I was told recently by several people that they couldn’t tell from my covers which books were Marty Singer books (hint: they all are). Although I like my covers, I had to admit that there was no single unifying feature to them that identified them as belonging to the same series.
I tried many different schemes, but was leery of doing a complete redesign of every cover because a) I would lose some brand recognition from those readers that DID recognize a Singer book and b) I’ve invested several hundred dollars in stock photography in my covers that I didn’t need to lose.
So here’s the result. Although it’s a bit of a hack to simply slap a banner saying what something is, I think it does the job, keeps the brand, and ties the books together. What do you think? Let me know in the Comments!
I think a # on each book in the same spot “might” have worked, but considering that the impact of the image and design wasn’t lost, and they definitely look “of a set” I’d say you did quite a good job on those Matthew. 😉
Thanks, Adan! You wouldn’t believe the number of other versions I did, a few with #’s on them. Nothing looked quite right in that vein, though. It’s funny how a particular design will get in your head and can’t be dislodged…I can’t imagine these books looking any other way. 🙂
You did a great job Matthew, and I hear people talking good things ’bout your books all over 😉 Continued best wishes 🙂
Matt, For those readers who focus on “Marty Singer” as the basis for continuing interest, I say, sure. For me, however, I look to see who the author is on the cover. And that, brother, be you. So, ’nuff said.
Thanks, Ralph! I will strive to make sure the stuff between the covers is worthy of your support!
Yup. It works. I have all of them but the last. Now I just have to make time to read the ones I haven’t. lol.
Thanks, Vicki. If I keep my writing quota up, I might be able to stay one book ahead of you. 🙂
I definitely agree with you. Showing that each book is A Marty Singer Mystery just looks…right. I can’t picture the covers denoting Book 1, Book 2, etc. Nicely done!
🙂 Thanks, shygirl! Now I have to change them on my site (and everywhere else they appear…whew!).
Don’t forget to change your photo on your blog,too.
xxoo
Thanks, mom (this is actually my mom, everyone). 🙂
Hi Matthew, I just discovered you on Amazon last week, and thanks to a mini holiday and an extracted tooth I have just finished the last Marty Singer book today. I am so happy I stumbled upon you, it was the reviews by all the authors I have loved for years that made me curious about you. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter of book one and have remain absorbed to the last page of book 5. Now to start reading your stand alone books and to wait in anticipation for book 6 of the Marty Singer series! Leanne, Adelaide South Australia 🙂
Hi Leanne! I’m so happy you took the time to write and, while I wouldn’t wish a toothache on anyone, I’m happy yours resulted in having the time to read about Marty. 🙂
I hope you’re recovering and are reading for pleasure now, and not distraction! I’m working on a (finished, non Marty) standalone book I wrote several years ago and busy outlining two other books, Marty #6 and another standalone…let’s call it Project X, lol. More news to come in the weeks ahead.
Thanks again and I hope you feel better!
matt