Here is the cover for my novel Protector (Anniversary of the Veil: Book One). The cover was made by Char Nephan (http://nephan.deviantart.com/gallery/).
Please, let me know what you think. Would you pick up this book based on the cover? Click through to the description? Any thoughts on what the book might be about? Stuff you like/don’t like about the cover?
Thanks!
Protector (Anniversary of the Veil: Book 1) by Vanna Smythe
P.S. Protector coming in March, 2012.
I think it looks good. The only thing I wonder is if it would be more compelling with the background behind the dude being dark sky and trees, like you can kind of see, instead of the pattern. It would make him contrast a bit more and I think give it more pop.
The contrast is too bland, I agree. In the smaller version there is absolutely no detail in the background, except for the little sunshine;)
I’m still considering asking your artist to draw the cover for me 😉
I agree with Owen. The cover is bland to me, almost monochromatic. I would like to see a different background, perhaps even a hint of his separate self lurking in the trees. 🙂
Lol, love the idea of his seperated self lurking in the trees 😉 In the hands of the right artist it could actually look really cool!
I agree, the image is bland. Given the tone and atmosphere of the book that did seem kind of fitting to me. Just maybe not if the cover image doesn’t do its job because of it 😉
Hi Vana! Interesting! My only suggestion would be to remove “of light” to suggested “the shimmering” is the name of the veil between life and another existence. :<) James
Hi again, Vanna! I apologize! I clicked ‘send’ just as I noticed I misspelled your name. I fell so…dumb! Grrr!
Thanks for stopping by and for your input! Interesting idea about the rephrasing of the sentence, I’ll think on it.
I’m actually putting together a different version of the cover now. This one just doesn’t do the book justice, somehow 😉
P.S. No problem on the misspelling. It can happen to anyone 😉
Vanna:
I like the character and even the viewing angle (looking up into his face). I checked it out at 100 pixels wide in b&w: his image and the title carries through nicely.
I think the sword has to go. It doesn’t add anything to the image and it actually distracts from the character. At smaller sizes, it’s hard to make out what it is anyway.
The background doesn’t bother me as much as your other commenters, but I do think the the background tree in the upper left should be a little darker (more “contrasty”). It practically disappears at smaller sizes. The “fluffier” tree in the far background could probably be eliminated. I like the bleak look of the one with naked branches.
Are you going to be ready for the Magic Appreciation Tour in March? I’m calling for authors and would love to have you take part. I’ve reserved a space for you. 😉
Thanks for checking out the cover and your thoughts on it 😉 I agree about the tree in the background, it really doesn’t add much. Nor does the sword. I’m actually working on a new cover, which I think will depict the book much better than this one 😉
I am working really hard to hit that March deadline, so I am pretty sure I can join the tour! Do you have a date set for it yet? And thanks for reserving a space for me, that’s really nice of you 😉
I can’t wait to see the new cover. I’ll try to respond more quickly to your post next time. Also, if you really want brutally honest feedback, consider posting your cover over on KindleBoards.com in the Writer’s Cafe. I did that and got excellent feedback from other writers as well as several designers.
I do have a date for the first Magic Appreciation Tour: it will run from March 1 to March 31. Thanks for coming over and commenting on my post. And of course I would reserve a space for you! You’ve been my most enthusiastic supporter! 🙂
March 1 is my final deadline then! I just can’t wait.
I’ll have the new cover done by begining of February. And I will post in on the Kindle Boards for feedback. I hope they don’t rip it to shreds 😉
Hi Vanna,
I think the concept is interesting, but the cover doesn’t quite work (although it is a good effort.)
There are several issues.
Composition
The composition is weak. This is in part due to the use of the sword placed on the right hand edge. It is a cool blue, which detracts from the warm golden brown tone of the cover. The sword looks to be an after-thought. Simply removing the sword will strengthen the composition, or you could show the character holding a sword.
The curved title splash is in the wrong place, it divides the composition in two , the eye doesn’t naturally scan the page, but darts about, from eyes to title, to author and then to the top blurb.
Color balance.
As above this is great overall, but the blue-grey sword throws it out.
Character and the cover story.
What does the cover actually say about the story? I assume there something about this character that is special to the story. If so, then something significant about him needs to be shown. It may be something obvious such as a tattoo, or scar or distinguishing mark. Perhaps it is a special item or piece of clothing. Or it could be more subtle such as the actual ‘character’ of the hero/villain . (My impression is that this character is arrogant and self- serving, but perhaps this is what is intended.) Whatever is special about the character should be shown, otherwise it is not a character, just a figure. By looking at the cover, the reader should want to know who they are and what happens. The cover should shout out ‘This story is amazing, you have to read it!’
Use of photographs.
There is nothing wrong with using photographs in themselves as long as they are used in a way that doesn’t look like the artist had nothing else but the photograph to use. That is the main problem with the sword. (Having said that and looking more closely I think the sword is a 3d render.) Also the big problem with using a photograph of someone is that you are in danger of not portraying the character of your story, but simply in showing the likeness of the model who posed for the photograph.
I have been as honest as I can with this criticism and I hope that it is of some use.
Best Wishes
Vincent
Hi Vincent, thank you for your very honest and detailed feedback! I’ve more or less decided not to use this cover, but your ideas and comments on the compostion will help me design the new one with a much keener eye.
I’m going with something more subtle for the new cover. I just hope I can achieve it. I have a lot of photoshop to learn 😉
Good luck with the cover Vanna. I have used Photoshop extensively for years, so if you get stuck or need any tips, drop me a line or tweet me ( I check e-mail and tweets twice a day at 8am and 5pm GMT). Best Wishes Vincent
Thank you for your generous offer! I’m going to finalize the cover I finish the final revision (February 1st, I hope) and I will have a question or two 😉
I’ve been searching for tips online, but when it comes to Photoshop I don’t even know what kind of search queries to use to get the info I need.
Wow, lots of great comments here. What struck me was the sword. My eyes are drawn to it since it’s a different tone from everything else in the picture. If you want to draw particular attention to the weapon, that’s good. If that’s not your intent, then that’s bad because it distracts attention from what you want to be the focus.
Hi Donna, thanks for stopping by and commenting! You’re not the only one to be distracted by the sword 😉
And, no, the sword does not play such an important role. I definitely need to rethink this composition, and this cover 😉
The cover doesn’t standout enough. You want something that will sell the book? Sorry, this cover is not it.
I fear you may be right 😉
I actually like the cover. The kind of book I would pick up and have a nose at
Thanks for commenting and your interest!