I was fairly happy with my cover and getting close to self-publishing. I have a colour scheme which stands out, but is still warm and friendly. I thought I had managed to adopt a style and fonts which said 'comic novel'

Then I had a chat with author Sara Sheridan, and she said it looked like a graphic novel, mainly because of the font.

It's easier to see when the cover is full size:
http://zane-stumpo.blogspot.co.uk/p/schrodingers-caterpillar-cover-and.html
The small version here on Authonomy is simplified for legibility.

I know it's vital to send out exactly the right signals from the start.

What do you think? Do I need to go back to the drawing board?

Posted: 08/08/2012 07:31:53
Last Edit: 08/08/2012 07:32:49 by Zane Stumpo

I'm going through a similar problem right now. Yeah, that does remind me of a graphic novel, sorry to say. Not saying you couldn't use it. I commissioned an artist to do a watercolor that I asked to mimic the style of Alan Lee, who manages to do watercolors that look so realistic that you forget they are paintings. The nearly finished painting from my artist looks...like a painting. I'm pretty sad about it right now.

Posted: 08/08/2012 07:54:04
Last Edit: 08/08/2012 08:15:44 by Ted Cross

I'm happy with the cover for Strange Bodies as it looks excellent in the full size. However I'm having hellish trouble with a cover for Blue Diamonds which is all ready for Feed A Read and almost ready for Kindle. Simply cannot decide on something that looks right. My fault - my brain has packed up!

Posted: 08/08/2012 08:01:50

I'm going through a similar problem right now. Yeah, that does remind me of a graphic novel, sorry to say. Not saying you couldn't use it. I commissioned an artist to do a watercolor that I asked to mimic the style of Alan Lee, who manages to do watercolors that look so realistic that you forget they are paintings. The nearly finished painting from my artists looks...like a painting. I'm pretty sad about it right now.

I'm happy with the cover for Strange Bodies as it looks excellent in the full size. However I'm having hellish trouble with a cover for Blue Diamonds which is all ready for Feed A Read and almost ready for Kindle. Simply cannot decide on something that looks right. My fault - my brain has packed up!

I do love your cover, Zane, but I have to agree about the font. I would prefer something less "comic book-ish" though I suppose it's a matter of personal taste.

I have some proofs of the various BD covers but only on my computer. They are still watermarked and not for public consumption yet. Nothing wrong with the artwork - it just doesn't say what I want it to say & I don't know how to say it!!

Posted: 08/08/2012 08:57:16

I was fairly happy with my cover and getting close to self-publishing. I have a colour scheme which stands out, but is still warm and friendly. I thought I had managed to adopt a style and fonts which said 'comic novel'

Then I had a chat with author Sara Sheridan, and she said it looked like a graphic novel, mainly because of the font.

It's easier to see when the cover is full size:
http://zane-stumpo.blogspot.co.uk/p/schrodingers-caterpillar-cover-and.html
The small version here on Authonomy is simplified for legibility.

I know it's vital to send out exactly the right signals from the start.

What do you think? Do I need to go back to the drawing board?

I agree that it looks like a graphic novel font and not necessarily humorous, more action. Something from this collection might be more suitable. The colours and the image are great though.

Posted: 08/08/2012 09:27:23
Last Edit: 08/08/2012 09:29:18 by pickarooney

Having seen the larger (clearer) version, I have to agree: a tad Fabulous Furry Freaky Brothers, and far too much like bog-standard graffiti lettering.




Posted: 08/08/2012 09:39:55

I do love your cover, Zane, but I have to agree about the font. I would prefer something less "comic book-ish" though I suppose it's a matter of personal taste.

I have some proofs of the various BD covers but only on my computer. They are still watermarked and not for public consumption yet. Nothing wrong with the artwork - it just doesn't say what I want it to say & I don't know how to say it!!