I'm still tweaking the cover for the anthology I'm editing, and can't decide which I like better, so tell me what you think and which you prefer. or
It's a tough one. But I really like torn edges of the second image. It sort of adds to the spooky atmosphere. Maybe make the edges more clear cut, rather than the fade to black in the corners, especially at the bottom. This might also make the '13 tales of murder and mystery' stand out a bit more. Just my thoughts. But I really like them overall.
I like the bottom one, but it obstructs the view of the "13 tales of muder..." text. So 1st one, unless you change that part.
Nice! Agree, I like the torn edges, but #2 is too dark. Suggest it be lightened up especially so you can read the "13 ... Mayhem" better.
Thanks for the feedback! Noah O'Toole did the drawing, and I added the sepia tone in the first one. I was fooling with a new photo program on my ipod last night and came up with the second one. I really liked that enough I'm considering using it. I too, think it's a bit dark, and will see if I can lighten it up. As for blood spatter, I've tried that but haven't been happy with the results, but still want that little splash of color, so may try it again.
I prefer the first one. The second reminds me of my sister editing photos of celebrities for Tumblr, she throws up the contrast which, to be fair is kinda the "thing" at the moment, but I'm not really buying it. It looks like you're trying for style too hard. First one is great though.
I'd say the first one. When actually printed on a book cover, I think the second one would look weird, as the black would form a solid border at the edge and mess up the worn look. If you wanted to add some colour, but not in blood splatters, the cards might be another good place, although you'd have to ask the illustrator to turn some of them into either hearts or diamonds.
I think you're right. Talking with a friend of mine, he reminded me that the printer we both use, tends to print darker than the image. And you're right about the border on the second one, it would look odd on a cover. I may use that though if we do an e-book version however. I thought about some color on the cards, but those particular cards represent the dead man's hand, so no hearts or diamonds there.
There's two who wrote stories, does that count? (Though if either ever heard they were referred to as chicks, heads would roll.) They were in the original cover, and oddly enough didn't work for a horror anthology.
