Wasn't sure where to post this, hope here is OK. Here are two mock-ups of my cover, which do you think is best? Cover 1: Cover 2: Thanks, Sam.
I like them both, but if you're publishing a paper version, I think the second one would stand out more on a shelf.
I think the second one looks a little too "self-published." I would more likely pick up the first design.
Even though I love the Murakami-like simplicity of the second, the fonts and the hazard sign make it look a bit all over the place. If you wanted to go with that I'd prefer the letters to be more elegant. I have to say that the first looks spot on to me. But both are quite good, did you make them yourself?
I would choose the first one. The second is really good, but it would be definitely better with a more "professional" font for the title. I think I would remove the fingerprints as well. The letters from the first one on the second design minus the fingerprints would be my style.
I agree with @jazzabel as regards the second cover. I too like the starkness of the red on the predominant white background. The handprint and the splat in the corner are great. The individual fingerprints, not so much. And the font, just as Jazz said, needs to be a little less downloaded for free from 1001 Fonts.
The first, but I would suggest these adjustments: Close the vertical space between the two title words. Be consistent with the font. Right now zombie is noticeably more condensed than virus, and the stroking on zombie is much thicker than on virus. Put a period after your middle initial.
Personally, I still prefer the original cover, but you will always get differing opinions, so I'd say wait for others to reply and take the general consensus Anyway, if you made these yourself, I'm going to have to virtually salute you, my friend. They're brilliant! Either way, whichever one you choose, good luck
@S Raven: No, it still doesn't look right. The letters are too 'cheap' looking for the elegance of red on white. Also, with just the bloody print, it's more suggestive of a forensic police procedural than a zombie apocalypse novel. Google (on Images) 'Murakami covers' for inspiration on how to do the minimalistic design with red, black and white, they do it extremely well. Otherwise, your first cover is absolutely spot on, and if I were you, I'd just stick with that. It delivers the message really well and it's very visually appealing, balanced and stylish, looks more professional than some professionally designed covers.
I'll put them altogether into a single file. I'll edit this post and post when done. Here a two spine variations:
Oh, I get it, it was the spine. D'oh! The white is more readable. When I'm scanning the library or bookstore shelves for something off the rack, my eyes skip over hard to read titles. But it may look different on the shelf so it's just my opinion as they are presented here. I'd want my book to stand out on that shelf.
The spine, purely for how I think it would stand out on a shelf. I prefer the black cover. I'd move the title words a little closer together.
Nice one! I would definitely pick that up. One minor niggle, though: could you perhaps change the blood splashes on the back, so it doesn't look like the front? Even if you just reverse them. Doh. Just realised everything on the front and back covers are the same. Still, a little blood variation wouldn't go amiss.
If you reduce the largest patch of blood on the back a tiny bit, then you've sold me. I would genuinely pick up the book and have a look at the inside. I especially like the addition of a time traveller! And that's the first time I've seen endings done like that - of course I've read and played choose-your-own-path books, but that's totally your own choice. This is again interesting. This is one reader/writer you have intrigued.
