A second cover- which do you like better

[mary_j_59]

honor2
Originally uploaded by maryj59

Yes, I know we don't get to choose what's on the cover, but I think Deirdre's done a really neat design. Here is her second attempt, hand drawn and with a more active pose, plus text. (And yes, I know that if I get published, I don't get to choose my title, either.)

But, just as designs, which appeals to you more? What mood do you get from them, and, if you saw books with these covers, which would you be more likely to pick up?

Comments

[jongibbs.livejournal.com]

Definitely the second one.

The eyes staring at me over the swordblade pull me in.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

You rock, Jon! Well, I'm sure you knew that anyway, but Deirdre will be so pleased - and you are right. I hadn't noticed that element in the design before, and it's true; the eyes do grab you. This one has a higher-energy feel than the first one, doesn't it?

BTW, I hope your wife and son enjoyed their time over the pond.

[arkan2.livejournal.com]

I prefer the second one, as well. It has so much more energy in it.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

You're in the majority, it seems- )

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

Well, I like the first one - it captures the 'living ghost' status of Kiril at the end of the novel, and also the mysteriousness of the sort-of-human-but-not-quite-human Telaka! But I also like the second one - it's certainly more dynamic, and if I hadn't read the book it is the one I would prefer.

By the way, I'm keeping out of the query discussion, as I feel that you have a lot of much more qualified people advising you!

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'd love to know what you think of the various query attempts, Anne! And I agree with you - to me, the first cover captures so much about the book, but the second may well sell it better. I love the background Deirdre designed; it's all Niki, all the time!

Hope everything is going well with you. Have you finished the move?