Cover Disappointment

I've been tinkering with graphic editing tools for a few years, so I decided to design my own book cover for the paperback edition of Stormbringer: Legend of the 23rd Century.

After giving the title text the appearance of a bright glowing light, I submitted the image file to the self publishing company and ordered a sample.

Lo and behold, the sample arrived today, and the glow effect is so subtle I can barely see it! I've edited and re-submitted the image, so hopefully the next version will be just right, but the difference between the on-screen design and the finished product can be quite noticeable.

Don't forget, your cover image will BE an on-screen display everywhere it appears on the web. So, you have to make the design work well in both formats.

It's a tricky balance - the glow effect now looks great on the printed cover, but renders as blurry when viewed as a thumbnail on a computer screen.

I'll keep trying until I find the right mix of clarity and effect.