Cover Review Request > Likes and Comments

Hello Everyone,

I just finished my second book and am publishing in the next few months. I have created the book cover and have had some good reader reviews. I'm just not sure if it is what is needed for my book. Here is the book outline:

Áine , a determined 41-year-old marketing executive from New York, finds her life thrown into chaos when she narrowly escapes a deadly threat in the city. Seeking refuge on a Montana ranch, where her best friend’s wedding is set to take place, Áine expects a peaceful escape. But Evanston offers more than just a celebration—it becomes the backdrop for a gripping tale of danger, courage, and a love that defies all odds.

Enter Jeb, a 37-year-old rugged cowboy with piercing green eyes and a Marine's past. From their very first encounter, the chemistry between Áine and Jeb is undeniable. As Áine struggles with the terror of being hunted, Jeb emerges as her steadfast protector, slowly unraveling the secrets she’s been hiding.

With the threat looming ever closer, will Jeb be the hero Áine needs? Can Áine trust this strong, silent cowboy with her deepest fears and darkest truths?

Here is the link to the cover: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF__QlY...

Please let me know what you think of it.

Welcome, Ann.

It's an intriguing blurb! What genre is it? Romance?

Without getting into genre expectations—which can be very important—let me give a few quick reactions from a more-technical POV . . .

* Make sure you look at this in thumbnail view. That's what most people will see. I took your linked Canva page and shrunk it to a small size that basically matches what I'm seeing in an ad just to the right here. With that said:

* The 'escape' theme is pretty well shown with the main figure on the road. It's a little artificial looking, but it basically works.

* But what doesn't work (for me) is the handling of the main title ("Aine's Salvation"). The choice of color plus the choice to outline it makes it very hard to read. Again, at thumbnail size. Especially the word "SALVATION," which basically disappears. Not knowing what your options are in Canva (I use Photoshop), an Outer Glow could help. And trying different colors. Also, maybe try bringing down that dark gradient at top more?

* Then there's the main title font. It just reads "too ordinary" to me. Too basic. A bit too klunky, in my opinion. If this is a Thriller, than a Sans Serif font is always a good starting point, but if it's something else—like Romance—then you might want to consider other fonts.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for that feedback! I have trouble with fonts. I did research and they said the font I used was the one to do but I'm not stuck on it. I will play a bit more with the font and picture. Thank you for your help.

Here is a different version that I did:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2Csmu...

I think I got what you meant. Even though I would love a bright color it just won't show up soooo here is what I did: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF__QlY...

Sorry...I forgot that I needed to make copies of all my changes

Here is the link to the original: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEyYYK...

Here is one option with suggested changes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGRWOqy...

Other option with suggested changes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF__QlY...

Thank you again for your feedback!

OK... now you're onto something! Thoughts about the last two in white:

* THIN SERIF: Much better. Although maybe a little too thin (for instant readability). And you need to fix your kerning (letter spacing). QUESTION: Why is "AINES" in caps but not "Salvation"?

* FAT SANS SERIF: Most readable by far. But still feels kinda clunky and boring to me. Have you tried the same font your author name is? (and kerning definitely improved in this version)

You're getting there!

Hi Ann,

First of all, intriguing storyline and I am wondering what her secrets are already, and if the boyfriend has any too. Regarding the cover.
Pros
Love the overall design.
It seems the image of a woman moving… as to the why we will find out.

I agree with Harald above. What is the genre? The cover looks like it could be romance by the style, even though no couple is shown. Women’s fiction, drama perhaps?

Con’s
I’d change the font of title.
Do not border it like that, or add special effects. A nice font will work perfectly on its own.
The sign and post look badly photoshopped in. Perhaps add a vignette, though subtle.

My 2 cents

Hope it helps

Hi Dean,

Thank you for the review! The book is a romance novel. Not sure I can get the program to do a vignette but will work on it.

Sincerely,

Ann Dunbar

Here is what I have now: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGRWOqy...

I updated the font.

Sincerely,

Ann Dunbar

Better. ;) id still consider working on the road sign. Instead of creating one, perhaps google an image of one and alter that to fit your cover?
Good luck with your book, Ann.

Font looks the same, but it's a huge improvement over where you started. Congrats.

WAIT: Does "Aine's" have a slight drop shadow? If so, make sure "Salvation" does, too.

Best of luck, Ann.

Thank you for all your help!

Hi Dean,

I found a sign and used it instead of what I had.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGRWOqy...

It appears to be the same sign