Featured Post

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Cover Choices 2.0

I had so much fun with you last month discussing the cover of one of my books that I thought I'd bring along another of my books to see what you think about the covers. This time, there's a whole matching series for the books instead of just a single one. 

Just for a little background: This is my finished "Grime Fighter" series - contemporary mystery with clean romance and some suspense involved in each book. It has some humor as well and is set, for the most part, in the Dallas area. The main character is in witness protection, working for a local trauma cleaning service. The developing romance is with a crime scene specialist whose crime scenes she often cleans. 


The first covers for these books are more than ten years old, but I don't think they even matched the genre back then. I think these covers focused too much on the story and not enough on those who might be browsing for their next book. Do you agree?

This second set of covers are about four years old. I was advised that my books are firmly in the suspense genre, even though the mystery is the key to each book. Because they don't qualify as "cozy mysteries" the better genre for them is suspense. Usually suspense are darker in color, so these covers fit the bill for the time being. My favorite thing about them is that the spines make the skyline of Dallas when they all stand together on my bookshelf. That just makes me smile! :)

But I've been recently told that these covers no longer match the genre of Christian suspense. And in truth, the favorite books that I've been reading certainly have more color in them than these do. Some cover experts suggested that I try covers without the model and focus on the setting of the book. Since my setting is a big city - most of the time - I was a little concerned at what might be the best background. But I think the designs catch the suspenseful tone of the series. 

I'd love to know your opinion. Which book covers would intrigue you most if you're browsing for a Christian romantic suspense book on Amazon? Let's call the blue books A, the black books B, and the last multicolored books C. Comment below and tell me which you like and why. And even share what you don't like about them if you wish! I'd love to have your opinions! 

22 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Do you? I really like them, but they are so different, I wasn't sure about them. They seem to fit the genre pretty good, though, right?

      Delete
    2. They do fit it. And I I don't know how I missed them until now! Off to get the first one...

      Delete
  2. Definitely "C"! Really caught my eye. My favorite is "Grime & Punishment" - with the buildings in the background. The sweeping "stripes" behind your name remind me of headlights. I would pick this one up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually like G&P best as well. I think GB would be my second fave. I like the colors of both of them.

      Delete
  3. I love the covers without the person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess I got some good advice! I think most everyone agrees with you!

      Delete
  4. I like B & C. I think C would be cool with character on C but faded out in corner

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like the black covers most. I like the combination of a person and the scenery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was so thrilled with those covers when I first got them. And the model on all of them is the same girl - even the one with purple hair! LOL!

      Delete
  6. B is my favorite. I feel like they clearly show there is going to be police/crime/mystery involved. C gives me more fantasy series vibes with the swirling bright colors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never thought of it that way. And it's a little hard to see with the small covers, but there is a crime scene or a weapon on every cover. I really liked that.

      Delete
  7. I like the font and color of C, but it looks just a little too plain to me. I would say that makes B my favorite, but I really dislike the Crime Scene tape all over the heroine's face...so a combination of the two would be my choice. Opinionated much?! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! You've taken the best parts of both. I do like the colors of C. I miss the crime scenes of B, too!

      Delete
  8. I like the B covers because of the details like the crime scene tape. That draws them together and makes it clear that they’re a series. My least favorite covers are set A because they’re too plain. Vickie Watts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree with you about A, Vickie. I think those covers totally missed the mark!

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. They are certainly growing on me, Sara! Thanks so much for your input!

      Delete
  10. I like C. The colors make each book stand out on it's own. A and B, at first glance look the same as the other books in the series.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like the B covers, they would attract my attention first.

    ReplyDelete