The importance of a great cover cannot be overstated. It’s crucial to grab a potential reader’s attention while also giving them a general idea of what kind of book they are looking at. Great, now you’re halfway there! The second step is to provide an enticing book description, which, if done correctly, peaks their interest and convinces them to purchase. I’m going to save step two for another post and focus on the cover today.
One of the challenges an indie author faces is the overwhelming body of knowledge needed to successfully publish a book. Assuming you have a great story and the manuscript has been written well and edited properly, you’re still left with all the marketing issues – including the items mentioned above. I was arrogant enough to believe I knew better than my graphic artist what a great book cover should look like. Consequently my choices have been underwhelming, affecting sales and my brand. (Yes, my other books need new covers too, but I can’t afford to change them all right now.)
Well, this old dog really CAN learn new tricks! At times it’s difficult for me to admit I was wrong, swallow my pride, and let the “experts” guide me. Perhaps you share the same struggle and know what I mean. Anyway, with Traitor’s Moon nearing completion, I was determined to find an AWESOME cover for it. The original plan was to model it after Expectant Moon’s with slight changes. Now, I’m very fond of the present artwork and wouldn’t normally spend the money to replace it so soon, but I’d made too many mistakes and it had to go.
After eating a generous portion of humble pie, I contacted my graphic artist with a request to start from scratch and design the whole series, which will include at least three books. This time, I gave her the freedom to do it properly and ignore my input if it got in her way. The difference between the old and new is quite striking and early feedback is convinced I’ve got a winner. Tell me what you think!
New Cover:
Old Cover:
Wow! Very pretty cover! I liked the last one, too, but this one is very colorful and really stands out. I hope it helps your sales! The book inside that pretty cover is wonderful & I can’t wait for “Traitor’s Moon” to come out, too!
Thanks – so glad you like the new cover! I’m busy working on Traitor’s Moon, though I don’t have a firm release date yet. Hopefully by the end of the year. Stay tuned!
Nice! Personally, I think the new cover is way better – having the person on the front makes sure that readers aren’t fooled into thinking it’s like a wolf-based Watership Down. Not that the old one is bad! The new one is just great!
Thanks for the feedback! I think the new one will help drive sales and give potential readers a better idea of what the story is about. I’m learning something with every book, but my mistakes are costing me! I wish indie authors had a list of experienced mentors to draw from when getting started. It would certainly help us be more successful!