I liked the previous covers of my four books. But a smooth-talking Irishman, who presented as a social media expert at a conference I recently attended, persuaded me the covers looked dated. I fell under his spell and found myself agreeing I needed to update them.
What do I know about covers? I read advice from the same marketing whizzes that you do probably. I know that it’s not an original idea to change a cover on a book that’s not selling well and promoting it as a new title.
I can’t claim that my earlier books are selling well. I suspect this is the case with all authors. I hear this from the ones who tell the truth at least.
So the Irishman connected me to a New York City cover designer and I browsed through his website. My previous cover designer is a hard-working, competent web developer and designer who has put up with me for years now and I feel a loyalty to him. However, the covers that I saw by the NYC designer dazzled me. His terms were affordable and I decided to give it a try with new covers.
On Behalf of the Family is a police procedural about an honor killing that takes place in glitzy Santa Monica. It’s long on characterization, short on car chases and explosions. My series detective is with the Santa Monica Police Department.
I am asking your opinion. Do you like the cover change?
So far the Buy Button hasn’t been clicking in huge numbers but I wouldn’t be a writer, would I, if I weren’t hopelessly optimistic.
What do you think? The first one below is the original cover.
Below is the new cover
Opinions appreciated.