a critique site for book lovers, hosted by author Jude Hardin
Friday, August 19, 2011
High on a Mountain by Tommie Lyn
What's the genre? What is it you like or don't like about this cover? Does it make you want to know more about the book? Does it make you want to BUY the book? Discuss.
I would say definitely historical romance on this one, aided by the word "historical" on the cover.
To address the cover itself, this one seems kind of "amateur home made" (sorry, don't know how else to put it). I like the H and the M in the title, but the rest of the font is too difficult to read. Squint at "Mountain" and I see something more like "Moustais". The type style fits the book, but try taking the emboss off and adding a subtle gradient, or a different typface that's just a bit more readable.
The photo in an embossed frame with the man's head in a vignette does not work for me at all. I would want to make the scenery more of the book cover (less plaid!) and drop the frame. Maybe make the face fade into the scenery or drop the face all together.
I must admit I have a prejudice against plaid on book covers. That's just me though, so take that for what it's worth. I've read this novel, by the way and intend to do a review of it next week on my blog. I don't think this cover really shows the historicity of the novel. It is better than the cover makes it look.
It is a romance but it is also a well-researched historical novel and I don't think that really comes across. As a reader of historical fiction as opposed to historical romance, I would have never picked this novel up. Of course, historical romance may sell better... ;-)
@Jacks Girl, the cover needs to work in thumbnail, so no, I didn't make it bigger.
@J.R. Tomlin, I would not have picked this as historical fiction and yes, I'd be more likely to read it if it was; I love me some romance but I'm kind of burned out on it after decades of overindulgence. :)
As a thumbnail image it just doesn’t work. The problem is that in this day and age on Amazon the thumbnail is just so important and small text or hard to read text can just kill sales.
I do strongly suggest taking another shot at this cover.
My, that's a lot of plaid. :)
ReplyDeleteI would say definitely historical romance on this one, aided by the word "historical" on the cover.
To address the cover itself, this one seems kind of "amateur home made" (sorry, don't know how else to put it). I like the H and the M in the title, but the rest of the font is too difficult to read. Squint at "Mountain" and I see something more like "Moustais". The type style fits the book, but try taking the emboss off and adding a subtle gradient, or a different typface that's just a bit more readable.
The photo in an embossed frame with the man's head in a vignette does not work for me at all. I would want to make the scenery more of the book cover (less plaid!) and drop the frame. Maybe make the face fade into the scenery or drop the face all together.
I can't read the words across the bottom, sorry.
Robin did you click on the picture and try to read it. It's easier to read that way.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that a man's face on a novel makes you think Romance.
I must admit I have a prejudice against plaid on book covers. That's just me though, so take that for what it's worth. I've read this novel, by the way and intend to do a review of it next week on my blog. I don't think this cover really shows the historicity of the novel. It is better than the cover makes it look.
ReplyDeleteIt is a romance but it is also a well-researched historical novel and I don't think that really comes across. As a reader of historical fiction as opposed to historical romance, I would have never picked this novel up. Of course, historical romance may sell better... ;-)
As a PS. I also do not think the title font works as is. It is much too difficult to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, everyone. I appreciate your taking the time to evaluate the cover.
ReplyDelete@Jacks Girl, the cover needs to work in thumbnail, so no, I didn't make it bigger.
ReplyDelete@J.R. Tomlin, I would not have picked this as historical fiction and yes, I'd be more likely to read it if it was; I love me some romance but I'm kind of burned out on it after decades of overindulgence. :)
Way too much plaid. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI will agree with everything that Robin has said.
As a thumbnail image it just doesn’t work. The problem is that in this day and age on Amazon the thumbnail is just so important and small text or hard to read text can just kill sales.
I do strongly suggest taking another shot at this cover.