Please be viciously honest about this and I mean it! Do you like? If so why? Does it catch your eye? If you don’t like it, what don’t you like? Many thanks for your comments!
Opinions please!! Do you like either of these covers?
Author Nicole MacDonald's website
I like the straps on the cover and the other thing I would suggest (and I have the same problem with my own cover) the title needs to pop-make it brighter and possibly outline it stronger as well.
I do like the textured look.
Well, I prefer the one without the straps – I don't like that kind of fake detail, I'd rather have real straps! And I love the Celtic style of it, the look of traditional leather bindings. Personally I would like that circle of artwork in the centre a little larger – it looks slightly lost.
Thank you for the quick response! Totally awesome 🙂
I'd go with out the straps. As they dont look real. Real straps would be awesome… though prob would dramatically increase publishing costs.
Do like the texture style.
Not sure about the circle – looks detached. Maybe make it textured too?
I like the straps. The other seems 'under-designed' and might make people think it is a cheapo book. Know what I mean? The title should pop like the circle does. I think the circle overpowers everything else and in my opinion it shouldn't. The title needs to be the first thing the eye goes to. I do love the leather effect, though, by the way! :o)
I don't like the circle thing in the middle. It likes like the book has AVG internet security installed! Which is surprising given the soft leather finish of the rest of the design.
I like the straps and if the circle is integral to the story i would make it more mystical and less pop!
The title should be bolder and stand out a lot
I have to admit…I'm not super-fond. I think it's partially the thing-y in the middle–it's a little stark. and the placement makes it looks a little under-designed. If it represents something vital/cool/interesting from the story, I would play with size and offset and other stuff to make it seem a little savvier.
I admit I'm also not huge on the font–I feel like I've seen it before on a lot of self-pubbed books as well as lots of fliers, homemade invites, stuff like that. It's pretty, just a touch overused and literal.
But–awesome start! I find it takes several incarnations and fiddling before I design something I like.
I'm afraid neither cover gives me a clear indication of what the book is about.
Judging by the blurb and the straps on the cover, I'm wondering if you meant this to be a grimoire. If so, you'll want to make it look older and more worn. Make the straps wider, scraped and worn.
Why the color wheel? If it is a grimoire, maybe an eye, a pentagram or a recognizable symbol from the book.
Also if you change the background color to red, the gold might pop out more. Either that or brighten the lettering so it's less tan.
Hope that helps.
I like the straps…and the overall look of the cover. Very nice!
I love the texture but I find the text difficult to read. The four color wheel does not match the cover color. My opinion only.
CD
I like the straps. It reminds me of the book that attacked Harry Potter. I don't get the circle. I'm wondering if there is a clearer symbol that you could use? It just so happens that I put my cover on my blog today and the symbol is the flute. Which is major to the story.
I also left you a blog award.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Definitely the one with the straps. The one without just looks too bare. Love the color wheel thing. Very eye-catching on the dark background.
Out of the 2 I'd say the second, because the straps don't look real enough. I have to agree with a few other people on here though, I'm not a huge fan of either. The font does get lost and I don't think it would grab my attention on a bookshelf. I know you've commented on a few of my cover designs, I would be more than happy to help you out with yours (I just like doing them… lol). Are you using Createspace to publish? Hey, you should email me so we can chat, lol. me AT kearytaylor DOT com
Thanks for everyone's thoughts! Looks like I may re-design *sigh* but I want it perfect so not end of the world ;p
And had to giggle at comments of people wanting 'real' straps – those straps are 'real' straps taken off a belt site, seriously I'm not that good! I like to borrow where I can and adjust ;p
I like the leather look but the writing doesn't stand out enough to be easily readable. Maybe change the colour slightly and bolden it more to make it look like it's more embossed or raised off the background. And the four colour circle doesn't fit with the background or font of the title and author name. Think it might need to be enlarged if integral or maybe go through a shape change – so it looks more like a stained glass window or egg timer-spherical shape?
I love the one with the straps–it gives it a different kind of feel to the cover. I agree with Kath, though, that the font is a little hard to read. If it was larger and bolder it would be easier to read–for me, anyway.
I really like the first, as I'm a big fan of book covers designed to resemble old-fashioned tomes.
I do agree with the comments about the font. It would be awesome if it stood out just a bit more, because at the moment my eyes are immediately drawn to the brightness of the design in the middle.
The first cover with the straps is better I think. I agree with the comments about the writing needing to be brighter, maybe more solid. Also, the line "Book One of the BirthRight Trilogy" seems a bit cramped. Maybe make that print smaller, less out there? It's a bit distracting I think. Love the four-colored circle though, it's intriguing!
Love the straps.
Love the colour.
Would like to see the font stick out slightly more – not too much more.
Don't know the purpose of the circular thing YET so rather curious!
I like the straps the other one is too plain but I am not a huge fan of the circle in the middle
I like the second one – the belts were a distraction in the first pic but the second really caught my eye – the title stood out and the green is really a fab green!! Take care
x
Hey Nic. Good job on the design! I like the one with the straps, though the writing is a bit hard to read – maybe bolder or a darker colour??
Also, the colour wheel is a nice touch but to tie it in the with 'look' of the rest of the cover maybe less bright or luminous – kind of looks like a steel addition to a earthy book (understand?).
The trilogy line could be broken into two, to look less cramped.
Love the colour and the font 😀
oh, and make your name bigger – you do want your name to be seen!! 😀
1. I like it better with out the straps–less cluttered and focuses more on the Wheel and the titles. Looks classier without them.
2. I agree, split the "Book One of…" into two lines. Easier to read. And you can make that font a bit smaller and increase the size of your name. The whole focus of the cover should be the title and your name. The rest is secondary and shouldn't compete.
3. Lose the texture color of the font. Makes it harder to read on the background. Keep the font one color–if you can find a foil color, a gold foil would be perfect. A metallic color to go with the background, to stand out.
Aesthetically, it's a wicked cool cover. Simple and I'm sure reflects the inner book. If I were your publisher, I'd recommend the above changes and then get it out in the world.
I love that shade of green…and the 'leather' feel.
I was undecided about the straps, but now I think maybe they should be a little wider?
I like the font for the title, I'd like to see it without the texturizing…I think the gold would pop more that way.
Overall, I like it a lot and think you're on the right track
I love the cover with the straps. I can't wait to read your book! I also like the green and the circle. It would catch my eye in Barnes and Nobles on the best sellers table!!
Good Luck with your book!!
xxoo
Deborah