I already had one version (the middle one in the image below, with Orphea) and the title Dark and Silent Waters, but after drawing Zahtia yesterday, I thought I'd make an alternate cover with her (with a neon glow in the left and the original pencil drawing on the right), and with the other title I've been considering for the story, Astyrion.
When I'm closer to finishing the draft, I'll probably do a better drawing of whichever character I end up choosing for the cover (I know if a publisher accepts it I don't get to choose the cover but at least I'll have one for if I choose to self publish). I am also planning to attempt a real-life version of Orphea at some point. What I wanted to gather at this stage, however, is opinions on which sort of cover people prefer, and which title they like best.
Thoughts?
My opinion: I like the effect of the neon glow (left) but it loses the effect that the eyes have in the original drawing (right). Though I do still like the original cover (middle), I find that the neon glow (left) draws me in more.
ReplyDeleteMatt's opinion: He likes the very original cover best (middle)
with the title... which way are you swinging? it's a tough one i reckon, cos Astyrion sounds more like a fantasy title, but as a reader, i dunno, it sounds more like something you'd call a trilogy to tie together stories by making them about the world. Dark and Silent Waters could be a tough sell as well though, even though I think it kind of provides atmosphere and imagery, like story does. It's a tough call though lol.
ReplyDeletePictures are tops. story is tops. everything is tops. coffee is also tops, but that is not related to this post, so i'll shut up now :O
lol Still undecided on the title. I think both have a sort of mystery about them, but Astyrion sounds a bit more... magical, I suppose. But since it's been Dark and Silent Waters since I started writing it, that's how I keep thinking of it hehe I don't know though, I think in a way, the one-word title seems to pack a bit of a punch that the longer one doesn't.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have no plans to write a series set in this world; Dark and Silent Waters/Astyrion/Whatever I Call It will be a stand-alone novella (and the ending I have in mind doesn't really leave any room for sequels lol).
ReplyDeleteBut I'll wait and see if I can get more opinions on the title.
I prefer the middle one and the Astyrion title.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the middle cover and title choice. Although, well done on the art for all three. I do think it's the eyes in the middle cover that grab you.
ReplyDeleteLove the title Astyrion. I like the last one best, but think the face needs to be darkened and your name in darker text. That said, all are so good. You are one talented lady!
ReplyDeleteSO much Bleeding Cowboys!
ReplyDeleteI like the first one best (neon).
ReplyDeleteI like Astyrion best. I think it has a bit more impact as a title. At the moment I'm feeling the first cover there, but that could change since I've only read your prologue and don't know too much about your story.
ReplyDelete