Beta Reader Group discussion
Covers, Blurbs, 1st Line, Query
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Help me pick a cover please
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Hmmm. I like the first one composition better, but the photoshop job on her bottom half to make it look like she's walking in the water, looks a bit silvery -- pops out a bit as photoshop-y. The second is quite nice too, maybe a bit more overtly sexual?
I'm leaning more towards the first because it actually suits the story better but I'm not sure if the second is more catchy. I wanted to see which one would catch people's attention (who haven't read the book).
I'm a little different here I like the second one better. But I may not count since I'm actually in the middle of reading it. :)Also I think a different font and some creativeness in adding the font to the picture instead of the black block's on the top and bottom could make it stand out more.
Every vote counts, LOL! I'm afraid I'm not very crafty with covers... From the second I like the position she's in and the fact that she's floating, what I don't like is that it's too obvious that it's just a regular swimming pool.
The first one relates to the story but I guess a cover is more about first impressions before you pick up the book.
Mod
You can usually hire a professional who charges very little if you have the picture and know what you want. I've seen some great covers for $30 or so.
Honestly both are really good. I kind of like the second one better though as it seemed more artsy with the position she was in but I did like being able to see under the water in the 1st one. Tough decision!
I very much appreciate everyone's input!Lena, do you have anyone you could recommend?
Cristina wrote: "I very much appreciate everyone's input!Lena, do you have anyone you could recommend?"
I'll give it a try without pay just to see what I can come up with for you. I've been playing around with cover making for a while now. Want to eventually get into making covers for others when I get confident enough with it.
The first one made me curious about the story. The second one made me giggle and think,"What the h...?"
Definitely the first one. In the second one, she looks like she's drowning.
Personally, I do not like how idealistic the ladies are in either cover, but then, it all depends on the genre for your story. At the moment, the cover in no way matches the title, as to what I associate 'adaptation' with. (if you want to know the link I am making: the lady has been or will be a mermaid... or suddenly able to breath underwater... something like that... The fact that she is so pristine perfect makes me think that she is going to have males fall for her left right and center. If that is what the story is about, then great, but somehow, I doubt that it the correct response)I might help us make a better judgment if you tell us a bit about the story it is a cover for.
As for anything to has to do with attracting readership, think: What do I want my reader to think/ feel? What will make most of my target readership feel/ think that?
Here is the description, maybe this helps?The first eight years of Scarlett Bender’s life had been mysteriously obliterated from her memory when she was found nearly unconscious on a beach in Barloc –an island where swimming is prohibited, and with strict laws against immigration or emigration. She didn’t have a serial number to identify her as a citizen; only a tag that indicated she was a subject of the Agency for Adaptation.
Determined to unearth the secrets that surround her and suspecting that she was experimented on, she does the one thing she was warned not to do. She joins the Agency for Adaptation.
It is the future and natural disasters plague the Earth. Everyone thinks the Agency for Adaptation is in charge of keeping people safe –but everyone doesn’t know about Scarlett. Except for Paxton Ray, the young and handsome Officer who apparently knows more than he lets on, and who has her falling head over heels for him.
Keeping her true identity hidden while trying to unveil a conspiracy proves to be a challenge. However, as she delves deeper into the secrets that the Agency harbors, she begins to realize that things are not what they seem and the bigger challenge may actually be facing the truth.
Sounds good. Hope you find a great cover to do it justice.
The book description sounds really interesting and I can't say that either cover does it justice. If you need a beta reader for the book then let me know. cosmith@yahoo.com
Thanks Courtney, I could always use one more beta reader :) I'll email you the manuscript, is pdf ok?
Hi thereI think the first cover looks more like a fiction book cover from the two. Also, from your description I think your book is leaning towards the science fiction genre (sorry if I am wrong about that)and the vibrancy in the sky and water on the first cover reflects this better, I think. The first cover matches your description a little better also I think.
Hope this helps :)
The first one is lovely. It give a sense of place and is much more interesting and aluring than the second.
Just a thought... the first one is far better but still seems too prosaic to me for your subject matter. Would it be possible to add something science fiction-y? Depending on your world, it might be airships high in the sky, futuristic buildings on the skyline of the distant land, etc.? Also, tastes are personal, but I think you should change the font for your name. There are plenty of cursive script fonts that look more professional and appealing, at least to my eye.
I just want to say thank you to everyone for all the valuable feedback!
I love the first one, the fact that you can see below the surface and see the sand. I would drop the black and white bars if possible and use a font that was readable over the image.
The first one, except get rid of the black and white. It does not flow very well.
I like the second one better. I do like the backdrop for book one but I like the black and white bars on book two with the model better.
I actually like the second one. It makes me feel like her adaptation is water based. Now, I haven't read through all of the comments, nor have I read the synopsis. So, just from a random person seeing your cover for the first time perspective I would guess that your story is about a woman who is able to breath underwater? At least that's the feel I get from the second cover. The first cover just makes me feel that this chick is either on vacation or that the story revolves around a beach theme.
Hey Cristina,I liked the second one better. Definitely eye catching, and something I haven't seen before. Perhaps a different font could make it pop a little. May I ask how it was designed? Is this software you purchased or did you have someone do it for you? I'm finalizing my first novel and looking for ideas on appealing but cost efficient covers. Thanks.
I like the picture on the second cover, but then a well formed girl in a skimpy swim suit, what's not to like. From your blurb, I have some questions:
The first eight years of her life? She is quite developed for eight years old. Is she a clone?
If she's found unconscious on the beach, why show her in the water?
It does sound like an intriguing story. Good luck.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their opinion with me... it looks like the first one has more "votes" so I'm going with that one, even though it's a close call! I've just uploaded the manuscript to swoonreads so if anyone is interested in reading it for free, this is the link:http://www.swoonreads.com/m/adaptation
Thanks!
I like the one with the woman standing up looking outwards.
They are both good, but number one is better by a country mile.
I think going with the first one was a good idea in the end since reading your description.
First one... More intriguing. Second one sort of made me cringe.Hope it helps.
Kat
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