HELP! Publisher wants feedback on potential book cover

[Dr. Casey J Rudkin]

Hello All!

I am in the middle of a marketing crisis, and I could use some input.

I have a cover design for our debut book, Cthulhu: A Love Story, and the publisher is concerned about it.  They are concerned that it does not convey what the story is about, and that it is not appealing to readers.

Would you take a moment to read the synopsis and look at the cover?  Then if you could hit the poll and maybe leave any feedback, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks a bunch, folks,

Casey (half of JC Rudkin)

Synopsis:

I met Cthulhu in college. In one night, I discovered his true identity, opened a portal to another dimension, banished him, and thwarted a doomsday cult. None of this was covered during First Year orientation, but I managed. Now I must awaken him from his eternal slumber to undo a cosmic cataclysm while avoiding the prophecy foretelling my failure.

Nothing in Amanda’s life had ever been normal, but her college boyfriend, Ryley, was paranormal. Fifteen years after banishing him to his city beneath the waves, she has to summon him once again to remove all traces of his power from her life. Now the stars are right. She must get Ry back and save the world. But can she save herself in the process?

Cthulhu: A Love Story is a contemporary take on the Lovecraftian Mythos filled with Cthulhu, cultists, and Chinese food.

[peggychristie]

I do understand what the book is about but I wouldn’t buy it - only because I’m not a fan of the Cthulhu mythos. The cover looks pretty cool, but I’m not exactly sure what that thing is in the bottom left.

[andy]

So, it sounds to me like this is going to be more of a story about Amanda than it is a romance with Cthulhu - in that I might agree that the cover is not conveying the story accurately. However, the backmatter covers the story, so I think you are covered there.

Does your publisher have an alternative cover or an idea for one? It's a good-looking cover, and it hits the Cthulhu marks, but it's not exactly unique in the genre.

Sorry if I'm not a ton of help. I'd definitely pick it up and turn it over if I saw it in a store.

[J.M. Van Horn]

The cover is eye catching for sure and would make me want to see what it is about. The synopsis would make me want to pick it up for my shelf. This is coming from someone who can take or leave Cthulhu.

The image on the bottom is throwing me off too. Not sure if t is tied to the MC of the story.

If it was tied to her, then it would make complete sense once I start reading. Otherwise if it is an abstract creature, perhaps it could be replace with something the symbolizes her.

[J. L. Royce]

Tentacles...green... could suggest Cthulhu. Now: who or what is the love angle? If there are two elements in the image (Big C and the beloved) it might help to set them off with different colors.

[jensextonriley]

Hey, sorry if I am late to the party here. I think the cover is gorgeous. The tentacles are lovingly rendered enough to support the romance for me. It seems to have a certain amount of comedy in the description, and the somewhat curvy playful nature of the font conveys that adequately for me. I would buy it!

[Dr. Casey J Rudkin]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments and suggestions!  I really appreciate your input.

Based on some of your comments, and some comments from the other authors at the publishing house, our cover designer came up with a second version.  If you are willing to have a look and leave a comment, again, I would greatly appreciate it.

And I want to thank everyone who took the time to read my earlier post, even if you didn't comment.  It's great to be with such a supportive group of folks.  If I can ever repay the favor, please let me know.

Casey

(half of the writing team of JC Rudkin)

[peggychristie]

I like the tentacles and water background on the first cover, but I really like that I can read your name and the book title much better on the second. Though I think your name could be a bit bigger on the second one!

[J.M. Van Horn]

I do like the darker tentacles and background in the top. Your name and title does pop and sticks out more. If it was a choice between 1 or 2 with no more alterations, I would lean toward 2.

[Dr. Casey J Rudkin]

Thank you, everyone, for reading and commenting on this post. I have sent the information to the publisher, along with both cover options, so now we wait. I will let you know what they decide (and a publication date) as soon as I know it.

[J.M. Van Horn]

Looking forward to the book.