Thursday, May 13, 2010

Cover Up!

My publisher's just sent over the latest cover design for The Hating Game, and I have to say that I love it (although quite honestly, I've looked at it so many times I've sort of lost perspective)! It's starting to seem real, even though I'm engrossed in a load of edits and I'm moving at a snail's pace!

I'd love to get your opinion on it! The novel is firmly chick lit and we hope the cover gets across the genre as well as the general 'theme' of the book. Can I implore you to cast your vote in the quick poll below? Any thoughts and feedback also appreciated!

Thank you and a virtual cupcake (or glass o'wine -- or, who am I kidding, both -- to you!)






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86 comments:

  1. I like it!!

    I clicked the middle option instead of the top one, but only because I ALWAYS stand and read blurbs for three important reasons 1. I sort of like to annoy the bookshop assistants by looking like I might buy the book 2. I just love reading blurbs in shops, I'm getting a free glimpse into the world I'm about to purchase and 3. Book shops are warm and reading blurbs prolongs said warmth by up to ten minutes (not that I've timed it *whistles*)

    So, yeah, IT'S SUCH A COOL COVER!

    *sips wine*

    Have a wonderful thursday :~)

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  2. Finally all my years at Business Marketing will pay off! lol

    Perfect point to make it pink and filled with stars: This WILL call A LOT of your market´s atention. So way to go!

    Downside: Hate is a word that evokes things that are completely contraditory to the cover. Things that are not pink and definetly no stars. BUT, honestly, the average market, and by that I mean your readers, who in great majority wont be writers, but normal people who just dont care for this detail, won´t mind that.
    So I´d stick to this cover because I think its going to work wonders.

    Have you tried something Twilighty? Misterious and tempting at the same time? It could work too. =)

    Congrats on the book!

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  3. Great Cover!! I love the groovy psychedelic appeal

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  4. I love the font, it's very chick lit. The colour fits the theme too, I am pretty sure you'll reach your market, K xx

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  5. Great cover, certainly conveys the genre and will appeal to your target readership.

    Not so sure about the tagline though! "For Mattie Johns, reality TV just got a little too real" kind of implies a thriller.

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  6. Thank you so much ladies! :)

    Mia, I can tell you're from the UK since you're concerned about staying warm - especially these days! Keep drinking that wine!

    Clara - thank you for your feedback. I had the same thought about the word 'hate' but I think you're right; most people in the genre might not think about it. We did try a much darker theme but it came across looking too crime-like.

    Thanks so much for all the feedback! I must say I do find choosing covers such a hard thing. You just never know how people will react so I really appreciate your opinions!

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  7. Hm, good point, Dave. We might try to work in something about the relationship aspect... somehow. Thanks!

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  8. LOVED the tagline at the top. Think this is perfect. I think if I just had a quick look at the cover, the colour might make me think this is more a YA novel rather than chick lit... I'm not the typical target audience though.

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  9. I think it is a really good cover for the concept. The purple/pink is bright but not glaring, the stars indicate celebrity (the reality game show), the hearts are a nice juxtaposition with the word 'hating' - to me this definitely looks like it will be about a Mr and Mrs sort of show (or Blind Date) gone wrong, which I think is the sort of thing you are going for. Your name looks good, and it definitely looks like the genre you are after. I think it is brilliant!

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  10. You know I love it!!! It's something I would definitely see in the store and pick up! I'm excited to see it on the shelves for you!

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  11. I like the cover. Wow, it seems so much more like a real book now. Can't wait till it's on the shelves. :)

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  12. I can't answer because I'm not the target audience. What I do know is that the blurb sounds such fun I'll read it.

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  13. I'm not the target audience either, but I would read the blurb and consider buying it.

    I already know it sound like fun...

    To me the cover does rock that reality TV game show meets chick lit vibe.

    But then I can't claim to have much of a first hand experience with those since I don't read much chick lit and I don't own a TV.

    Good luck on the editing.

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  14. Now you know I will buy this regardless of cover or back blurb!

    But I love the cover, it's so -- cosmospolitan! And wow, you only got the contract last week and you have the cover already! Jeez, who's your agent/publisher? I want to sign with them.

    I'm very proud of you Darling.

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  15. Awwww it's pink, it's dazzling, it's shiny, it's got your name on it - what more do I want?!?!

    Brilliant!! Even Charlie has his paws up for this! We LIKE VERY MUCH!

    Well done you!

    Take care
    x

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  16. That's so cool! I love the stars they put in your name. I WISH I had the talent to be a graphic artist because I think it would be so much flippin fun!

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  17. I agree with Dave's assessment.
    The cover screams chick lit but all the text implies thriller.

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  18. It looks very exciting!
    Do you think you can get it promoted with a magazine? They seem to do that in the UK a lot and I love it - offer books with magazines, that is. I've read some great chick lit that way - Let's Meet on Platform 8, and Love is a Four Letter Word.

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  19. Talli, how exciting to see your book cover.
    It will definitely appeal to the chick lit market, I love the colour and graphics.
    My only point would be that when I see the phrase 'reality tv' I automatically think of Big Brother and other people might too, rather than a game show.
    But then that is probably just me and I am far from an expert in book publishing.
    Congratulations again !!

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  20. For the purpose of the poll I pretended to be a lady who would read this kind of thing. I voted buy it right away. I think for the type of story this cover is excellent.

    Also: I'm very jealous. As nerve wracking as this kind of decision might be it looks like a lot of fun from the outside! Best of luck with it all.

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  21. How EXCITING *takes sip of wine* For some reason I thought it was going to be a dark cover (the hue, I mean) so that was the only thing that surprised me at first.

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  22. Hey,

    I like it so would prob pick it up and read the blurb, then buy it based on that (I always read the blurb)

    However I do agree with previous comment that said it looks a bit YA - that was my initial impression too, but the tagline sounds quite thriller-ish when combined with a title like "the hating game".


    PS - I like the stars.

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  23. As far as covers are concerned, any cover that makes the reader pick up the book and read the blurb is a successful cover. This one definitely is.

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  24. Ahhh how exciting
    *a tiny bit envious!*
    Love the cover!

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  25. Thank you so much, everyone. I am loving all the feedback and comments!

    Interesting comments about the YA. I was wondering the same thing, actually. Do you think it's the purple colour? Or the font? If anyone cares to indentify what elements might be YA-ish that would be great! Thanks so much!

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  26. The cover definitely grabs your attention. Love the color.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  27. It's the pink hearts and stars that are YA ish. It looks like a teen's bedroom quilt/wall/decorating theme. That said, I would still buy it once I read the blurb if it said chick lit to me. However, I'd prefer a more adult cover-- more chick lit less YA.

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  28. Thanks, Karen. Teen's quilt, hehe! That's really helpful though.

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  29. Hi Talli,

    I thought it was YA from the cover! I think it might be the hearts and the text font.

    It's a fab cover, but I do think the text should be in a more contrasting colour. From a distance, you won't be able to read the text or your name - two key things from an ex-bookseller's perspective!

    Hope that helps! And congrats!!

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  30. Thank you, Sharon! That does help, for sure!

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  31. It certainly looks like chick-lit! I must admit I don't think the cover fits the title too well. It's a nice cover, and a nice title, but the big word HATING and all those hearts and the purple background? They kind of clash for me...

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  32. What I especially like about the cover is that it has lots of energy in its visual. I think it definitely demonstrates the genre with lots of fun details. The publisher did a great job!

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  33. Awesome cover! It does look like a dating game show, and pink is where it's at!

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  34. Chick lit is not my normal genre so I may pick it up and read the blurb before buying but for those interested in this genre, the cover may be enough to pick this book up. It's bright and I love the catch phrase at the top. Because I know you from your blog, I would purchase the book.

    CD

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  35. Hi Marsha,

    It's Maria, logged on as my daughter Maddy for some reason I cannot figure out. :-P I hate to be a dissenter, but I agree with Karen and Sharon. I have a YA girl in my house reading tons of books, and this looks like something she would read instead of me! :-( First impressions are everything, and mine is that you don't need to be overly "girly" to be chick lit. You want to capture all of us "chicks" age 25 to 55 too!!! LOL!

    Can't wait to read it! Congratulations!

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  36. I love the font of the title and the silhouette, but I'm not loving the hearts and stars. But then, I'm not much of a hearts and stars kind of gal. I would prefer something a little more gameshow-esque, or maybe 3 brooding male shadows in the background ;-).

    Of course, I do think it's very eye-catching, and I'd certainly pick it up. Just trying to be picky and helpful. :-)

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  37. It is eye-catching! And it's very chick-lit-ish. I'm not really a fan of chick-lit covers (I don't like the cartoonish fashion of them), but this one stands out from some of the others I seen.

    Am I the only one who thinks the title and Talli's name is hard to read? I mean, I can read them...but they don't stand out enough to me.

    Congrats again!! So exiting for you!

    ~JD

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  38. Very eye catching!

    It has your name on it - of course I would pick it up and buy it! ;o)


    Visit My Kingdom Anytime

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  39. I can't stand pink and pink puts me off majorly. I love the silouette thingy going on though!

    Can it be less pink? You could just make it a little more purply and it would make a whole lot of a difference!

    I know a lot of people who get put off chick lit for it looking too girly because they're kind of embarrassed to be reading something that looks so girly in public. If it had a little less chickiness going on it would be awesome. Just my opinion though!!!

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  40. Wicked cover! I have to admit I'm not as enthusiastic about pink. It does however come off as Chick Lit. and that's the audience you want to grab. (Hugs)Indigo

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  41. I think that cover does everything you want it to. Also, the tag line is great. I would probably pick it up for the tag line alone.

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  42. How exciting for you Talli. I find it hard to judge by a picture. I know with photography, the picture always looks better enlarged, and printed. With that said, I do like the purple and blue, and the silouette. I like the stars but think I would try a few other fonts for effective.

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  43. can I just say AWESOME!!!

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  44. What I really like about this cover is the way the illustrator has created excitement in the unknown. I want to see what's going on in that flash of white and I love the pink and the hearts and stars. Yes, it's a definite winner. Congratulations.

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  45. That is sooo Chicklit, it is gorgeous!

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  46. I realy like the cover. I think the colour will make it stand out from the other chick lit books on the shelves which I think are generally more pastel-ly?
    I said that I would read the blurb first then buy it. Blurb is really important to me. Have you got that worked out yet? Are you writing it yourself or is someone in marketing doing it?

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  47. It looks like such a fun cover! You must be thrilled!

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  48. I think it nails the chick-lit feel - even the font used for your name at the bottom!

    I can't imagine how exciting this must be for you :)

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  49. Wow, it must be so exciting to see a cover for your book! Congratulations, Talli. And great idea to have the poll. :) Have a great weekend!

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  50. It is slick, and seriously, you have the best author name. I know everyone keeps telling you that, but it's the truth. I love this cover!! Congrats Talli!

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  51. Thanks so much, everyone, for all the useful feedback!

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  52. I think it is totally cute. I'm sure cute is not what you are going for, but I am a seriously "Buy a book because of it's cover/blurb" kind of gal. ;) Looks like you've got a good one!

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  53. I like it! Chick-lit isn't my cup of tea when it comes to reading material...but the cover is an eye-catcher. Bet your proud! :)

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  54. I am so ridiculously happy for you! I think the cover does a good job of capturing the genre and the play on the name. :)

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  55. Talli, it's fabulous! So cool :)

    So exciting!!! Is it feeling real yet? ;)

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  56. I do like the cover, but there's something about it that makes me think it's YA more than adult chick lit. Maybe it's all those pink stars and hearts? I love love love the silhouette! That's really awesome!

    I'm so excited for you, Talli, and I can not wait to read your novel!!!

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  57. I clicked I'd buy it right away, but I'd probably read the back too. I do judge books by their covers, and I love that cover. It reminded me of the Dating Game era, that whole early 70s vibe going on.

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  58. I love the cover - fun, bright & eye-catching. I never buy anything without reading the blurb, so that's what I clicked :)

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  59. It's provocative with a bright light emanating...like mass media.

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  60. I loves it! So cool.

    But I'm like Jemi -- I never buy without reading the blurb. But I would, of course, pick it up. :o)

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  61. I love it, Talli! Before reading any of the other comments, I did note that my first impression of it (besides "awesome") is that it looks YA. It's probably the hearts and stars. But I still think it looks fabulous, and I'm so buying it, no matter what. :)

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  62. Gorgeous cover! I voted for the middle option, too. Even though I may love a cover, I always read the blurb to see if the book sounds like something I would like to read.

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  63. I never buy any book without reading the blurb first, so I went with #2. What an awesome cover - it looks fantastic! You must be so excited!!!

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  64. Ooh well done you! ;) I agree with alot of the comments! Definitely fits Chicklit market, pink hearts and the tagline's perfect. Can I get my cupcake and wine now? ;) x

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  65. Talli,
    Whew, glad it's not pink! :)

    It is a terrific design as it catches your attention.

    I also think you have a timely topic & any reader of this genre should want to read this book.

    Congratulations! I am so happy for you.

    Oh, and I'll take a chocolate cupcake. With sprinkles.

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  66. I'd have to check it out since the cover is purple. Look at the stars in your name. Great cover! This will stand out. Good luck!

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  67. I'm bias - I'd buy it right away because it's yours! They really did a good job with targeting the chic lit audience. I like it - and I'm not just saying that. :)

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  68. I like it! I think it looks great, especially because it doesn't look like the other covers I've seen for other books. Can't wait to read the book!

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  69. I really really like it! They should make the cover a little sparkly and shiney.
    I'm buying this book for sure when I see it on the selves!

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  70. I know I won't get any cupcakes but I wouldn't pick it up. Its the colour and hearts that would make me think it's a book for teenagers.
    If you look at the children's section (as I'm obliged to do) you'll see they're all pink and sparkly.
    On the other hand, you will see me reading it in 2011 because I already know the blurb and I like it.

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  71. Great cover. I'd read the blurb because I hate getting a book that doesn't live up to it's cover - no offence to the arist! Your blog was recommended to be by Sort of Writing, look forward to reading more!

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  72. Thank you so much for all the really helpful comments! Very much appreciated.

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  73. Ooh, I really like it! The pink/purple is a nice way to scream chick lit. And the font is too.

    I think it's great!

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  74. You've got so many comments that I almost developed an RSI scrolling to the end of them! You know I love the title and the cover is fab!

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  75. Freaking LOVE IT! It's FANTASMIC Talli!!!!! I would buy it right away, just cuz your name is on it!

    "I KNOW THAT GIRL, I KNOW THAT GIRL" T.J. jumped up and down, pointing and grinning like a fiend.
    "Chillax Teej" Shelley Sly rolls her eyes.
    "OOOH last copy! It's MINE!" T.J. gleams as she walks up to the counter.
    "Hey Shelley!" The man at the counter waves, "Here's the book you called about for lay-away." The man hands her the last copy of the Hating Game and T.J. gives her the nastiest stare.

    Yeah that's pretty much how it would go down ;)

    Oh yeah, i'm over here blabbering and forgetting to tell you that YOU are a FAMOUS FRIDAY WINNER!

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  76. Thumbs up! It looks like a totally fun read (which I'm sure it is!)

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  77. What I like is the constrast between the fun, girly design and the ominous tone of the tagline. But, I really am no expert on this kind of stuff. Congratulations, though- very exciting!

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  78. Honestly, it looks awesome, Talli! Purplicious and Pinkalicious all in one! Congrats!

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  79. Congratulations! You must be very excited.

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  80. Congratulations, an attractive cover. I never ever though judge a book by its cover:)

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  81. Wow! Love it! you must be so excited. COngrats.

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  82. Friends joke that I'm the last person to ask for an honest answer because that's exactly what you get (sorry). Talli, I think the cover sends too many mixed signals. The pink is too pink, too cute, and combined with the stars too YA-ish. Your name should be without the clutter and anchor the bottom. The tag line should have something about a tangled web (that appeals to chicks more)and not the too real that implies a dark side, totally opposite from the pink and stars. What about a guy and a gal standing back to back, arms crossed, with a river running between them or some such?? (As I recall, stars were/are popular with young teenagers a few years ago...a chick has a bit more disposable income, splurges on a Louis Vuitton, takes a cruise, sips wine and wants to live the dream, sometimes getting caught up in a dream turned romantic nightmare.) I'm hoping you don't shoot the messanger, yipes!

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  83. No, thank you, Kitty! I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want feedback!

    Funny, though - to me, this is purple, not pink?

    Thanks for your input!

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  84. Congratulations! You must be very excited.
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  85. Yay! Sorry if you already said this or someone asked it, but do you know if you'll get ARCs? (I hear about them a LOT on the YA blogs, but I'm not so up on whether or not adult books have them produced as often, or given to the author...)

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Coffee and wine for all!