Matching Story & Book Cover & Exciting News!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013



Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

If you haven't downloaded your copy of Peaches Ledwidge's book Day Laughs Night Cries: Fifteen, make sure you do so between September 18 & 22. It's FREE on Amazon. Haven't read it yet, but I've heard only good things about this book. What are you waiting for? Get your copy now!

Peaches also has a new book out today, Day Laughs, Night Cries: A Woman Tonight. Congratulations, Peaches!!!



And now back to my scheduled programming...


I've always known when a cover is right for a story I've written. I spend a lot of time playing with images and fonts, but when the right combination is onscreen, something clicks and I just know this is the cover for the book. 

Being able to make decisions like this is part of the fun of going indie. I've been blessed with good covers by the publishers who've produced my books and since taking the indie highway and I now have the freedom to change covers when I think they aren't working. 

I know I have the right image for Saving Sam, but this time, for a number of reasons, I'm struggling with finalizing the badge/font/picture combination. I wanted to keep the cover somewhat similar to Christine's Odyssey, (see sidebar) which is part of my challenge.

I got a lot of help from you last time in narrowing my choice down to one cover, which is included below, but I've had a few brainwaves since that time. However, I don't want to go with a personal favourite because when you get right down to it, choosing a cover is not about pleasing the writer. It's about appealing to readers. So with that said, please help me decide on a cover by taking the poll below. I've included the blurb to make the job easier and please feel free to make suggestions.

Many thanks!


A deadly domestic dispute between his parents lands eleven-year-old Samuel Simms and his siblings in the Downswell Place of Safety. When he’s left behind in the children’s home with no hope of adoption, Sam is angry and disillusioned.

A chance at happiness comes through a couple in need of a son, and Sam goes to live with them, but everything is not what it seems in the Miller household. Sam's escape bid, and the secret he carries, guarantees that he will remain a ward of the Jamaican government until he’s eighteen.

Under pressure from his aunt and sister, Sam reveals how he was exploited while in the care of his foster parents. With his secret exposed, Sam must choose a path for his future. He can continue to accept what his abuser wants him to believe about himself or find the courage to stop a predator from harming other children.

 
COVER 1

COVER 2

COVER 3

COVER 4








Which cover do you think works best?
  
pollcode.com free polls  

22 comments:

  1. I can see why you're having a hard time. But my eye kept going to #4. So I'm thinking it's the most pleasing.

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  2. First, you book sounds gripping, Joy. I'm looking forward to reading it. For some reason, #2 is the one that catches my eye most. I voted in the poll, too.

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  3. I think they would all be fine, but I went for number one. The panel helps your name stands out, whereas it gets a bit lost in the other ones with yellow on his grey t-shirt. This sounds like a powerful story - good luck with it!

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  4. I've voted for cover #3. I like the fact that you see all of Sam's face and hands - I find it quite emotional. I also like the wording of Saving Sam being underneath each other. It's sophisticated and classy and packs a punch in my honest opinion.

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  5. Thanks, Bish. Yes, having SUCH a hard time with this.

    Hi, Susan, thanks for weighing in on this.

    Nick, that's one of the challenges I'm having. A drop shadow would work, I think.

    Sally, thanks. It is kind of hard to get everything just right with a head shot.

    Thanks, guys!

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  6. I like the first one. The little boy is more in shadow and I like the text at the bottom on the dark block.

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  7. I voted, though it was hard. I like #2. I really hope that helps, JL!

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  8. I like #2. the font is working, I think. I was wondering how the background would look in a very dark blue or gray instead.

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  9. Alex, that does make for easier reading.

    Thanks so much, Emily.

    Daymanti, interesting idea. Thanks.

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  10. I like the font you've chosen! And it's amazing how you create your own book covers!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. I'm liking the font too, Nutschell. It's fun playing with fonts and graphics.

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  11. For some reason, my eye is constantly drawn back to #2.
    Go with your gut Joy.

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  12. Thanks, Michelle. It's sooooo hard, but we'll see how the voting goes. :D

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  13. I like #2 because it does not have that shadow over your name, but one is sharper and if you remove the shadow or the bar where your name is, your name will show better.

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  14. Congratulations, Peaches! I've picked up a copy and am looking forward to reading it.

    They are all great covers, but my vote is for #2

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  15. Really tough call, I can see why you're having trouble making a decision! I kept going back to the first one though so ultimately that got my vote. I think you'll have a winner no matter which one you choose.

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  16. I really like #2. It didn't let me vote.

    I got a copy of Peaches' book.

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Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you think.