Linda Ulleseit

Let me start by saying that I am NOT a book cover designer. I know what I like, but I don’t always know why I like it (or hate it). A good example is my novel Under the Almond Trees. I liked aspects of the original cover, like the blossoming almond trees. I also like that it was based on an old photograph of my grandmother’s family orchard at the turn of the century, particularly important since she’s a major character in the novel. The carriage and its occupants are taken straight from the photograph and colorized.

Having said that, though, I knew something was wrong with the cover. I couldn’t put my finger on it, other than to say, “It doesn’t look professional.” So I hired Tamian Wood, of Beyond Design International, to redo it. The result is stunning. The trees and carriage are still there, but the colors, text, and pictures are so much more attractive. The back cover continues the gorgeous colors of the new front color, plus it’s easier to read. A win all around! Don’t you agree?

For the month of March only, you can get a free ebook of Under the Almond Trees here.

So on the ten-year publication anniversary of the last book in my Flying Horse Books trilogy, I decided it was time to update the covers to make them more compelling. First, a little history.

On a Wing and a Dare, my debut novel, was published in 2012 by a small independent publisher. I was excited to land a publisher, and liked the drama of the black and white cover. On the paperback, the cover has faint dark blue streaks that sometimes printed purple. I didn’t like that. When the publisher and I parted ways before the second book, I republished On a Wing and a Dare. To create a cover for it, as well as for the next two books, I hired a semi-professional cover designer. The result gave me prominent horse wings and more color, which I liked. There was nothing on these covers, though, that said Young Adult or historical fiction. So I hired Dee Marley from White Rabbit Arts. She updated all three books as well as an ebook novella, Wings Over Tremeirchson, available for free download here. I am thrilled with the result!

The original covers don’t meld well as a trilogy. They don’t have enough similar elements. The new covers are colorful and compelling. They scream YA historical fantasy trilogy. What do you think? Improvement? or do you like one of the others better?

I’ve learned a bit about cover design in the twelve years I’ve been a published author. I know the cover needs to be eye-catching and colorful, with legible title. The genre must be clear, and a subtitle should identify a series. If you hold the book in your hand and it leaves you breathless, even better.