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I'm almost ready to publishing TWISTED VENGEANCE, my latest supernatural thriller, but I'd like your input on the cover.
I've wanted to use this pic for months and I've manipulated it as much as I can. I'm still open to another cover idea, but I really like this one so I'm hoping to get some feedback from all of you. The pic to the right is the original and is a 72 dpi quality. The ones below are 300 dpi. Much clearer.
Let me know which one is most appealing to you and why.
Here's the synopsis: TWISTED VENGEANCE
Detective Rick Burns' life is falling apart. His four-year old son is dead, his brother butchered, he's in love with the one woman he can't have and he's investigating a slew of unsolved murders of violent, domestic abusers. When a mysterious boy enters his life, things only get worse.
The boy knows the victims, Rick's fears, and he knows about Debil, the serial killer with a lust for vengeance.
Determined to help the detective find the perpetrator, the boy brings Rick into a nightmarish chase where reality and the supernatural are blurred, nearly costing him his life, his love, and his reputation in a storm of supernatural vengeance that is so twisted you won’t be able to stop reading until you discover the awful truth.
Find out what happens in this plot twisting Damien meets Sixth Sense supernatural thriller..
If you vote, leave your email or twitter handle and I'll give anyone who votes a digital copy in the format of their choice (either epub, kindle, or pdf). When we decide on a cover, I'll format it right away. Thank you in advance for participating. Feel free to sign up by email and get my regular posts regarding the world of indie publishing.
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| #0 (I added this late) |
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| #1 |
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| #2 |
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| #3 |
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| #4 |
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| #5 |
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| #6 |
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| #7 |
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#8
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#7 jumped out at me, snatching my attention!
ReplyDeleteI've also got to vote for #7. It just seems right. I'd love to check out the book as well, I'm @Fear_In_Words.
ReplyDeleteI think #3 is more eye-catching @natycmatos
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOcarp, Jeff, look at you work! OK, I like the font in both 2&4, and the subtle embosed images, as opposed to the "in your face" scream shots...but then 5 is pretty freaky ....WTH, I just want to read it! :-) @sandraschwab
ReplyDeleteI go with #7. I've done photography and even Advertising art in the past. That one just jumps out at you.
ReplyDelete@NoraAdrienne
#7 is awesome! Looks great! @deenabarrett
ReplyDeleteMy gut says #7.
ReplyDeleteIf you want rationalization, here it is:
There's a blob in #4; it becomes a tree in #5 - it's distracting me from the face. #8 looks like it's laughing. The red font doesn't work for me in #2. #1 and #3 only make sense if someone's head explode in the book.
I can't wait to read it!
Number 5!
ReplyDeleteI think you can eliminate 2, 4 and 8 for being too weak, too happy and just not freaky enough.
ReplyDeleteBetween 1 and 3 #1 works better with the white text. It stands out clearer.
6 and 7 is very much the same. I prefer the red title but both the grainy and distorted images work. What does not work is the negative color (pinkish) bleeding through on #7's red and fading the T in your name.
5 is good two but also has the negative bleed problem (even more pink).
If you can fix the text clarity my vote would go for #7
There are two similar pairs that have both good and bad but I think you cane eliminate that are similar that
Oh, and my second choice would be for #1. I like the yellow exploding head.
ReplyDeleteI like the original cover best - it's cohesive, the color works with the title, etc. Maybe change the font to what you use on the others...
ReplyDeleteOf the others, I was drawn to #7 right away.
Good luck, man!
I say eliminate 4,5,6,8 The rest I really like.
ReplyDeleteNumber 5.
ReplyDeleteNumbers 1 and 7 stood out to me. I'd have to go with 1 because it gives the hint of movement to the image.
ReplyDeleteI would go with #1 ... but I put it in Photoshop and maximized the hue and saturation, dropped the lightness to -22 ... and that really screamed, to me.
ReplyDeleteBut then...I like red.
-Mac
@Ashley ~ Thank you. I think that's my fav, too.
ReplyDelete@jDarrick ~ Thanks for your vote. I think we're on the same team.
@rising water ~ I like it too, but I never imagained that anyone would think it looks like his head's exploding. I may have to reconsider that one.
@Sandra...Sandra...Sandra...Thanks for voting. I knew you'd have something to say...and I agree, 5 is freaky.
@Nora~I'm glad to hear that at least one of them do. Thanks for your input!
@Deena ~ Thank you. I concure.
@Eve ~ Thank you for the details. I appreciate those. In fact, I appreciate everone's input. Overall, you are in good company. Number seven seems to be the most popular.
@Ryan ~ Thanks, Ryan!
@Gehri, Thanks for your suggestions. Most of the font bleeding was intentional as a way of blending the font into the varying background colors, but this is a good test to see how it's received...not well. Thanks for your input.
@Ken ~ Hi. Thank you. I'm all for number seven, too. The problem with the original, and I do appreciate your vote here, is that it is a 72 DPI pic (the new one is 300 dpi) and I do not remember the exact "recipe" I used on that one. I tried to imitate it, but I can't get the same mix I had when I made it nearly three or four months ago. All the same, I appreciate your comment.
@Kelly ~ Chello. Thanks for voting. I think you've made a fair assesment.
@Stephanie ~ Thank you. Quick and to he point...I like that. : )
@Rusty ~ Thanks, man. I appreciate it.
ReplyDelete@Mac ~ Thanks for the technical input. I wish I had photoshop. I do all these on picnik.com. I might see if I can do what you're saying...just for fun because I like red, too.
Jeff, I think the original cover works well but my second favorite is #5. The colors "pop" and catch your eye.
ReplyDelete-Kim Norris
I vote for #5. The green one.
ReplyDelete#3 freaked me out. So I guess my vote is #3!
ReplyDeleteI really like the original cover best; it just looks the most professional. Other than that, number 5 comes in a close second. tobygtate@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete#1 is great, love the letters in the background. Of the others, #5 would be my first choice. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteedward (at) storiesbyedwardowen (dot) com
Either #5 or the original with the word twisted the same color as the other text.
ReplyDeleteI would say 7, or 5, 5 is quite scary looking! Good luck with the book, look forward to reading it x Loved Creepy!
ReplyDelete@writerdove
My eyes kept going back to 7 and would probably lead me to pick it up first however, 5 is the creepiest. The definition in the teeth makes a big difference.
ReplyDeleteI like 3 and 6. But I also like the original cover except "twisted" is a little light. Anyway that is my 2favorite cents.
ReplyDeleteI like the original the best but if I have to choose another I would go with 4 or 8. I like the black and white. Your book sounds great! Can't wait to read :)
ReplyDeleteoops forgot to leave my twitter handle!
ReplyDelete@Ashley_Olivero
and you can get my email by clicking on Agent Bookworm!
I liked the original (because of the coloring) and also really like 1 and 7...1 because the yellow caught my eye and the white lettering just made it stand out...and 7 because I'm partial to the red lettering as well.
ReplyDeleteTough decision! Good luck :)
@christineswords
#7 for sure. The red in the title fits right in with the expected look for books in your genre.
ReplyDelete@NettieWriter
Honestly, I like the original. The others look like they've been worked over too much--too many effects(#0-7)/poor font choices (#8). The original looks much cleaner and I would be more likely to pick that one up.
ReplyDelete@ClareMarshall13
Playing on the paranormal aspect, I'd say #3 but I also really liked #5 for the clarity of the screamer. I didn't like the pink/purple spot in the title on #5 though. Also, your name is multi-color and I think it should be a solid color with no hint of pink/purple.
ReplyDelete#5 jumps out. I like the color. I would consider an adjustment on the text layer for your name, though. The "T" is obscured in a couple of your examples, and I think your name should be 100% readable. (JMO!) :)
ReplyDelete@jenncrowder72
I like #5. Think about how people pick out books, they usually stand back and look over a bunch of books at once. #5 is colorful and interesting. The picture draws you in, but the title of the book is what first stands out. I would think having the title stand out is important. Otherwise, I might never get to reading the blurb.
ReplyDeleteOh Yeah, I'm @leo_godin
ReplyDeleteI liked #7 best from the images provided. I like the "clarity" of the imagery.
ReplyDeleteHowever I agree with Clare... I preferred the original image. When I see that image and read the description it makes more sense to me. I see a young boy trapped and scared in the top image, where in the other images the young boy looks evil or frightening.
@wpgsgeekygirl
#5
ReplyDeleteNumber five makes me want to grab it! I want to read what's inside...
All the Best,
@ymschwartz
Jeff---I think number 5 does it for me. It's great cover art no matter which you choose but number 5 seems to be the one that grabbed me after reading the pitch.
ReplyDelete1, 3 or 4 - some of the others the "E" gets a bit warped in the image and I don't think that's good. 5 looks good if you can make the "E" stand out.
ReplyDeleteI like #5 & #7 best. My eyes are drawn to them. :)
ReplyDelete@KatesReads
My eyes are drawn to #5 the most. Totally freaky!
ReplyDeletethe Original Cover and 8
ReplyDeleteIf you can make the face in#7 a little sharper like in #5 then I would go for #7.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I'm @redhead4jesus
ReplyDelete@LynnHallbrooks agrees that the one at the top is really good. If you don't go with that then #7 would be my next choice followed by #2
ReplyDeleteI'd say the original cover, and number 8. The original - because I like the green colour. Number 8 because of the simplicity of it, plus you can clearly see the terror/agony the person is in.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
@AMcBay I like the original, #7 and the text in #8. I would go for #8 but the pic has been manipulated way too much and you have lost all clarity in it.
ReplyDeleteI like #0. Reminds me of Munch's scream painting on the orange around the head is eyecatching and conveys an intensity
ReplyDelete#7 for sure.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Jeff, I liked the original, but if you really want to change the cover, #7 stands out against the rest for me.
ReplyDeleteKatie
#7 is easily the most potent. Good luck with the book Jeff @LincsDave
ReplyDeleteI choose number 8, the white space around the borders draw your eyes in.
ReplyDeleteActually, they're all really good. Pretty much any choice would be a good choice. With that said, #7 freaks my shit.
ReplyDelete@_TheJinn_
I like #7 It pops and zombies are all the rage
ReplyDelete#1 -- with the changes Mac described to the hue, saturation, and lowered lightness -- has the most emotive impact, if that's what you're going for.With the changes, you can feel the pain from the cover. Good luck with it.
ReplyDelete#8 - vote from Stephanie Queen
ReplyDeleteI gotta tell you--they're all kind of creepy, Jeff. But I like the lettering on #8 - very distinctive with the V.
I like #7 too--it seems the most focused.
ReplyDeleteWow! I've been away for a few hours and I'm blown away by your response. I can't possibly reply to each of you at this point, but rest assured, your votes matter and will be counted. Thank you so much for the input, everyone.
ReplyDelete#2 or #5 xD
ReplyDelete#5
ReplyDelete#2 Scared the crap out of me, but I don't love the translucent red. #7 font colors are better & the photo still grabs me.
ReplyDeleteKindleAllStars@gmail.com
4, 5, and 7 get my vote!
ReplyDelete(@InkMuse)
I think #7 jumps out at me the most. I was going to say #6 at first, but I like how "Twisted" is in red. @SharkbaitWrites
ReplyDelete#4 & #8, with #4 being my first choice. (@virginiaripple)
ReplyDelete#5 caught my attention, and I foumd that to be the most balanced cover.
ReplyDeleteCover #0. The late addition caught my eye the most. Second place is #8. (@OffColfax)
ReplyDeleteI would buy the eBook with cover #0 (@Miss_Fletcher)
ReplyDeletenumber five
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like #0 or #1. The play of cool colors and warm colors attracts the eye and the word "Twisted" is more visible than in the original cover. It looks more like it's part of the title.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing response. Thank you ALL so much. I should have TWISTED VENGEANCE formated for all ebook formats in the next 2 weeks. I will contact each one of you and get you your copy before anyone else gets a chance to read it. THANKS AGAIN!
ReplyDeleteI will use your input to make my cover the best it can be.
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ReplyDeleteIf you voted, check out my next post. I've blended the things you liked best and made a final cover that I think you'll really love.
ReplyDelete#5 gives the face a depth that truly seems to capture the horror the face is portraying.
ReplyDelete#7 would be my second choice but I think I would prefer the "TWISTED" be written in the grey of #6 instead of orange.
Whichever you choose I would recommend getting rid of that line coming out of the left (our right) nostril.
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ReplyDelete