Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Brand New Covers; Same fun, sexy adventures!

Okay, you're going to see this and think...again?

Well...yes. I've had the covers for my Italy series redesigned, AGAIN. Really, this will be the 3rd cover for Lost In Italy, and just the second for Run To Rome.

"But Run To Rome just released!" you say.

I know, I know. But the thing is, I always wanted a couple on the cover to signify the ROMANCE genre, and darker colors to convey the SUSPENSE.

My first cover for Lost In Italy was done when I was brand new to Indie publishing, and I really liked it because it had the two pictures that fit my characters exactly. (I still have people that say they prefer this one to the next.)

 

Fast forward one year, and even though the book had received good reviews, sales were pretty slow. So I decided to invest in a cover with a bit more of a professional look. My second cover designer gave it a great suspense tone, but now it was lacking the romance. We tried to make a couple work on the front, but I couldn't find a picture that fit my characters AND would look good with this new suspense design, so we stuck with the suspense and relegated Halli to the back cover all by herself.

Boy, did I miss Trent!
  

Sales definitely picked up with this cover and I was very pleased--so much so that I had the same designer do book 2 in the series to match. The Run To Rome cover came out just how I imagined it side by side with Lost In Italy and I loved it. I still love it!

 
And yet...a part of me also STILL wished for those couples on the front. These covers, while perfect together, didn't say romance, and sales weren't what I hoped they'd be for the great reviews the books received.

I'd been keeping an eye on some work a talented cover artist was doing for some friends of mine and finally I worked up the nerve to send her my two character photos for Trent and Halli to see if she could combine them into a single, natural looking image.

 


LOOK WHAT RAVVEN DID!!


AND



I am beyond thrilled with them and so happy to have the gorgeous couples on the front now. I don't know if this will lead to increased sales, but I'm REALLY HOPING because I think Ravven did an awesome job!

So there you have it. That's the downfall and beauty about Indie publishing. If I feel something is not working, it's on my shoulders to fix it. But I CAN fix it and try something else to try to give books I believe in a chance to fly.

I'd love to hear from you--do you like the new covers?? 

~ Stacey

36 comments:

  1. You've been to the temple of the red-haired goddess, and the results are evident.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those are gorgeous!
    Very jealous - Ravven just turned me down as she's so busy. Hoping we'll work together at a future date.
    Good luck - they are really eye-catching :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, Deborah. I must've caught her at the right time and I'm SO glad I did.

      Glad you like them. :)

      Delete
  3. They're both striking and memorable, and yep, call out as both genres. I love the couples, the pair for Lost in Italy are lovely, and the similar colors for both ties them together so nicely. I'm sure you grin every time you look at them. Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I LOVE them! Wishing you lots of success, you red-haired goddess!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! But, um, I'm pretty sure Ravven is the goddess. :)

      Delete
  5. I love these covers! And the model for Run to Rome reminds me of Marisa Tomei :). Gorgeous work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That couple picture fits SO well for Ben and Evalina, doesn't it? Thanks, Natalie!

      Delete
    2. That couple picture fits SO well for Ben and Evalina, doesn't it? Thanks, Natalie!

      Delete
  6. I really like the Run to Rome cover before - but I LOVE these, Stacey! You must be thrilled. Ravven is so talented - I have her bookmarked for - something. I'l just have to write it. :)

    Congrats!

    ~Cate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Get writing, Cate. Although the covers you have now are pretty great, too. :)

      Delete
  7. OMG, these are gorgeous, Stacey. Trying to find the right cover look is hard, especially when you have something pictured in your head and you expect your cover designer to read your mind ... or is that just me? LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope, not just you. :) Thanks so much, Shelia. Your two covers you posted on FB just recently are pretty great, too!

      Delete
  8. Wow! I thought the second covers looked great, but these really do convey the genre nicely. I might have to redo mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I changed half because I wanted the couples, and half because I am hoping it'll boost sales. If your sales are already good, then obviously what you have is working. :) Either way, good luck!

      Delete
  9. Love these covers! Am an avid reader and Ravven does some of the BEST covers out there!

    Sue Stewart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Her work is great, Sue, I totally agree. Keep up the reading. ;)

      Delete
  10. Love the new covers, but then I've loved them all. I especially liked the FB banner you had made. Striking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Casey. I have loved them each, too. :) Ravven did the FB banner, too.

      Delete
  11. Wow, love the new covers! They really pop. I was of the people who loved the first 'Lost' cover, so I am glad to see Trent and Hallie back on the cover. All is right in the universe again. :)

    Ravven is an excellent choice. Third time's the charm?

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I quite love the progression! Thanks for sharing and they look soooooooo lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the new covers Stacey. Ravven did an amazing job. Wishing you many new sales with these great covers!

    ReplyDelete
  15. These covers are absolutely gorgeous! I love both of them. I have to say that Ravven is just brilliant and has done great work for you and others!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad I went for it, Rhonda. Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  16. The covers look great, Stacey. I really enjoyed Lost in Italy and can't wait to read Run to Rome.

    ReplyDelete