Clean Sweep, my first novel, is dressed in a new cover.
Why?
Because it was best to create a cover that, in a moment’s look – which is all it gets as readers scroll through possible new reads – says, “I am contemporary fiction.”
Although we humans think we want something new and different, truth be told, we usually gravitate to familiar. While there is variability in covers for contemporary fiction, there is also uniformity. When we see colors that look like those on books we have read, fonts that look like others we know, or placement of graphics in familiar locations, something inside tells us to take note. It is like a blinking light, drawing our attention.
This is why Clean Sweep has a new cover.
I loved my novel’s first cover, but it didn’t scream, “Contemporary Fiction Readers, READ ME!”
My revised cover has already brought more readers to Clean Sweep. For this, I am most grateful. I truly want readers to pick up my book. I want to reach others with my ideas and words, story and characters, life elements that resonate with readers’ minds and hearts. I am not writing for myself.
Writing my first novel was all new to me. I made mistakes. I had successes. I have come to meet others who know the craft of indie publishing. While there will always be exceptions to rules, I am grateful to many people who have helped me to grow as an indie writer and publisher, by opening my eyes to certain unspoken and spoken rules. I am excited to be editing my second novel, and soon will work on a new cover with professional designers and with a better understanding of cover creation.
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I usually only send out news once a month, at most, unless I am closing in on a book release. I’m busy. You’re busy. I do, however, love touching base with my readers, and I love hearing back from all of you, always.