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!

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. 😉 Read More