Would you like to judge my book by its cover?

[NewAuthorInTraining]

I’m not quite ready to self publish on kindle, but I’m almost there.

I’ve designed my front cover (though obscured my name for now). It has been created in black and white as that’s how most kindles present the books, and I think it’s kind of atmospheric.

Would the cover tempt you to buy it? What would you think the genre was? Any other feedback?

Thanks in advance.

Oooh I wouldn't guess fiction but I get the locals from the cemetery vibes

It reminds me of a local history book or one of my old history textbooks.

Mine do. I didn’t know you could get a colour version!

It looks a bit old skool 'Hammer House of Horror' to me.

I would think it was ghost stories.

(Well done on your book, OP).

Before reading your updates, I would have guessed it was true crime or at least something spooky/horror-ish. Your update makes it sound a bit "friendlier" than that. I wonder if the b&w photo can be "softened" a bit? Make the b&w less stark? And the font less "headline-y"?

Having a play now, thanks

Nowhere near perfect, but a fresh look - if I ever decide to publish trust me I will get some professional help! As in using a designer, not counselling for my naive ambition!

@NewAuthorInTraining So I was pretty close with my guess earlier then!

Yes, pretty close!

my border has gone weird, but you get the gist

I find the font difficult in both and my eye sight is fine. In the first the “the” sort of fades into ghr back ground, and in the second the “with the “ is hidden and it looks like it’s called conversations dead.

I remember you posting about your book before and I'll definitely read it.

Agree that the words "with the" don't stand out enough on this latest one.

The photo is also more tree than graveyard but I agree that it's a nice photo.

I might not have picked it up in a shop because I'd think it was a crime novel.

I would be a crap designer, I can’t stop tinkering!

Okay, will sort the “with the” but first - The Traitors is on!!!

Much better!

Needs a bit more tinkering, the “with the” is not visible enough and the box at the bottom is a bit harsh, but it is already so much better! Well done!

Thanks everyone

I think just centering it including your name underneath would sort it out.

You need the lettering to be in black with a white outline, do away with the all caps as well, it makes it look a bit alarmist

Original version I mean.

Given that it has historical content, how about a stylised copperplate font?

I think it has an interesting title and therefore all the words should be the same size. In view of the subject matter, I would expect to see people sitting or standing in the graveyard chatting.

As it stands, there is no clue to the premise of the book.

I would assume it was written by someone who thinks they are clairvoyant/ can speak to the dead. Or potentially a True Crime. I wouldn't buy it as neither are genres I am interested in.

If I'm being honest, it's also very obvious that it is self published and I would think amateur and avoid it tbh, even if it was a free download.

I think you need to hire a proper graphic designer to sort the cover out. Covers do say a lot.

I have just seen the updated version. It is much better with the explanation. I would buy it.

Similar

The placement of your title is all wrong, it's just not visually appealing. The synopsis of your book is interesting though.