Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
I like the new cover (though it looks VERY much like many of the YA fantasy stuff), but I'm not convinced it's a good fit (even to my revised understanding the content), and I suspect you need a new title. Given what we now see is the "action" rather "comic" styling of the work, I think the whole blurb/title/cover concept needs to be reworked together (you can't change one so dramatically without changing the others).
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Mmmmmmmmm...I don't know. The extract we all read was pretty damned dark, and, truthfully, not
so funny. I don't know if the whole book is like that, or not. I mean, I didn't miss the silly references to her training at a finishing school versus being whatever she was (special forces, spy, whatever), but overall it's dark-ish.
I still think that the fonts need a bit of work--not as much as before, maybe. Despite Gregg's diffidence, I'd STILL try Adventure for that title. If I did that, I'd then probably use a plain serif or even a sans, for the byline.
Gregg, if I were you, I think I'd ask my writing group for THEIR take on the book. Presumably, they've heard all or most of it, for critique sessions, right? So, they'll have a better take on the reality of it. You clearly thought it was "wacky comedy" when we started this thread, and now, I'm not sure what it is, and this new cover seems to scream "Dark YA Fantasy!," which it isn't.
Try what we call The Miller Test (h/t
Ron Miller): Change the text of the title and byline to some other language. Doesn't matter what--but it needs to be something that isn't easily read. Then ask yourself--if I cannot read the title, byline or tagline, can I tell what genre this book is? Or, ask anyone in your writing/critique group that isn't familiar with the book or its set-up.
When I view this newer cover, I can't tell what genre that is. It could be mystery, sci-fi, YA Fantasy; Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Urban Fantasy, and so on. THAT isn't good. (Freely admit--a "batsignal" might change that entirely. Still love that idea. Might be too busy for the cover, but still, LURVE that idea.)
Can you think of any books that are LIKE what you're writing? Authors that write like you, or vice-versa? I don't mean the same plot, of course, but...for example, do you think that you're like Elmore Leonard? Carl Hiaasen? Spider Robinson? (If anyone else here is old enough to remember his Callahan's series...) Or...??? Perhaps winnowing your options down that way, and viewing
THEIR covers, might help you envision a way to convey genre and prospective audience in the visuals.
See what I mean?
Hitch