Anthology Cover by Wiiow Raven Illustrations

This is the cover. I think it's brilliant! If everyone is happy with the title, then this will be the cover for the anthology:

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w00t!

My comments are on the other (voting) page, but I really like the way this looks too!

How wonderful! I like it, in case you couldn't tell.

Even I like it so it must be great.

That's cool. I love it.

It's eye catching and romantic.

Perfect (we have lift off.)

ummm, well, I hate to be the lone dissenting voice here, but the cover is very generic and doesn't stand out from the countless other anthology covers I've seen done in a similar manner.

It gives no indication of what the stories are about, and even the title is a bit ambiguous.

Of all the images listed on the other thread, I liked the sunset couple the best, as it at least conveys the feeling of 'love, romance, and together forever'. And, trust me, I'm NOT a romance novel reader.

I don't like the kids on this type of cover; I wouldn't buy a book with this photo on it because it looks like a book for children or about children.

I loved the photo of the trees and doorway, but I also got the impression that the book was about horticulture.

But back to this one: It just doesn't do anything for me. I would, as a reader/buyer, glance at it and continue on.

and I just noticed the Smilies aren't in the sidebar--where's the Smilies?

--Melinda

Ahh, there they are; they showed up in the Preview

The smilies are on the edit bar above the quick reply box with a pull down menu [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] (you may have to click on this [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] at the top right of the box to change editor mode).

I discussed the cover with my husband and he felt the same about the Forever cover. Since I trust his opinion, I sent a message to Aidana and she's going to design a different, more modern cover. She's very busy so it might be some time before she sends a new design.

Thanks for your honest comments -- that was really helpful!

Interesting we're back to cover design after I thought it was all settled and done except for a bit of tweaking on the font or letter placement.

The things that make people pick up a book and look at it are very individual. Consider that people who enjoy a certain genre of books will pick up ANY book that looks remotely like something they'd read. Since the book is an anthology by people who hang out here, it made sense to me that it had books on the cover because that way the stories and poems on the inside could be about a variety of things that fit within the theme but are not necessarily captured in the previous pictures that were voted on. In addition, the marketing was to have been carried out by the authors among their individual network (family and friends) to start with, followed by the power of the internet so it certainly won't be starting out on the stacks of B&N (we can save that for the second edition once it gets picked up by a big house ).

I am disappointed that the cover is back to the drawing board again. That's my two cents worth on the issue, just in case anybody wanted it.

I think that cover photo looks great. Cool title too!

I kinda feel like the outsider butting in, and didn't mean to disparage anyone's opinions or tastes.

Next time, I'll wait until I'm a bit more 'settled in' before sounding off on something that I'm not even involved in.

Sometimes, I let my opinonated nature get the better of me.

--Melinda

Melinda, although the cover was agreed, Shelagh wanted people's honest opinion and that's what you've given.

You're part of the community and I hope to see one of your wicked stories in the anthology.

I haven't contributed to the anthology but I agree with Melinda. The cover is nice, but I think it's dull.

I think you should have a murder/mayhem anthology, like Dick suggested on
another thread. That'll stir some interest. Alfred Hitchcock thought so too, and he did pretty well.

The cover with the books is technically very good; I have great confidence that the new cover will be awesome, judging from the other selections on the thread listing all the various cover designs

--Melinda

Melinda,
being honest with your opinions needs no apology. It is about an object - not a person. How it hits you is what Shelagh wanted to know and you did just that.
Although I find the new cover somewhat generic, I do not think it unworthy of consideration. As long as there are ten people with opinions, there will most likely be ten different views. Finding something that suits everyone isn't easy.

That's for sure, Abe. Just ask a few friends their opinon on wall colors.

Hi,

Although covers might seem to be the reason readers pick up a book I think it is curiosity regarding the title and extra information that makes them want to look inside. I have looked at interesting covers but then found from the front and back the subject was not of any interest to me so did not look inside. What is the point in anyone picking up the book if they do not look inside?

The cover here is not cluttered and has sharp contrast and a vivid impact value.

There is fierce competition anyway for any book so the stuff on the inside better be worth reading lol.

I am sure it is.

john

Hi John,

You will find the final cover here:

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Lulu permits a book back cover to be displayed and even a sampling of the interior, but that could be a cost item. What do you know of that, Shelagh?

Since looking at the back cover for a blurb about the interior, and possibly seeing a bit of the interior even if it's just a T of C, is akin to browsing a book at the brick-and-mortar bookstore and is intended to influence the potential buyer.

So I guess my question is, what sort of rear-cover copy do you have in mind for us, Madame Editor?

Jim Woods
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Hi Jiim,

The rear cover is half done. This is a preview. The text is taken from my book to show the layout:

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I have to write the back cover blurb. If you want to have a go at it, be my guest!

I have yet to write the introduction and the contents page is under construction. I will also be adding a page with the web addresses of all the contributors.

Cool start Shelagh!

I think just a a few lines about two of the stories and poems. Just to give the potential reader an idea of what they will be getting.

I do love the message.

Shelagh, you are awesome!!

Shelagh,
The description under "Austen's novels" sounds like your book, "The Power of Persuasion." Is there a mini version?

I thought you had read enough of my book, Abe. Do you really want more?

I am now seeing a different side of you.