Playing Under the Covers

Cover design is as important to a book’s success as the words inside. The saying “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” has nothing to do with publishing.

Recently, I posted an early draft of my cover concept for The Queen’s Viper on CoverCritics.com. The folks there provide very concrete instruction without tearing the submitter a new hole.

I made some changes … and I also played with a completely different direction. However, I’m not done making alterations .

Take a look and add your opinion in the comments (click beside the post header). And don’t forget, if you’re at Ad Astra this weekend, you’ll be able to find me as a panelist and performing a reading on Sunday at 11am with YA author Charlene Challenger.

Here are the images (with a need for correct aspect ratios! They are works in progress)

 

 

 

Can’t decide? This synopsis might help:

The Queen’s Viper

Tudor England: Ancient and wicked, viper feeds upon human aeir, the magical energy that connects them to everything. An impetuous decision leads Viper to Princess Elizabeth and a mysterious amulet that unlocks some of Viper’s repressed memories. Viper puts Elizabeth on the Throne of England to feast upon the Kingdom and unlock her past. Instead, she blunders into a malevolent force that incarcerates her for centuries.

Modern London: Hatred escapes from beneath the concrete of London and her name is Viper. Viper enlists her Foundling, Mouse, and his eclectic cadre of human helpers to take revenge on her ancient enemy and the descendants of those who helped imprison her… starting with Queen Elizabeth II.

 

My final decision will take into account the design advice I receive and your valued input.