Yay!
We won a gold star!
If you haven’t yet discovered TheBookDesigner.com and Joel’s monthly ebook cover awards, I can only say: “Why not?”
It’s probably the most regular education on offer for learning about what does, and what doesn’t, work for ebook cover design. Every month, around 100 people enter their ebook covers, in all genres, for Joel’s uncompromising view. I suggest learning – a lot – before putting your cover up for scrutiny, and the simplest way to do that is to subscribe, and each month study the covers and read Joel’s advice (and criticism).
He selects two winners each month – one fiction and one non-fiction, and the covers that were considered for this accolade but didn’t quite make it, are awarded a gold star in recognition – and this month that’s what THE PRINCE’S SON earned!
I’m thrilled with Joel’s comments on the cover: “JF: Gorgeous and dynamic. Looks like a winner.”
You can find this month’s selection here: https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2017/01/e-book-cover-design-awards-december-2016/
I had very specific requirements for the ingredients of this cover – the noble bay horse in motion, the same rider as on the first cover (thank goodness we were able to track down the original model!), the mountain background, the fonts, and the purple branding colour to be included somewhere. I’d chosen my designer from seeing her work on earlier ebook cover award posts, and was really delighted with the way she put my demands together, and added to them.
You can see some of Ravven’s gorgeous work here and find her website here.
And just in case you’ve forgotten what the gold star winning cover looks like, here it is…
Have you checked out these monthly awards? Or have you dared enter a cover – I didn’t get the greatest comment on my first attempt, so I kept on learning. I don’t always agree with everything Joel says, but on the whole his opinions are pretty much on the mark.
Or do you disagree?
deborahjay 
Congratulations, Deborah!
I will check out the site, but I am not sure if I am brave enough to enter…
Happy Reading and Writing!
~Icky. 🙂
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Thanks, and you too. I know what you mean about being brave enough to enter!
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I just visited ‘The Book Designer’ and read the article on covers. It is interesting and has some helpful observations.
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There is so much conflicting (and plain wrong) advice out there, there’s nothing like learning from an experienced professional.
Glad you found it useful, Icky. I’ve learned so much from his monthly award posts I recommend them to everyone.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Thanks for sharing all those beautiful fantasy book covers, Marcia, and while we are on the subject of book covers, I have some great news!
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Yay. I love gold stars!! So glad your cover got some recognition, because I think it’s excellent! For all the reasons you just listed (as your criteria). It’s full of action, vibrant color, and has a dashing hero on a horse! Wearing CLOTHES, hurray!!! What more could a fantasy reader ask for? Congratulations, and I’ll take a look at Joel’s site. There’s always something new to learn, isn’t there? And a good thing. That’s what keeps our minds sharp, learning something new every day. 🙂
Again, congratulations, and I can’t wait to read this one. It’s almost at the top of my TBR pile! 🙂
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As you say, always something new to learn! Joel’s site is a great learning curve, for sure.
And thanks 😉
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Fabulous! The cover for The Prince’s Son is one of the best book covers I’ve seen. Utterly gorgeous. Congrats on the award!
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Thank you 😀, I love it too.
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Awesome! Congrats, Deborah. I took a look at his site. He makes some interesting points about keeping it simple and to the point.
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Thank you Kassandra 😀, I’ve learned so much from following his monthly awards even though I don’t always agree with all his comments.
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C.o.n.g.r.a.t.u.l.a.t.i.o.n.s. Looks good on YOU! 🙂
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Cheers 😀
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Oh my, M. Deborah, the cover is awesome. I haven’t read much fantasy but this book cover is pulling me to order it. I’m like the others, I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to enter my covers. I’ll need to check out the book cover designer. I’m looking on a different site for my next two books. And, congrats on your award.
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Thank you 😀, lovely to know the cover is doing it’s job!
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Just commented over at Marcia’s blog. Congrats again Deb. I was thrilled for you when I saw this in last week’s newsletter! Now we both have a gold star!! Yay us! 🙂
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Thanks Deb, red heads rule!
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Right on!!! 🙂
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