When I write a book, I create the kind of story I would want to read. And I think my readers share similar tastes and expectations to mine. That’s why I sometimes like to ask readers for their input on decisions such as book covers.
Like now, as I choose the cover for my upcoming release, Falling for the Lost Dutchman.
Because we do judge a book by its cover.
So, I want to know which of my cover options would best attract my readers. Which cover would make them want to grab the book and start reading?
What’s the book about?
I think knowing what the story is about is actually less important than a reader’s gut gravitation to a book that looks like it will satisfy their craving for a good mystery.
However, a little background information would not go amiss. So, on that score…
Somewhere in the Superstition Mountains, a fabulous gold mine lays hidden. Hundreds have searched for it and many have surrendered their lives in the pursuit.
When Jay Bohmer’s best friend buys a historic item at auction that contains a new clue to the Lost Dutchman’s location, the two of them set off on a treasure hunt adventure.
But only one of them will return.
If you love a suspenseful mystery with a vibrant, fascinating setting, grab Falling for The Lost Dutchman today!
To learn more about my history with the Lost Dutchman, check out this post.
Here are the four cover design options
Click each to enlarge and see the whole cover.
If you are already in my reader’s group, you’ll be getting an email from me, inviting you to give your input.
If you’re not already in my reader’s group, what are you waiting for? Join the growing group of readers who’ve discovered the thrill of Chase!
Or, if you prefer, you can make your choice known in the comments below.
Thank you for sharing your opinion!
I like cover 1 best of all.
Cover 4 is of a desolate piece of desert and does not really invite you to take a second look.
Cover 3 looks more like a photograph of a typical Mesa scene and also do not really invite you to look closer.
Cover 2is dominated by the son and the horse and rider dominates the scene. There is almost no background.
Cover 1 has a good balance of rider and background and is a lot easier on the eyes.
Somehow the legend is also more fitting to the scene.
Hi Manie! Thank you so much for your valuable and helpful feedback. Truly appreciated 🙂
Thank you for your invitation to chose covers. I wish you success in your new book.
Hi, Silvia! Thank you for letting me know your thoughts on this. I appreciate your support.
Frankly, none of them grab me. The text in A & C fades into the background. B & D titles show up better but still not great. B shows up best but the bright sunlight over shadows it. My advice? Try again.
Hello, and thank you for your honest and helpful advice. I do appreciate it.
Number One
Hi, Dan. Thank you for sharing your input.
Number 1
Hello Joslyn, thank you for valuing the opinions of your readers. You have the experience and the knowledge to know what is best, but I still appreciate being allowed to offer my thoughts.
My first opinion is that the comment at the bottom could be more succinct. “Two men set out. One returns.” That feels more ominous to me.
I definitely do not like the “fake gold nuggets”. The silhouetted rider is eye catching but the nuggets don’t blend with that image.
I love the “skull” in the background of the first cover. I’m not too crazy about that particular cowboy. He isn’t intense enough, but of these four choices that is the one I would choose.
The bird cover doesn’t grab me.
I know whatever you choose, it will be a success. Thank you for always considering your readers. Sandy
Hi, Sandy! Thank you for your excellent feedback and suggestion. I have learned a lot through my experiences, but I definitely still have a whole lot to learn, and always will. I believe the learning should never stop–it’s what keeps us growing and improving 🙂 I’m glad to have you along for the ride!
The third one with the skull in the background, a lonely horseman and the words that only one will return… I need to read that now! It looks intriguing and you must know the what, why, and the how.
Hi Cheryl! Thanks so much for letting me know your preference, and I’m thrilled you want to read the book now. It will be released later this week and I’ll send out an email to everyone in my readers’ group to let them know.
If you’re not already in my group, I hope you’ll join us 🙂 Go to joslynchase.com and sign up.
If you prefer to remain off the list but still want the book, I’ll post an article about the release, including links, on Monday. Or go to your favorite bookseller next week and search Falling for The Lost Dutchman.
Thanks again for reaching out!