Greetings all!

Katie and I finally had the chance to go over some sketches for the cover. Since this was communally written, we figured you guys should have some say in what the cover looks like. This is the first draft based off of the sketch Katie chose. This is group decision, so let me know what your thoughts are

(the square is where the barcode will be located )

I like it!

I think that perhaps it could use... more, well, colour. It might stand out better if it wasn't all that reddish shade. Just my personal opinion, it does look awesome.

Looks good to me.

I think it's perfect.

It does look awesome. But I'd agree with Azlyn, a couple splashes of contrasting color (maybe on the banner? or on the horses' livery?) would really make it stand out.

*echoes what Jak and Azly said* It's awesome, but it does look like it could use a different color or two for contrast.

Ohh, we're getting a Vili-bird cover out of the deal? What a steal.

I agree about color contrast. Absolutely adore the photo, though. I would also use a serif font, not a sans-serif, for the secondary font. Serif has the more appropriate essence--mature, professional, sober. Sans-serif is slick, modern, business-like. Not the right essence for something with the title "Heralds of Courage."

I like it too. I think I agree that more color would be nice, but I can't visualize how that should be executed...
One other thought is that the cover does an excellent job capturing the essence of the collection; but it seems to represent fantasy (or medieval-ish stuffage) better than anything else. Though, it'd be very hard to represent the different genres without having something really hokey-looking, so.

Great job, Vili.

Ooo! That is a very nice cover. I agree, it does seem to be needing some more color, but not a lot. Also, why is the back cover synopsis in Latin?

*appears* Yes, I'd though of coloring the flag. I'm thinking blue or green, but probably not coloring the horses (I could try something though). Lye's right about having so many genres it's been a headache trying to mix them all... The reasoning for my type choices is rooted in this dilemma. Aubrey, I chose to use a sans type for the copy to plant the idea that this isn't purely historical or fantasy since sans fonts tend to be reserved for SciFi (not a rule, but a trend). Katharina, the back copy is in Lorum Ipsum because Katie has yet to write it and I needed to see what it would looked like with text on the back

A full colour photo might work too. Though that may be too much, but it definitely needs some contrast.

I love it, Vili! Awesome work. I also agree about another splash of colour to make it stand out, but other than that I love the work you have done.

LOL I was wondering where the Latin came from too. It's very cool, and I like it a lot. Yes, colors might be more eye-catching, but the way it is shows a very nice, clean look, and I like it that way.

Oh, I know what's missing! The author info! (and it was bothering me that there was nothing to express what "Herald of Courage" even is.)

Can you add this text to your front cover the next time around?

A Short Story Anthology from the writers of Holy Worlds. Or should it be "author's of HW"? or just "A Short Story Anthology from Holy Worlds"? Actually, is short story accurate? There's poems too.... Clearly this is a subject for some debate!

And then add on there "Forward by Katie Lynn Daniels." Which I will go write, I swear. Today if possible.

I noticed the same thing as I was posting this (but Photoshop was being a jerk so just haven't added it yet xD). I shall add that to my changes list *salutes*

And how does this sound:
A Mixed-genre Anthology from the Authors of Holy Worlds

I like that. I think it solves the problem of fantasy being the only genre represented, since the cover fits the title pretty well already.

I disagree. Mixed-genre sounds odd in that it's not a label you typically see on a book. It's going to throw people off immediately, and that won't be good marketing. I'd just call it an anthology and leave it at that, since it's a unique work.

Well I'm going to be the black sheep and say I love the colour just the way it is. I think you've captured the essence of the book so perfectly, Villie! Great work!

I like it as is too.

Not sure if my opinion should matter since I don't have anything in this anthology, but I side with my Twinnie. I think it's perfect as is.

I agree with the disagree-er.

How about "A Holy Worlds Anthology"?


Apparently there are several of us black sheep.

Thank you, Jonathan! Once again you've managed to say what I was trying to say and failing at miserably. "A Holy Worlds Anthology" is descriptive and short, and readable. Any sort of descriptive factors we need for marketing can go on the back.

Here's draft #2...


EDIT: The dark areas are the spine and the excess cover that will be cut off during printing...

Oh, I like it! Though I think 'forward' is supposed to be 'foreword'...

Ai! I do that all the time *should remember by now* Consider it fixed

It's lovely.

LIKE.

I definitely like the new version better.

I love it. I just... yeah. I think it's great.
I'm excited!

Just so ya'll know, I'm moving on to the interior formatting which means I'm considering the cover completed

The cover design certainly looks complete.

I agree! It looks awesome, Vili.

Looks great, Vili!

I love the symbolism of the three horsemen, whether intended or not.

T'was indeed intended glad you noticed ^__^

It is just amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!