a critique site for book lovers, hosted by author Jude Hardin
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Immortalis by Katie Salidas
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.
Disclaimer: I already know what this books is about. But if I didn't, here's what I would have thought:
This looks like a professionally designed cover for an urban fantasy/paranormal romance about some kind of immortal creatures who operate out of Las Vegas. The color schemes is a bit garish, but that fits with the Las Vegas locale, so it works. I like the glowing purple eyes.
I was wondering why this cover looks professionally designed to me, when the previous one (False Colored Eyes) did not, even though in some ways I enjoyed the softer color palette of that book more. I realize that two things are very important in giving book art that "polished" look: ratios and font. This cover has the proper proportions of a traditional book. The size of the woman and the placement of the title and author's name follow the "rule of thirds."
Would I buy this book? Well, actually, yes, I did, before I knew who Katie Salidas was, or that she was an indie. I wasn't blown away by the cover, I just didn't think about it much; yet I assumed she was traditionally published because of the quality of this cover.
I agree that this does look like a professionally designed cover. Why? I think because of the layering of the graphics more than anything. It looks like you've got 4 different images, and the text, and it all comes together without looking like a quick copy-and-paste job. That said, it doesn't strike me as being either great or bad. I think the text would get lost in thumbnail view.
I'm assuming it's a horror story, which I used to devour but haven't read in a long time. If I bought this book it would be because something in the description caught my interest. But I'm not sure this cover would make me read the description.
This cover looks too busy to me. I didn't notice the glowing purple eyes until I read the other comments - I think it will be entirely lost in the thumbnail. That said, I think it's a little silly...
What are the slashing lights at the bottom? Really fast cars?
I think the name is a little too small and the words of the title too thin.
I would guess either Urban Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. I agree that it looks professional, but it is also busy. Change lights, or floor, too something calmer. Also I am not sure what the title of the book is. Is it Immortalis, or Hunters and Prey? If so, is the other the Series title?
This is a paranormal urban fantasy novel for sure.
It's a very loud cover, but Vegas is a loud city so it fits. Perhaps I'd tone down the rays of light at the bottom a little bit. I think that would help me focus my eyes on the title better. Right now I don't know where to look with so much going on.
I had heard that this cover was the least favorite of all my covers but I didn't quite know why. What great comments you guys! Keep them coming. I really appreciate the honesty. I've been tossing around having this one redone for a little bit. It's so good to know what works and doesn't.
I would have to say if I saw this in a store I probably wouldn't pick it up because it seems too busy. I would guess it to be a paranormal/vampire story. If it was front facing I might pick it up to read the back but most likely not. It seems a bit cheesy to me, maybe pick one or two things to focus on, the vegas sign and the girl? Make it a bit more mysterious, make us want to pick it up and find out what the heck is going on.
Urban Fantasy - vampire hunting showgirls? The cover is well done, very evocative of the glitz and glam of Vegas. Not my kind of book, but it looks great. Had trouble reading the text above the title - in a thumbnail, it would be totally lost.
I like this cover, but I'm wondering about the Las Vegas sign. It's a fairly iconic image, so I just wonder if the town owns some kind of licensing rights to it. Anyone know?
Great comments everybody. You know what's funny? Living here in Vegas, I forget that people have a very specific view of the town. Seeing anything "Vegas" seems to immediately bring up images of showgirls and hookers. Though the story takes place in Vegas, the image of it is much more mundane (real life in Vegas) in the story. That leads me to think that for the re-cover of this book, I might have to avoid using the iconic image.
As for the legal use of the Las Vegas sign. It is one of the most photographed signs out there. Hell, they even constructed a special parking area just for people who want to photograph it. and there are literally thousands of royalty-free images available. Now, if only the Neon Museum would let me in to get some pictures, that would be fun. That place is very guarded about photos, even for tourists. You have to sign all kinds of releases to bring your camera in. =(
Disclaimer: I already know what this books is about. But if I didn't, here's what I would have thought:
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a professionally designed cover for an urban fantasy/paranormal romance about some kind of immortal creatures who operate out of Las Vegas. The color schemes is a bit garish, but that fits with the Las Vegas locale, so it works. I like the glowing purple eyes.
I was wondering why this cover looks professionally designed to me, when the previous one (False Colored Eyes) did not, even though in some ways I enjoyed the softer color palette of that book more. I realize that two things are very important in giving book art that "polished" look: ratios and font. This cover has the proper proportions of a traditional book. The size of the woman and the placement of the title and author's name follow the "rule of thirds."
Would I buy this book? Well, actually, yes, I did, before I knew who Katie Salidas was, or that she was an indie. I wasn't blown away by the cover, I just didn't think about it much; yet I assumed she was traditionally published because of the quality of this cover.
I agree that this does look like a professionally designed cover. Why? I think because of the layering of the graphics more than anything. It looks like you've got 4 different images, and the text, and it all comes together without looking like a quick copy-and-paste job. That said, it doesn't strike me as being either great or bad. I think the text would get lost in thumbnail view.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming it's a horror story, which I used to devour but haven't read in a long time. If I bought this book it would be because something in the description caught my interest. But I'm not sure this cover would make me read the description.
This cover looks too busy to me. I didn't notice the glowing purple eyes until I read the other comments - I think it will be entirely lost in the thumbnail. That said, I think it's a little silly...
ReplyDeleteWhat are the slashing lights at the bottom? Really fast cars?
I think the name is a little too small and the words of the title too thin.
I would pass on this cover. Sorry :(
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Cheat
I would guess either Urban Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. I agree that it looks professional, but it is also busy. Change lights, or floor, too something calmer.
ReplyDeleteAlso I am not sure what the title of the book is. Is it Immortalis, or Hunters and Prey? If so, is the other the Series title?
This is a paranormal urban fantasy novel for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very loud cover, but Vegas is a loud city so it fits. Perhaps I'd tone down the rays of light at the bottom a little bit. I think that would help me focus my eyes on the title better. Right now I don't know where to look with so much going on.
This looks like a professional cover. Well done.
I had heard that this cover was the least favorite of all my covers but I didn't quite know why. What great comments you guys! Keep them coming. I really appreciate the honesty. I've been tossing around having this one redone for a little bit. It's so good to know what works and doesn't.
ReplyDelete~Katie Salidas
I would have to say if I saw this in a store I probably wouldn't pick it up because it seems too busy. I would guess it to be a paranormal/vampire story. If it was front facing I might pick it up to read the back but most likely not. It seems a bit cheesy to me, maybe pick one or two things to focus on, the vegas sign and the girl? Make it a bit more mysterious, make us want to pick it up and find out what the heck is going on.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents :)
Definitely urban fantasy set in Vegas. I love it. I agree with the previous posters who say it looks like it could be a Big 6 cover. It's just great!
ReplyDeleteUrban Fantasy - vampire hunting showgirls? The cover is well done, very evocative of the glitz and glam of Vegas. Not my kind of book, but it looks great. Had trouble reading the text above the title - in a thumbnail, it would be totally lost.
ReplyDeleteI like this cover, but I'm wondering about the Las Vegas sign. It's a fairly iconic image, so I just wonder if the town owns some kind of licensing rights to it. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteGreat comments everybody. You know what's funny? Living here in Vegas, I forget that people have a very specific view of the town. Seeing anything "Vegas" seems to immediately bring up images of showgirls and hookers. Though the story takes place in Vegas, the image of it is much more mundane (real life in Vegas) in the story. That leads me to think that for the re-cover of this book, I might have to avoid using the iconic image.
ReplyDeleteAgain, extremely helpful comments.
~Katie Salidas
As for the legal use of the Las Vegas sign. It is one of the most photographed signs out there. Hell, they even constructed a special parking area just for people who want to photograph it. and there are literally thousands of royalty-free images available. Now, if only the Neon Museum would let me in to get some pictures, that would be fun. That place is very guarded about photos, even for tourists. You have to sign all kinds of releases to bring your camera in. =(
ReplyDelete