What do you guys think? The blurb needs tweaking and probably the author bio too. Which image do you prefer? Joni is training for the Boston Marathon which I feel like the blurb needs to address, but that’s why the runner image. Feedback appreciated!

I like the top one best!
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I was leaning toward that one, too. Most of the story happens in cold weather.
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Also it’s more gender neutral which will get you a wider audience
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I hadn’t considered that, good thinking!
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I like the top one – the magenta back page is a bit garish. But will depend on how you tweak the blurb. The top image is more serious – she seems more determined etc. On the other hand, the second one is jubilant, potentially more proactive in feel. Not sure if that helps.
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Yeah, not loving the magenta either, but that can be changed. I like her strong bare legs, though. For a romance novel it’s a little sexier? However, the majority of the story takes place in winter, too, so… Thanks for your input!
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Just a thought but I think the bottom angle is stronger than the top in terms of power/sexiness. But the top has the nicest colouring and seems more romantic.
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Right, I am trying to appeal to women, not dudes!
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I’m saying that as a straight woman, don’t worry. I’m thinking sexy as – strong, awesome, self-assured, still fallible and human but capable as a woman to be independent.
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Oh that’s beautiful! You don’t want to write my blurb and bio for me do you? 😉
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Hahaha you know I’d actually love to but you don’t need me 😛 On the other hand I do miss writing blurbs – maybe I’ll add that to my list of ex-publishing skillz.
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The top image is my favorite too as it has certain mystique. Though I can easily make out that it is a girl and not a guy. Did you need to put author bio in the first person because of self-publishing?
Third person bios always make me feel that author is more important because someone else is speaking about them and they are not trying to be humble. Actually until some age I used to think that bio on covers are supplied by someone else and not author lol 😀
Love and light<3
Anand 🙂
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Anand, I just discovered your comment in my spare folder! 😦 I’m so sorry to have missed it there! I am glad for your input! I decided to go with the first person bio because it just felt better to me. The third person is probably more professional sounding but I don’t think it’s a big deal for the type of book it is. If I’d written a non-fiction book or a serious piece of literature then I would have gone with the other style of bio! thanks for your feedback, my friend!
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Oh it is alright Meg! It was just a suggestion and I am not that experienced so you know what works the best 🙂 Cheers!
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The top one for sure.
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Thank you! I’m leaning that way too!
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I think if you are going for a romance novel definitely the bottom image…but I personally prefer the top one…if you use the bottom image I would try to match the color of her shirt a bit more or a grey would be nice for the back cover…hope that helps…there’s no sex appeal at all to the top image, I just like the cold weather feel to the picture, it feels like a strong heroine, she’s driven, determined and hard working, the photograph is really nice with the blurred background.
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Thank you! Yes, the magenta definitely has to go. You can’t read the print on the back page. Joni is a strong heroine! This is gong to be hard to decide.
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who’s your market? if your market is male, go for sex appeal, if your market is female, I would think the strong female heroine picture would sell better…but maybe I’m overthinking it… 🙂
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No, no! That is great feedback! I think you’re right!
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Top is best, but can you try and mess with the colours? Maybe make it black and white or sepia? Although my art collection goes about as far as an A3 poster of Debbie Harry, so I’m probably wrong.
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Good question. I have to get back to my graphic artist with revisions to the text so I’ll check. Black and white, maybe, not sepia. Yellow snow and all…
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Very true. Yellow Snow. Urgh.
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I love the top one…very Bucks County winter! and I love the red and teal accents with the mostly white background. Awesome!! Definitely my favorite cover out of all of them!
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It seems to be the consensus! Need to mess around with the blurb a little. And I hate my bio but I can’t figure out what else to say!
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Top, yes, it takes place in winter? When will it release? I think the touch of red is just right.
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I’m hoping to get it out before the end of the month. My friend Kevin is doing a final copy edit for me, then once I decide on the cover it’s ready to upload!
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Oh wonderful! Then definitely the winter cover — it’s great!
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I prefer the top one. I like the texture of the image and the contrast on the snow. Also, as time traveler mentioned, it is more gender neutral.
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Right, better general appeal! Thanks for your feedback! Getting everyone’s opinions is awesome!
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I agree with the comments above. My vote would be for the top cover. The bottom cover does indicate a warmer time of year, and yes it is difficult to read white on magenta blurb. Of course, you could have the print changed to black if you went with the bottom one.
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Thanks, Karen! It looks like everyone likes the top one better!
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I, too, vote for the top cover sample. The strength of the heroine is clear. The bottom one looks like an ad for an exercise video to me. Also, I think the last line in the bio is missing a word—series “of” romantic…etc. I know you said you are still working on the bio, so this may or may not be an issue in the end. Choosing a cover is so difficult and exciting! Good luck!
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Thanks Linda! I definitely have some adjustments to make on the text! I appreciate the feedback!
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Unfortunately, as I well know, there are always adjustments to be made! hahaha But, I do love that first cover! Have you decided yet?
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Yep, I went with the first one! Waiting for the graphic artist to do the final proof.
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Very exciting!
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I think the top one ☺
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I really like the top one too! Looks good! ❤️
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Thanks! It looks like the winner!
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I kind of like the winter scene best.
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Thanks, Gary! I think its the winner!
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Among these two, I like the top one more. The bottom one does look like an ad for an exercise DVD. So the top wins I guess.
Could the background be a little darker. Just a tinge more to make the white text pop.
I like the author bio in first person – it’s more personalised.
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I’m going to work on the author bio. I might start from scratch! Thanks for your feedback!
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I like the top one the best!
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Thanks, Lynn! I think that’s going to be the one!
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I like that one allot!
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Okay, I know I’m late to the party and you’ve made your decision but the top cover had me at hello. Although I do like the image of the runner in the second one. I think that’s because I would enjoy having a butt like hers?
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I know! Me too! A few people have said it looks like an exercise book or DVD cover and I have to agree! So I am pretty much set on the top one!
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If you follow my #1 design rule (If it doesn’t make you want to burst into song – don’t do it!) you are certain to have a most excellent book cover. 🙂 xo
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That’s a great rule!
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Thanks! 😉
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Definitely the first one..it looks much better. All the best with the book 🙂
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Thank you! Much appreciated!
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Dr. Meg, looks like I join the majority. I had opted for the top before reading the comments, most of which go that way also. The bottom seems to lean to Junior High or youth readers. If that is your audience, I would change my vote to bottom. But the top fits Book One and Two better.
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Thank you! And speaking of books 1 and 2, I think I’m going to redo those covers too!
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Oh? I like them. Or course, I haven’t heard your rationale for a change.
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I found another book on line with the same template. I had used the free cover creator on Amazon!
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I definitely prefer to top one!
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Thanks Maddy! And I’m redoing the covers on the other 2 books based on your suggestions from another post! Thanks so much for your feedback, I really appreciate it! 😀
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I hope that will get you the sales, I do the right cover can sell the book for you.
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Thank you! I believe you are right!
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Looks like I agree with the others
There’s just something about the top one that calls to me and makes me want to pick it up to see what it’s about. I think it’s probably the harshness of winter/nature and life against humans perhaps. Congrats on getting this far!
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Thank you!
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I too enjoy the look of Cover #1. It has a more natural, unposed appearance that suits the synopsis on the back cover. Congratulations on all your good works!
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Thanks Dawn!
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Definitely the first one for me! I would be interested in checking out the blurb if I saw that book in a book store.
The second one looks more like a exercise/running tips book cover – just my thought – others may disagree!
I am sooo happy the book is almost out….I cant wait to read more of Graham and Joni!
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That’s the winner! Funny coincidence: my graphic artist’s name is Graham!!!
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A good sign I believe! If he is single and is anything like the Graham in your book, I expect you to introduce him to me! 😛 😉
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No nothing like my Graham! Sorry! 😜
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In that case, I shall continue to wait 😀
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I like the first one!
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Thanks Heather!! That’s the winner!
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The top/winter one sells the drama.
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Thank you so much! I am going with that one!
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First one! There is a mystery element there, given the snow & all. Second one seems very fitness oriented to me 😉
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Yes! Several people said the same thing about the second one! I’m going with the first one – with some modifications to the blurb and bio!
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I prefer the top one. I’m just in love with the look is all.
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Thanks! That’s the one I picked! Just waiting for the graphic artist to give me the final copy!
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👍🏼
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I think most guys will be more attracted to the bottom picture. Athletic guys will appreciate the athletic look of the bottom picture. If you are reaching out to a female base, I think the top picture will attract more women. It is less threatening in appearance and creates additional interest based on the runner in the snow. Congratulations on the book regardless. I hope this feedback helps.
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Thanks! Yes the book is written more with women in mind. Plus a lot of commenters thought the bottom one looked like a book about exercise! Thanks for the feedback!
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