So last year, when I had Kim Killion of HotDamnDesigns create the cover for my upcoming release, AN HEIR OF DECEPTION, only one other author had used that particular stock photo. And the good thing about the Mary Jo Putney cover was that 2/3 of the photo was covered. You could barely tell the photo was the same. Well, fast forward a year later and that photo is super popular and has been used on about 8 (eight) more covers.
When I saw the last beautiful rendition of this photo I wanted to cry. Yes, it was beautiful, but my cover could now be mistaken for a good half dozen other books. What was I going to do? I decided I needed to commission Kim to make another cover but this time I bought all rights to the photo. Unfortunately, although Kim created a lovely cover for me, it wasn’t as good as the one I have and there was no way I would replace my current cover unless the new cover was either as good or better.
So I tried once again to get another cover made and that didn’t even make it off the floor. I swear, I wanted to cry. What was I going to do? So then a fan emailed me to kindly let me know she’d seen my photo on another cover. I thanked her and told her that I intended to have a new cover made. She pleaded with me to please think about changing it because she loves the current cover. To her, the couple on the cover is Alex and Charlotte and she suggested I open up the question to my readers. So today, that’s what I’m doing. The question is simple: do I commission someone to create a new cover for the third time or do I keep the cover I have with the firm knowledge, it won’t be unique?
Help me make the right choice. I think I’m too close to the issue and I trust your collective judgement.
“When was he born?” he asked quietly, bracing his hands on the pillow at the sides of her face as he closed the gap between them. “And this time I want the truth.” His tone held a warning note.
As if the truth was alien to her tongue, Charlotte started to speak several times before the word finally emerged breathless and broken. “February.”
Alex said nothing for several seconds, just held her captive in his flat, empty stare before lowering his head until his mouth brushed the lobe of her right ear. “See, that wasn’t so hard was it?”
~ AN HEIR OF DECEPTION
Coming Spring 2012
[poll id=”47″]
A random commenter will receive a $10 eGift Certificate.
I voted for a different cover. Lots of readers buy books based on covers since beautiful, eye-catching covers makes them pick up the book, read the blurb and first page, then get interested enough to buy it but first they have to pick up the book. If readers read some of the other books with similar covers and didn’t care for them, they might be less likely to pick up your book, which would be a shame.
I voted to keep the cover. This cover catches my eye and makes me want to see what this is all about. After reading those few sentences above, I do believe cover shows what is happening in those sentences.
I voted for a new cover. I too love the first cover, but I have seen it on a few other books and wondered how that could happen. I will buy the book regardless of the cover. I have read the others in the series and can’t wait for it to come out. It may confuse others not as familiar with the series, if they see it on multiple books. I can’t imagine how heart breaking this is for you. You pour your heart and soul in the books, and you want it to be uniquely yours. Good luck with your decision. Hope you find a solution you can live with.
I voted keep it. I use Kindle so honestly it doesn’t make a difference to me. Besides I would read regardless what cover it had ,you are an auto buy.
I voted to keep it, its a beautiful cover and honestly I’d read the story regardless of what the front of the book looks like. =)
Beverly,I love this cover—but I love this story so much it could be on a plain white cover with the title and your name and it will sell like hotcakes! keep those creative juices working and get this finished and start on your next one!
I have loved that cover ever since you revealed it. Yes, I’ve seen the stock photo on another book but not with your vibrant colors. I say keep it.
Bev, good luck with your decision. I voted to go with a diff cover. You need to do what is best for you and for Alex and Charlotte….I think a cover that has been used/seen several times before may have readers thinking of other stories and not putting their focus on Alex and Charlotte. I haven’t really compared stories with similar covers, but it does make me think of a previous book if I see similar covers. I will buy the book, too, no matter what you decide!
I say go with your cut. Unless your gut is going to postpone the release. Then leave it. Lol. Honestly I don’t know if this sort of thing is the norm for these types of books. But if it were me I would want something of my own that has not been used and will not be used. That said.. I don’t think using the same cover will effect the sale or popularity.
I voted to keep the original cover. I buy booked based on the authors and not the covers and every month I have my list of new releases to either pick up at Chapters/Indigo or download on my Kobo. I do both as I still enjoy actually holding the physical books!
I love this cover and don’t care if it has appeared on other books, it’s a beautiful image and suits the characters. Don’t worry and just enjoy how lovey it looks! Best wishes in the new year and I look forward to reading Alex and Charlotte story. V
I will read it regardless of the cover, however, the cover is beautiful. Please don’t change it!!!
I love your cover and I always think of you when I see it.
I voted to keep the cover. I personally have not seen another book with this cover. Other posters have said it embodies Alex and Charlotte, and I have to agree…for me it is usually the title of a book or the author that drags me in…..
I voted for you to go with another cover. After all the time you spent devoting the time to write a unique story, the story deserves a cover that is not going to be associated with books written by different Authors. Do you really want your talents associated with a recycled a cover used several times before by other people?
While I understand where you are coming from I think you should keep the cover. You obviously have a strong attachment to it, and nothing else is going to live up to it. It’s a great image, and you’ve already paid for it. I don’t know how much you’ve already spent with the two other attempts but I don’t think that it’s going to be worth your time to keep trying to best your current cover. Most of the comments say you should keep it because it has your name on it, not necessarily because of the image. I think the only time it could become a real issue is if your book, and some of the other 7-8 make it to the bestseller lists on Amazon or such at the same time. That’s the only time it could be really confusing for a fan.
I think this should just be a lesson learned that for future covers if it is an image that you love that you and want to make sure it doesn’t get used over and over, that you either commission the photo, or you purchase exclusive rights so that you don’t have this happen to you again. That’s the unfortunate result of using stock photos, and the popularity and success of Hot Damn Designs.
I voted to keep the cover; it’s a beautiful picture. The most important thing is their story and I can’t wait to read it.
I voted for a new cover. I wish you all the luck with this issue. Very sticky.
I voted for a different cover only because it sounds like that is what you truly want and you just haven’t seen it yet. I too will buy and devour this next book, no doubt. Go with whatever you feel is best, your fans support you all the way!
I voted to keep the cover because I think it’s beautiful, but if you have to change it then go for it. I do love the cover though since it’s the perfect cover and look of Alex and Charlotte.
I voted keep it. It’s beautiful, and it works with your previous ones! =)
I love this photo & think the colors & fonts set it off perfectly with your name & as author of previous novel to help avoid any initial issue. I think it would be much more confusing to change covers again. Since you will happily have another book coming out 🙂 and be ahead of this for your next book, let the gorgeous cover stand with your gorgeous work. Readers do identify with covers but are truly looking for the author they want in words not pictures. Just my thoughts! Good luck.
Keep the cover …I love it and it works for the couple in the story Please Please don’t change a thing…Why miss with it when its perfect :)….Can’t wait for it to come out.
Stay with the cover it currently has. Don’t fret anymore. There is a reason behind yet. It’s beautiful, intriguing, breathtaking and marvelous.
Priceless..Best of wishes. I beg of you, please do not change the cover..;)
I voted for a different cover to be unique. But I like the original. I’m buying the book regardless!
As hard as it is and even though the current cover is fabulous, you shouldn’t have the same cover as 8 or 9 other books out there. Your book is unique and it’s cover should be too.
I Vote Keep the Cover… The cover is beautiful, truly fits the image I have of Alex and Charlotte. 😀 The other books covers are all different, none having the vibrant colours your possess.
I love the cover, please don’t change it. I so can’t wait for this book to come out.
I also voted to keep the cover — I’ve long associated it with “An Heir of Deception” — and the cover just “feels” right —
Can you talk to Kim to buy “remaining rights” or request her to “retire” the image? That way, yours will be the latest and last to use it?
I have to agree with the fan that emailed you. To me the cover is Alex and Charlotte, especially the way you had described her hair..it’s to a tee! I vote you keep the cover.
Bev,
I just checked out MJP’s cover and I say keep it! I love it and you seem to love it as well.
I wish you could have shown us some of the other choices, but if you think them not up to par, then I understand the reason for not wanting to show it.
Good luck but I’d say the readers have spoken 🙂
Mel
http://www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com
I vote to keep the cover. It’s such a lovely cover, I don’t think it needs to be refreshed.
I’m struggling to decide which way to vote. I personally am fine with the cover you have because I will buy the book based on your other works and your name. I had not recognised it from anything else but maybe that’s just because I haven’t come across those titles. When looking for a new author or something to read, I search reviews on Goodreads and blogs I follow. Sometimes a novel with a cringe worthy cover can be a delight and others will divine covers will be a disappointment. When trying to make a decision on anything I think its best to go with your gut instinct so whatever you initially thought would be the right thing, probably will be. Good luck.
Is it possible to keep the essentials of it but change some of the details, so it’s a little more distinctive? A different gown color, a different necklace… I personally would put a shirt on the dude, but apparently that’s just me. 😉
I voted to keep it because you love it and for me it was the story that pulled me in long before I saw a cover mock-up.
Even though I share your frustration with seeing this same stock photo on so many self-pub titles (and I’m a bit sick of it myself), I voted to keep the cover because it’s very beautiful and I’ve associated it with your story for so long, it would be a bit confusing if you changed it to something else.
I imagine it would take a lot to change a cover, but you really want your cover to POP & stand out.
I vote that you keep the cover! I can only imagine the indecision this has you feeling, but obviously, this is the cover you love and want for your book. I think you should look at it the way I do when I buy a pair of shoes: Although I may see someone else buying the same pair, or even wearing them, I don’t care because I KNOW that when I have them on, I AM rocking them the best!! Hope this helps!
Sometimes we have to make changes in our life, and, sometimes, they end up being for the better after all. I say go for a new cover, with, maybe, a new artist. Someone who is creative and illustrates your characters as you envision them. Good luck to you, Beverley.
I voted to keep the cover. I think a quote from the book distinguishes from others. Also don’t forget that your name is in all caps on the bottom of the cover. So people will know it’s a different book!
Oh keep this cover it is just to dang sexy!
Very sexy cover – if I bought print books my eye would immediately be drawn to that cover.
If the cover fits your characters I say keep it. It’s gorgeous! That said, I don’t buy because of a cover but because of the author 🙂
I do have vague memories of other covers used on other books. When I’ve researched those covers, I discovered there were slight differences…maybe a different color dress or cropped differently but you could tell it was the same photo. That’s not so bad as long as the other book isn’t a new release like your book is. The cover on Mary Jo Putney’s book is severely cropped that it is difficult to connect the 2 books as having the same cover. I’d say use it and forget about the other one. I think the way it’s used on your book is outstanding and well worth keeping!
I voted to keep the cover. It is great, very eye-catching.
Keep the cover. As many books as I read, it doesn’t look familiar. The TITLE stands out more to me visually.
What a tough decision. I say just keep the cover. You really love that cover and it is beautiful. I think anything else you get won’t make you as happy as this original choice.
I took a peek at Putney’s book and really you can barely tell it’s the same cover. They’ve cropped so much out in that one, you can barely see the hero (and his lovely chest), and the dress looks like a deeper red in Putneys. Book covers are nice to look at, but it’s the wonderful story inside that will sell.
You can count on the fact that all of us here can’t wait to read Heir and we’ll get others to read as well.
I voted for you to keep the cover. It is very appealing. Love that man’s chest!
I personally think that the current cover is beautiful. The author name is more recognizable to me than the cover image. An attractive cover is more likely to make me pick something up, but if I don’t know who the author is and I have never read a review of their work, an attractive cover will not convince me to buy their work.
Love the cover. I vote keep it.
I voted for you to keep the current cover.
I would like for you to keep the cover. It is beautiful, and it is how I imagine Alex and Charlotte to be.
OMG! That’s just gorgeous…the burst of color in her gown is striking. Keep it!
This truly is a beautifully designed cover. The title and your name are done well, too.
I haven’t seen the others books using the same basic stock picture but I don’t think this will keep people from buying your book.
I voted for you to keep it. It looks great!
I like it the way it is.
I like the cover but I think it might be a problem that other books have the same cover. It’s too bad you can’t find a unique cover that is as nice.
That is a dilemma. In the case of same stock photos in covers I would usually be quick to say in with the new, out with the same old…however I really like this cover. It seems to portray the story well (I haven’t read it yet) but I think it suits the storyline and its characters.
I would suggest keeping it because it’s already lovely -unless a better cover comes along. For future covers you can then look at obtaining rights to a stock photo and won’t worry about seeing it floating along. Good luck on your choice!
I like the current cover, too and would only replace it if the new cover were superior.
Did the other books with the same cover have much distribution? If not, then it’s not too big a problem. Perhaps you should have also polled to see how many people have actually seen this cover on other books.
i vote your keep the cover,,,i like it, and very beautiful….^^
I voted for you to keep the current, lovely cover. But if there is some way you can make changes that would ease your comfort level, without starting completely over, that would be good.
I’d voted for you to keep the cover because it’s so beautiful. Your name really stands out on the design, which is also plus.
i think it would be wonderful for you to keep it particularly since you love it so much, not familiar with the other covers you mention that are use the same stock photo so not sure how much yours stands different as far as color, position, lettering, etc. I think you do want your cover to stand out at least some from others so that people don’t skip it thinking it’s something else, particularly since you’re self publishing and won’t have the the added “fire power” of of a publisher for marketing. Likewise it would be a shame for you to loose the marketing power you’ve done to date on the book and have to almost start over with a new cover. which ever you decide, wish you best success and that you’re happy with the end result.
I voted to keep the cover. Best of luck with the book!
I say keep, it very pretty thanks
There are so many covers being used on more than one book now, that readers must be sure to check the title carefully. In many cases, there are slight variation to make it a bit different. Your book is out and people associate this cover with it, so go with it.
I’ve always really loved the beautiful cover you have, it makes me think of Alex and Charlotte too. I’ve never seen this cover anywhere else but on your book.
Beverly,
If you loved the cover when you first saw it (like I did) than go with your gut instinct and keep it!
I love Mary Jo Putney as an author and I’ve read all her books but don’t remember the cover based on the same stock photo. On the other hand I love the set-up and colors used for the cover of An Heir of Deception. Now that is a cover I’ll always remember!
I too voted to keep it. It’s so striking and stands out – a wonderful cover!
Keep the cover Bev. It’s beautiful and it’s who Alex and Charlotte are. I love every inch of this cover. The title of this book goes hand in hand with this stock photo and cover design. Best of luck in everything you do.
Whenever I see any other book with this cover (and yes I have seen a handfull of them) I always think of An Heir of Deception. You got it first and it will forever be your book when I see it. Even if you change it I will always associate this cover with it. And it is still a BEAUTIFUL cover, even if it has been used. The body language going on, the way they look just fit too perfectly for your characters.
So I hope you don’t change it…but if you do I will understand where you are coming from (I will just keep this cover in my head =) ).
I love this cover, please keep it!
I have seen other books with th cover but only think about your. Keep it! I just can’t wait for the book to be release.
When I first read the sampler chapters, I was captivated. Then I saw this cover and I thought it was breathtaking! The cover represented Alex and Charlotte as I imagined them. In my opinion, a cover is the first connection a reader has with the story. When I purchase a book with a cover that speaks to me and then find the characters don’t match the description, I become frustrated with the story. My mind has a hard time reconciling the cover with the story. After reading your comment, I spent a few nights combing through the Barnes and Nobles website looking for this picture. I found it on 4 other books. 3 out of the 4 had the picture almosted completely cropped. Only 1 had the picture exclusively as the cover. I still found your cover to be the most beautiful. The angle of the picture, the vibrant colors, and the pose set your cover apart. I vote for you to keep this cover!