stated that my other covers do not accurately depict the series as it should. They did not get the Urban Fantasy and Vampire "feel." Some even went as far as to say they wondered if the girl on the front wasn't a "Street Walker"  because that pretty (scantily clad) woman on the cover didn't jump right out and say vampire or paranormal, instead, she depicts "sexy." That of course is not a bad thing, but with Vegas in the background, I can see how easily the jump was made to "street walker."

Now, none of these comments were said in a mean or hurtful way. These were honest opinions from people who are in the same place as I am. We're all Indies trying to make our stamp on the market, so I was more than happy to hear their thoughts. Better to know I'm off track now than down the line, right? The book cover is the first thing people see. And yes, they do often judge by the cover.

So, with that in mind I've attempted to come up with some new ideas to re-imagine the series and try to capture that Urban Fantasy and Vampire "feel" a little better. Thankfully I also have a friend, the uber talented Mr. Willsin Rowe giving me pointers and suggestions. (If you need covers designed or book trailers made, he's your man!)

http://willsinrowe.blogspot.com/

Here is what we've come up with so far. Please note these are drafts, they are not complete covers (low-res, fonts are not final, and the pictures are still watermarked.). I want to see what direction to take before purchasing art and finalizing designs, so they will be rough around the edges (and that's putting it lightly).

Tell me which ones you think best capture the "feel" of the book, Immortalis Carpe Noctem.





15 comments:

Jamie D. said...

Not having read it yet (I *know*!), and just going off the "urban fantasy/vamp" description for genre, I'd say the second cover (girl looking over the city, your name at top), or the very last "red girl" cover. The top one looks a bit more "pro", I think, but both of those scream "vampire", "dark" and "mysterious in a sexy way" to me.

They also both have very simple, easily recognizable images that look good at the smaller size - always good online. :-)

Good luck! I love cover art - wonderful stuff!

Katie Salidas said...

Thanks for the comment. I'd been discussing with Willsin (my cover artist for Karma & Melodies, HOIP, & Halloween Fantasies) about the same thing and he was the one to suggest the simpler cover too. He came up with the top two designs.

Nora Chipley Barteau said...

Hi Katie! Well, for me, I feel the originals were just fine and I never thought she was a street walker, I got the idea from the very beginning. But I know with so many others saying different you are going to change it, so I am going to put my two cents in. I have to agree with Jamie but I favor the last one the most, she is the most seductive. But don't be discouraged because I think the originals were great and you need to be proud of them, and I am not just saying that because you are my friend. lol.......If you do go with one of the top two, the first one is the best. Keep up the good work, and no matter what 'covers' you come up with for future books, I know they are going to be great!!! I am proud of you and your work!!!

Sharazade said...

Oooh.... I like the top right one (except the backgound, that looks like a park... can it be a city street?), and then I'd really like the 2nd from the top on the right if the background were a city; at the moment it looks like a rural slum, which is not how I envision Las Vegas (not that I've been there). I don't like the third pair, and the very last one, eh, I dunno, it doesn't grab me.

Unknown said...

Ok of these I like the top right one (as I am looking at it) though I don't see an issue with the current one. Honestly she doesn't look like a street walker, just look at the eyes!! That's what grabbed me, had to figure out what was up with the eyes. If you are going to change I do like the idea of guy/girl but it's gotta be the right pair and the one here is not! Good luck with the new cover challenge..lol

Megan Duncan said...

I like the one on the top left. I think the font really signifies the city and the larger image of the woman in that picture commands the cover and draws my attention, however, have you conisdered taking the Vegas city scape out of the background on the bottom? Unless it's very important for future readers to know that the story takes place in Vegas? I am only about 5 chapters is, so I don't know for sure. Good luck in any case! I am having Willsin make my book trailer, so I am excited to see what he comes up with.

http://meganduncan.blogspot.com/

Erin O'Riordan said...

I know what you mean about the frustration of getting the cover just right. Some of the reviewers of "Oliver's Good Night Kiss" have said it doesn't accurately portray the relationships in the book. And I love that cover! I've also had experiences where it's been hard to get the cover to look the way I wanted it to...cover artists are generally very talented, and they work very hard, but don't always have time to read our books and understand our vision before the deadline.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Katie, I'm so sorry you feel like you have to redo your covers. Both were really nice. I didn't get the "streetwalker" feel at all. But, as you seem set on it, and I LOVE the new ones you've put up there, I'll cast in my vote. I agree with Jamie that the second one is the best. I can't wait to see the final one! And I'll have to buy the book again to get the new cover. :)

Unknown said...

I know the feeling...You are not being dramatic it can be hell. I like the ones all on the left. It really just came down to font to for. I also like the originals.

YzhaBella's BookShelf said...

The very last one with the red head looking straight on!...PREFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Katie Salidas said...

Wow, it seems there is quite a difference in opinion here. The ones on top look like what the majority like however there were a few who liked the girl standing by herself and the solo woman. It seems no one likes the "couple" picture so I will definitely avoid that. We're narrowing the ideas down. Please feel free to keep on posting thoughts. This is very helpful.

DarkBloodyVamp said...

Hmmm it is always hard to find cover art that depicts what you want to convey but I seem to be drawn to the one on the left in the second row with the girl alone and the background looks like a night scence and she is holding a piece of her dress in her hand. The only thing I would change is the font style. I find I am drawn "gothic" fonts to convey that paranormal feel to the book.

Katie Salidas said...

Good point, font is important. I'm partial to the lonely girl myself. Her facial expression really nails it for me. Thanks for the input.

Marty Shaw said...

Well, I share the same view that the original covers were fine but since a change is coming, I'd go with the top right cover, only with the city scene from the top left cover instead of the current park scene. I just the font and title layout on the right one better.

Chrystalla Thoma said...

Love the last one!!! The first one is good too.

About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.