I vote A and B. I just really like the vista over the city in A, and the feel of the triumph and the confetti going by in B.

I love the feel of the triumph, too.

It's always so hard to choose whenever Lane gives me options. Arrgh!!

If I do go with A/B, I think I'll ask him to have her holding the hilt of her sword in that one. Make her look a little more "active" as she looks out over Palmyra.

Yes! Have her with her hand on the pommel. Her arm roughly where it is but move the sword back and the hand on the pommel. I like that.

In favour of the other one, I do like the boldness of the face on cover - it's rarely done these days and I like it for that reason (tired of headless women covers). But the side pictures offer these glimpses of the surroundings that are just so pretty.

My vote is for C/D. She looks fierce, yet beautiful. I also like the background and the colors go really well together.

Yeah, the colors really have me in C/D, too. And I agree that a full face shot is such a rarity in HF these days! But maybe I don't want to go too far "off trend" in that way.

Arrgh!! Such a tough choice!

What's wrong with going "off trend"?

It usually leads to fewer book sales. If I weren't doing this full-time now and relying on it to pay my bills, I wouldn't be as concerned about that! :)

BUT, I don't think it's super-far off trend (the C/D one, that is) so it could still sell the book effectively. I do really, REALLY love the colors in that one, and she looks very strong and confident, which I love.

My preference is for A/B - it's very atmospheric, plus I love the blue sky in A and just adore B. That said, I do really like C as well, but I feel there's something awkward about the way the arms are held in D.

I prefer A/B, they appear more like slightly blurry photos and the woman looks fierce, whereas C/D is too obvious a drawing for my taste, especially D looks like it is from a comic book.

BTW, when do you think the book will be on GR?

Well, keep in mind these are just preliminary sketches. The final versions will have Lane's typical more-realistic feel to them. :)

I hope it'll be on GR soon! Can indie authors add upcoming releases to GR? I thought they could only be added if they're available for pre-order (which indie titles never are unless the author is a mega-seller and Amazon offers it.) But maybe I'm wrong. Anybody know for sure? I'd love to start getting this one and Tidewater on people's TBR lists!!

L.M. wrote: "It usually leads to fewer book sales. If I weren't doing this full-time now and relying on it to pay my bills, I wouldn't be as concerned about that! :)"

Yeah, I don't blame you! It's interesting though because as a shopper my eye tends to be drawn to 'off trend' books, which is why I asked. Also, I tend to associate all books that look the same, which can be good or bad. Books that blend in only get my attention if it's by a particular author I've enjoyed in the past or an eye-catching title.

Best of luck choosing! I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Yes, I agree. A/B. More active, more engaging, less defeated (we don't want to read about a defeated heroine).

Love the art. Your cover artist is really talented. I also love the subtle echoing of the Tidewater cover applied to a completely different subject.

I think you can add the books to GR LM, I see books so often added that are not at all available for pre-order or even have a title etc etc. An author could simply have mentioned a new book and they frequently get added. I see no reason an author couldn't add a book themselves using this form. People do it all the time to add books not already on the site, the only question would be the author aspect I suppose but I don't see it being an issue (and I have seen other indie authors do it...no one has come for them yet haha).

BTW I think even if the art were completed I would still be more drawn to A/B. I agree with CP in that C/D looks too defeated. Definite talent either way though.

Jackie -- I hear that! I'm trying to find just the right line between blending in and standing out too much. It's a very narrow balance beam!

CP -- Most people are leaning toward A/B, so that's what I am going with. And yes, Lane is AMAZING!

Nikki -- thank you! I'll check that out tomorrow. I almost have the cover for Tidewater finalized, so I can add that soon.

Ah, too late, then. I like C and B.