I'm in the process of reviewing the design for the dust jacket cover of my novel, Christmasville.
Your input would be most appreciated.
Christmasville is the story of Mary Jane Higgins, who suspects that something is askew in the town of Christmasville. Each year, which consists of only two months - December and January - all of the buildings and houses throughout Christmasville are rearranged. At the conclusion of Chapter 1, the reader discovers (though Mary Jane does not) that the town is situated on a four-by-eight model train platform. She compares this process of re-shuffling structure to a game of checkers.
In addition, there are two principal, thematic threads which run through the story line: one is associated with magic, the other with miracle.
In view of the above, do you think the design of the cover supports the story line? Do you think the cover is attractive? Provocative? What would you change?
Again, I would really appreciate your input.
Michael Dutton
(Author of Christmasville)
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Comments: 10
Now, after I read the article, the cover makes perfect sense. The catch is that when people are browsing the shelves of their bookstore or library, they won't have the inside information that you have shared with us here.
But then, who am I to decide? You have published a book! You get to worry over dustjacket designs! Maybe I'm just jealous!! LOL
I'm looking forward to other people's opinions on this.
Toni - the "busyness" - is it the contents of the checkerboard or the entire cover? Is it the stark imagery of the checkerboard and the figures upon it? I have the sense that the cover should somehow be "softer", perhaps with a slightly nostalgic flovor of "Christmas's past. What do you think?
Again, thank you for your input.
Michael
I wasn't sure why the checkerboard was appropriate unless it
was because of the puzzle piece being moved from place to place.
I would love to read your story, what you wrote above is intriguing!
I really don't think that jacket cover would make me pick it up to read
the blurb about the book on the inside.
I like the idea of nostalgic and christmas past.
I love reading and books but the book cover is important to grab the eye of the
passer by.
Although the metaphors are indicative of the story line, maybe they're sort of post priori in the sense that they only have meaning AFTER you read the novel ... but their utility is only of marginal purpose BEFORE you read it ... Interesting!
By the way, Faith, you can read excerpts and reviews of Christmasville at www.lindenparkpublishers.com
Thank you for your input.
Michael
P.S.: Sorry about your cat. He did indeed look like a handsome fellow.
I understand those things would make sense if you had read the book.
Maybe put the checkerboard as the floor on the train table?
I don't know.
I am excited about your book though!
thanks so much for looking at my Beau.
I"m going to read the excerpts, thanks for that link!
I'm so glad I could help a little.
I can't wait to see your book!
I'd like to hear your new cover ideas.
I'm not sure how to email you at Linden Park?
Also, while the blue background does imply cold snowy weather, it doesn't feel like Christmas. Christmas is warm and cheery, so maybe a softer, warmer color would work better with just the tease of the cold reality not quite in focus on the edge of the image.