Last Updated on: March 17th, 2017
As some of you may recall, I started a short story ebook project last year, and worked on it in patches, in between blogging, guest posting, and dealing with my health issues. I also tried to get someone to do the design for free, in exchange for promotion on my blog. Oddly, I ended up with two offers, and asked you to vote on which one I should choose. But…
Bad News
…Now, I have some bad and somewhat sad news. Because so much time has passed, the designer who originally agreed to help me changed her mind. So, I found myself being back at square one. And now I would like your input again. Yep, I’m sighing right along with you.
How I Got More Samples
When I got the news that the artist was not going to help me, I decided to try designing the cover myself. I also decided to use my name on it instead of a pen name, and I changed the title to reflect the content, as part of my reason for deciding to publish the selected stories is to raise awareness about issues of identity, drugs, abuse, death and friendship – but mainly sexual abuse, because I am a rape survivor. Here is what I came up with: 
I posted this on Facebook, asking for some feedback. One designer, Martha-Gail Moore from Playful Works, created this cover for me, based on the one I created: 
I then asked for some feedback on both Facebook and Google+ as to which one was more appealing, and got mixed responses.
I was told that the one I created was nicer, but that the font was easier to read in the second one.
Then one of my Facebook connections, Colleen Conger from Digital Photo Design , asked me if I wanted her to design a cover for me.
After learning of her reasonable rates, I decided to give her a shot, to see what she came up with. I also took all responses and feedback into consideration, and communicated with her what was wanted. Colleen then designed a cover for me, incorporating my little stick figure into it. (FYI, if you are interested in hiring her, her price rates start at $50.) Here is the final version of the cover she created: 
So now I have to decide on what cover I am going to use. I’ve already paid her for this design, and so it is mine to do with as I see fit. I am considering using one of these three, and so I am now going to ask for feedback once again.
Which cover should I choose?
I’ll show you them all side by side, in different sizes, so you can see what looks better. In order, they are Options 1, 2, and 3.
Here are all three, large sized:
Here they are as thumbnails:
Option 1
Option 2 
Option 3 
Vote OR Leave a Comment — PLEASE!
Please tell me in the comments which option looks best, or vote using the poll below.
Your choices are Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3.
THANK-YOU!
By the way, a year ago yesterday, I guest posted for the third time ever, with the post called My Self-Esteem Does Not Define Who I Am . This year, I’m getting ready to release my first self-published book of short stories. Wow, how time flies when you’re having fun! I hope by this time next year, I’ll have another book under my belt. 😉 Here is some more information about Colleen: 
Colleen Conger is the lead graphic designer at Digital Photo and Design, LLC and at Think.Web.Go.com. She’s a self-confessed Starbucks addict, font freak and geeky tech girl. When she’s not crafting an elixir of graphic/web design, social media & email marketing to help her clients shine online, Colleen writes a weekly blog post at Birds On The Blog.
Hi Lorraine, I guess you already chose the cover, but here’s my professional opinion. I sadly wouldn’t choose any. I do understand a cover design might be pricey for some… But people do judge a book by its cover.
I’ll be glad to give you more detailed advice, if is not too late. You can email me privately.
Tina, I appreciate your opinion, and the invitation. 🙂
However, I’ve already decided on a cover!
I like option 1.
Thanks, Jason. That’s the one I decided to go with!
Option 1 has the best balance of color, striking elements and overall eye appeal. Definitely has my vote.
Sorry for being so late getting back to you but I’ve had issues here and am frightfully behind on my mail.
Um, for what it’s worth, I once had an art director to make these decisions for me for my magazine, but I’d like to think I have some eye for design. Option 1 really stands out.
Pete, I have decided to go with Option 1. Sorry to hear of your troubles. I know it’s hard to get caught up with email, too.
Thanks for your vote!
Take care.
Hi Lorraine,
I like the simplicity of what you originally came up with. E-book cover or not, I encourage you to believe in the power of your own creativity and your own efforts.
Kind Regards,
Bill
William, that is nice of you to say. However, I’ve decided to go with the one with the yellow in it. It includes my stick guy, which I wanted, so at least that is good! Thanks for your encouragement and your vote.
#1
Thanks for casting your vote, Lisa! 🙂
Very cool! I’m glad to see Option 1 is a clear winner, as that’s the one I voted for, Lorraine. Best wishes with your e-book. Now that you’ve got the cover in the works, forge forward and try and get your content done and the book out.
Doreen, I just checked the voting results; more than 80% voted for #1. 😀
If all goes well, the book should be out soon! Thanks for voting and commenting!
I voted for number 3. I would have voted for Number 1 except for the diagonal yellow headline. It reminded me too much of the “For Dummies series” as well as a kind of “Learn How to Get a… in 3 easy steps” kind of book. It doesn’t seem that’s what your book is like at all. I like the clean lines of Option 1 , but feel the bright yellow is not right. Whatever you choose – I love your stick figure -perfect:-)
AK, you are the first person who said anything about my stick guy! Thanks!!! 😀
I totally forgot about the “For Dummies” series. Ugh. Maybe I can get another colour instead. Perhaps orange???
That was a tough one. I think all three covers work well, but by doing it this way you get a way better sense about which would work best.
Debra, thanks for voting. I’m assuming you voted, as you weren’t clear on which was your favourite.
I like 2 best, but expect 1 would be the most eye catching.
Me, too, Sara!
Ugh. Now I’m thinking of changing it to orange instead of yellow. What do you think of that?
The first choice captures the eye so I picked that one because if I were just scanning books I might just pass over the other two although the artistic eye likes the second choice.
Thanks, Ronovan. It seems like we are on a similar wavelength!
I just got another offer, too, from someone willing to do yet another cover. Boy oh boy! Now I don’t know what to do!
I feel like the little stick figure guy right now. Did you see his expression???
Hi Lorraine,
My eyes are definitely drawn more by option 1. I think you can play a little with the fonts. I’ve notice a new trend in book covers in that the artist gets creative with the fonts, overlapping them, giving them texture or 3D effects. Can you do something like that? I believe my eyes are drawn to it because it looks familiar. Make it your own.
Vashti, have you seen something like this before? Do you know where? If so, please tell me!
It’s good to know the colours make it “pop.”
I agree with others that Option 1 is the best. It’s dramatic and your topics are dramatic.
Thanks, Elaine. 🙂
Yeah, the topics sure are dramatic!
Hi Lorraine,
I’m going for option 1. I like this cover because it looks professionally put together, and is bold and more colourful than the other options….it’s more eye-catching too.
Regards,
Vijay
Thanks, Vijay! I agree with your choice. It’s definitely more bold! Plus, the yellow reminds me of crime scene tape. 😉
Option 1 is clean, concise and most professional looking Lorraine – Good Luck with it 😀
I agree, Chris. Thanks for your vote! 😀
#1 for the color variety
I like the colours, too! Thanks for sharing your opinion, Cassi! 🙂
Hi Lorraine. I claim no expertise whatsoever on Ebook covers so my vote for the one designed by Colleen is purely subjective. I wish you every success with this project and with all that you undertake
Thanks, Paul. I’m no expert, either, when it comes to ebook covers. I know that I cannot afford what I want or like, and know a cover should be more graphical in nature, but, like many indie authors, I have to take my limited budget into consideration. 🙁
Thanks for weighing in, and for the good wishes! 🙂 This is my “practice” book. 😉 Because it’s short, and my first book, I want to see if I can actually “do this.” Many others self-publish, so we’ll see how it goes!