I can't tell what the genre is. It doesn't really tell me anything and I have no idea what I'd be getting myself into. Personally, if there were a bunch of books in a row and I couldn't understand at first glance (or at least begin to understand) what the genre might be, I might pass over it.
Okay, I think this cover isn't half bad!
I gave up on graphics, now I'm just trying to tweak photos. Ignore the stamp. Haven't bought it yet, wanted to know if this stunk first.
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I think it's an improvement over your last effort. Maybe increase the size of the door, make the title bigger, make the author name larger and put it in all caps. You might also lighten the whole thing so it shows up better in thumbnail.
Here's sort of an idea of what I mean:
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Here's sort of an idea of what I mean:
Better - bigger everything and pulls the detail out that was hidden away.Dara England said:I think it's an improvement over your last effort. Maybe increase the size of the door, make the title bigger, make the author name larger and put it in all caps. You might also lighten the whole thing so it shows up better in thumbnail.
Here's sort of an idea of what I mean:
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That cover looks lovely.Dara England said:I think it's an improvement over your last effort. Maybe increase the size of the door, make the title bigger, make the author name larger and put it in all caps. You might also lighten the whole thing so it shows up better in thumbnail.
Here's sort of an idea of what I mean:
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If you're determined enough, I think you can make a go of this.
I too spent a bunch of time on this board being told all my covers sucked. (So I feel your pain.)
I'd step away from it for a bit. Maybe a few days. Try to think of something else. Ignore all cover-making thoughts of any kind and get your head clear, because you're in danger of meltdown stage.
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Then start trying some copying. Pick a cover and try to recreate it. Look up photoshop tutorials to achieve certain effects, find the same kind of fonts, the same kind of picture, etc. etc. The more you do stuff like that for fun, the more likely you'll be able to sort of absorb through osmosis what makes a good cover.
Anyway, this is sort of what I did. And my covers still have problems, but they are better. I, too, could hire someone, but I LOVE making covers. It's my favorite thing besides writing the book. And no one gets to take that away from me. No one!
I too spent a bunch of time on this board being told all my covers sucked. (So I feel your pain.)
I'd step away from it for a bit. Maybe a few days. Try to think of something else. Ignore all cover-making thoughts of any kind and get your head clear, because you're in danger of meltdown stage.
)Then start trying some copying. Pick a cover and try to recreate it. Look up photoshop tutorials to achieve certain effects, find the same kind of fonts, the same kind of picture, etc. etc. The more you do stuff like that for fun, the more likely you'll be able to sort of absorb through osmosis what makes a good cover.
Anyway, this is sort of what I did. And my covers still have problems, but they are better. I, too, could hire someone, but I LOVE making covers. It's my favorite thing besides writing the book. And no one gets to take that away from me. No one!
My recommendation: use this cover and list the book as Keepers (An Urban Fantasy) or Keepers (An Epic Fantasy) or whatever.Dara England said:I think it's an improvement over your last effort. Maybe increase the size of the door, make the title bigger, make the author name larger and put it in all caps. You might also lighten the whole thing so it shows up better in thumbnail.
Here's sort of an idea of what I mean:
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I know covers are frustrating. What you're running into in your design attempts is the fact that being artistic isn't enough; design is a profession that includes a lot nit-picky technical knowledge about typography, color theory, use of space, etc. However artistic one may be naturally, it's not possible to replicate the knowledge side of things without the training. Just cause you're naturally talented in math doesn't mean you can hang up your shingle as an engineer and build safe bridges, eh? Indie authors really expect too much of themselves, I think, when they try to produce professional looking design right off the bat. So be kind to yourself, Anotherdreamer! There's a lot to learn. It takes time! Or ... support indie designers. They deserve a piece of the pie, too.
My recommendation: hire Dara.
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