A new look for my cookbook!

Sometimes we make mistakes.  It's a good thing that some mistakes can be corrected.

For example, the cover for Recipes To Die For: A Victoria Square Cookbook.  The picture I chose for the original cover.  It was ... okay.  The cover designer did a great job with my poor choice.  She added a little noose to my name, she made a nice "sign" for the cookbook, but for some reason the whole thing just didn't "sing" for me.  But, up it went.  Sales have been lackluster.

I've been thinking about changing the cover for a long time.  What held me back so long?  The box of bookmarks I had made up.  You see, I've only used about half of them.  But finally I decided--the heck with that.  I want my cookbook to find its way into the hearts and  homes of my readers, so I started hunting for a new cover picture.

I don't have the resources of a big publishing company.  They have a marketing department.  There's just me.  I don't have a marketing degree.  I don't have years of experience when it comes to marketing a book.  But I do know when it's time to change a cover.  I spent a couple of days going through stock photo sites, trying different keywords, until I came upon one that seemed to work.  Next up, getting Mr. L to play with the concept.  My second choice of cover was a purple blue close up of a silverware pattern.  Mr. L said right off the bat, "I don't think that's it."  But he was game to try.  He was right.  He liked my first choice, and I think it worked out well.

It's already up on Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords, and should eventually filter through to the other e booksellers.  The new cover should be up for the print version in a couple of days.  (It takes longer to do than an E cover.)

So, what do you think?  Do you like it better than the original cover?  Would you be enticed to buy the book?

 

 

Comments

[Trice]

I have to say that I am not a fan of the new cover.

[Lorraine]

I've heard from several people who don't like it. Could you tell me why? Did you like the original cover?

The fact is, it wasn't selling, and I know there are cozy readers who love cookbooks. (The Cozy Chicks cookbook which I contributed to is selling VERY well.) I had to do something.

[Trice]

Well, the new cover looks old and dated, like it was published in the 70's. I liked the original one but I don't feel that it connects to your other work.

A picture with a loaf of bread and a knife standing straight up would convey that these recipes come from a mystery/suspense writer.

I think to generate interest you need to connect the book more directly with your books.