Pink Floyd. I’ve always been a Pink Floyd fan. Hubby is a mega-fan, and it’s not unusual to hear Floyd blaring from the den. I’ve had a Pink Floyd lyric running through my head this past week: “Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!” Leave them kids alone. The words shift; the tune remains, “Hey! Maddie! Leave them covers alone!” I’m not making this up. It’s in my head, and it’s annoying.
This evening, I approved the final artwork for the rework of my first cover. I’ve read plenty of articles about covers, and thought I had everything under control. A little more research tonight turned up some interesting tidbits, as there is a plethora of articles related to the mistakes of indie authors. Ha! Here we go again. I compared my covers to the tips. All of these helpful hints appeared in more than one article:
1. Do not use a family member or relative to do your artwork. – FAIL
2. Sexy covers are hot right now. – FAIL
3. Do not put your name in small type in the lower right or left corner. – FAIL
4. Do not clutter your cover. Design around one element. – FAIL
5. Quit messing with your cover. Pick a design and stick with it. – FAIL
6. Changing the cover art can attract new buyers. – PASS – Yeah! I passed one! Oh, wait. Basically the change was from one of a boring cover to one of the steamy sex god and goddess covers. – FAIL
I’m happy with my covers. They certainly portray the pink, fluffy, fun, not-too-serious, theme of the books. I think I’ll keep them.
Breezy Books 
I much prefer the new cover 😀
Thanks, Paula. I’m happy with the work my niece is doing. 🙂
I don’t know about #5. I spent a lot of time messing with my cover designs, as it seems like finding something successful relies upon trial and error to a large extent. You’ve also forgotten one thing that you’re definitely doing right: creating a look for your brand. People will see the pink cover with the cute blonde and know it’s part of the Susan Hunter series.
That’s the one thing we’ve tried to stay with for sure – the pink covers and Susan front and center. The books are an easy read, fluffy, and the pink suits them. Thank you for your comment, Antoinette. I see you have quite a bit of advice at your blog. I’ll spend some time there soon.
In the DIY section, there’s a post of examples from Popular Soda that I like a lot. Other than that I’m largely chronicling my adventures with GIMP, which is like Photoshop’s cranky cousin, but it’s free so people just put up with it.
Thanks for the direction. I’ll check out your Popular Soda examples. Before my niece agreed to help me out, I was looking at GIMP.
You’re smart, Maddie, and you’ve got good instincts.
Thanks, T.W. I always appreciate your comments.
Super new cover! I love the addition of the ocean.
Thank you, Carrie. I appreciate your comment. It does set the scene for some action to come.
I love the cover, Maddie! The crab is adorable.
Thank you, La La. I liked the first cover, but I love this one. 🙂
Stephen King must have a hundred different covers for each one of his books, so whose to say changing the cover multiple times is bad…at least not Mr. King.
That’s true! Since you mention that, I realize I’ve seen this many times. Someone who doesn’t want us changing our covers must be wearing their cranky pants!
I like it! A lot. I knew you’d been messing around with things, if you keep wearing me down, I am going to have to buy these you know. By the time I write mine, you will have guided me away from many indie mistakes, and thanks to your blogging research and how to posts, I should have a horde of teeming readers salivating for it. Tee hee! Thanks again.
Thanks! I’m glad you like it. Any knowledge is better than running into it blindfolded like I did. 🙂
Oooh! Blindfolded? That sounds like fun. How about I just wear an eye patch, so one eye is fully open. That way I’ll have just enough knowledge to be a danger to myself and others. Eye patches are hot! Aaaaaarggghhh!
Did you have fun on “talk like a pirate day?”
I’m glad it wasn’t a turtle…I’m scared to death of turtles; regardless of the size! lol
My Dad brought a snapping turtle home once, and my Mom cooked it for Easter dinner! My brothers made signs, “Save the Turtle,” and walked around the house in protest. Me? I kept sticking a stick in the turtle’s mouth so I could watch it snap. Dad said he was going to get my finger, but he never did, and into the skillet he went! Tasted like chicken.
Maddie you just don’t know how scared I am…it’s crazy! lol
I think I do, Mike, because I am terrified of sea creeps. The thought of a moray eel or something like that gives me the willies. Your sea turtle scared you that much – if not more because you saw it!
They can be scary haha
yes, read my latest blog post 🙂
I agree the newer cover rocks!
I really understand, because I too published a book this year. Afterwards, I spotted quite a few typos in it. Six months later and I’ve just paid out more than I’ve made to fix them..
I was having a hard time sleeping at night knowing they were there.
Thank you, Maggie. I was in a panic until I re-edited the first three books, and “cleaned them up” a bit – too many junk words. They aren’t perfect, but they won’t embarrass me now either. 🙂 Maggie, your book is definitely on my list of to be read. The pictures in the beginning are wonderful. You have such a nice, welcoming style of writing. It’s easy to be drawn in to your story. Thanks for stopping by!
Thats so kind, thank you!
Maddie, I’m about half way through Sunshine Hunter…I love it. It’s so quirky. I live the new cover as well.
Oh my gosh, Val! Thank you so much. I’m glad the story is entertaining you. I can’t wait for your book. Will it be eBook or print? As much as I enjoy my Nook, some things I simply like to read in a hardcover. Spinelli seems like a hardcover kind of guy. 🙂
Funny you should ask…you’re the first person on the web to know…I signed a contract just this week with a publishing house for “Cookies for Santa.” I still don’t know many of the details yet but it is going to be placed in an anthology and made available in both print and electronically. I will forward more info when it becomes available. I am doing the happy dance!!!
Val
Congratulations, Val! That is so exciting! I’ll watch your blog, or you can let me know when it’s available. I’m so happy for you!
Awesome new cover!
Thank you, Pam. I was just over at your blog and saw Lulu and Cruise. I’ve never had a chance to be around horses much and wonder why they have cloths over their eyes?
Hi Maddie
I just read Sunshine Hunter today – such a fun escape novel 🙂 thank you! I love the character Susan and her neighbour Darby…now I’m going to have to stock up on your titles on my kindle (for pc app).
Annie! How sweet are you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. I think you’ve read enough of my blog to know I’m an amateur at this writing thing, but if I can entertain someone for a day or two, I’m happy. That’s all I ever hoped to achieve. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate you.
not an amateur at all Maddie! you’ve got several books out already and a good story that is easy to read is just what I needed yesterday so I’m so glad to have made a start on your books 🙂
Love the cover and have now read 5% of the book (thanks kindle) yay!
Thank you for reading my 5%. You are my new best friend.
Yay you make me happy! I am up to 9% now and I LIKE IT!
And now I love you!!