Help me Choose Vigil’s Cover!

Feb 18, 2015 | My Publications

My good friends, I need your help again. I have designed three different variations on the cover for Pearseus: Vigil, and I need your help to choose which one to use.

This was my first attempt. I like it, but Electra complained that it was too similar to Schism; as such, people might get confused. So, I moved on to version 2:

It’s basically the same, but with golden letters and an olive green hue. Not entirely happy with the low contrast of the letter, I also tried a “moss green” (Coreldraw’s terminology, not mine) background:

So, which one do you like best? I’d love to hear back from you, and thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

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115 Comments

JP McLean on February 24, 2015 at 07:38

I’m late to the party, but my two cents is #1.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 24, 2015 at 09:53
  
  Thank you! You’ll be pleased to know this will be the cover to the final book in the series 🙂
  Reply
Suzanne Joshi on February 21, 2015 at 19:28

I’m a bit late in reading many of the blogs, but I like the first one, Nicholas. 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 21, 2015 at 22:57
  
  Thank you, Suzanne! You’ll be pleased to learn that I’ll use it for the last book in the series. 🙂
  Reply
Effrosyni Moschoudi on February 20, 2015 at 14:36

Definitely the 3rd one!
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 20, 2015 at 21:19
  
  Thanks! That’s the one I went for 🙂
  Reply
Planetary Defense Commander on February 20, 2015 at 09:40

I sort of like #1 the best, but #3 is good as well. I’d recommend going with #3 since you’ve jumped around the color spectrum on the others, otherwise this might not be recognized immediately as a new book. Rossis does kind of fade out a bit, though.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 20, 2015 at 09:47
  
  Get out of my head! 😀 That’s why I went with a variation.
  Reply
Rajiv on February 19, 2015 at 12:35

Number 2 for me…
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 13:53
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
mgill0627 on February 19, 2015 at 10:28

I really like the first one. The red lettering not only stands out more, but it also remains consistent with the rest of the titles in the series.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:15
  
  Thanks! I’ll try the third one with a darker lettering to see if that improves it, but in all honesty I, too, prefer #1. 🙂
  Reply
chrismcmullen on February 19, 2015 at 05:58

I pick one. You should also consider which best matches your other covers. Maybe that’s also one.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:14
  
  I tried to make sure they all do. #1 is my favorite, but Electra frowned upon it.
  Reply
daphnepurpus on February 19, 2015 at 04:19

I like the first one best, followed by the third one. 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:14
  
  Thank you! 🙂
  Reply
Let's CUT the Crap! on February 19, 2015 at 03:02

I like the third one but wish the words were as clear as #1. 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:14
  
  I think I’ll try a variation on that, perhaps with the same red lettering of #1. Thanks!
  Reply
  - Let's CUT the Crap! on February 19, 2015 at 14:40
    
    You are welcome. 🙂
    Reply
suecoletta on February 19, 2015 at 00:47

I like #2. It shares some elements with book one but it different enough to distinguish it’s book two. Those are my thoughts. Hope it helps!
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:12
  
  Interesting. Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
D. Wallace Peach on February 18, 2015 at 23:23

Number four definitely! Ok, I like them all…maybe 3 the best.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:11
  
  Lol – thanks!
  Reply
M T McGuire on February 18, 2015 at 23:18

I like 3 best but I think 1 is the one I noticed the most, although that may just be because it was first.

Cheers

MTM
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:11
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
cmlance on February 18, 2015 at 22:34

I like third cover with the first cover’s title and author’s name. 1. The solid lettering is more consistent with the rest of the series, and 2. Rossis almost disappears and Vigil tapers off too much.

I like the third cover’s color because it is darkest. Th covers have gradually been getting darker. Think how nice the paperback collection will look on a shelf with the colors gradually getting darker, instead of getting darker, then suddenly lighter.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 23:00
  
  I’ll try that and upload it for you lovely people to see.
  The darkness follows the plot. It has progressively been getting darker, but this book (and the next one) sees the subplots gradually get resolved. That’s also why the scales almost fell apart in Mad Water, but they’re slowly becoming more solid in Vigil.
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
Karen on February 18, 2015 at 22:25

All three are great, Nicholas! My favourite is #3. It just feels right.
Reply
- Catherine Mackay on February 18, 2015 at 22:36
  
  Just checked out Schism’s cover again and though the colour looks similar to your first design, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. If anything it would give a sense of continuity to the series. That said, if you felt it mattered, then I would go for the third cover choice – it’s a nice colour.
  Reply
  - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 23:00
    
    Thanks for that! It really helps to hear another person’s point of view.
    Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 22:58
  
  Interesting. Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
utahrob on February 18, 2015 at 22:09

The lettering stands out more in the first one, so I like it best of the three.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 22:58
  
  It’s a good point. Thanks!
  Reply
John Fioravanti on February 18, 2015 at 21:40

I like all three, Nick, but I would choose #1 on the basis that both the graphics and the lettering are very easy to read clearly on that cover. Can’t wait to read it, Bro!
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 22:57
  
  True dat. If you wish to read it, just let me know and I’ll send it (as I said yesterday) 🙂
  Reply
Bookwraiths on February 18, 2015 at 21:36

First one is my favorite and then the third.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 22:57
  
  Thanks! As an expert in books, your opinion carries extra weight 🙂
  Reply
  - Bookwraiths on February 20, 2015 at 02:27
    
    Far from an expert but definitely a book cover. 🙂
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 20, 2015 at 09:45
      
      I’ve read your posts. I know an aficionado when I see one. 🙂
      Reply
etinkerbell on February 18, 2015 at 20:59

I like very much the third one, Nicholas. It is more elegant 🙂 But even the first one would be ok.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 21:02
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
macjam47 on February 18, 2015 at 20:47

I like all of them. Aesthetically, there is nothing wrong with any; it just depends on what you want your covers to do.
1. Stands out, but I think it ls very similar to Schism
2. Nice contrast to the other books in the series. It actually complements them.
3. I love the color, but it’s much brighter than the others in the series.

My first impression was 3-1-2, but after “studying” them, I I would change my selection order to 2-1-3. I’m sure I’ve been of no help whatsoever.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:48
  
  Lol – not at all, actually this was very helpful. Thank you! 🙂
  Reply
Catherine Mackay on February 18, 2015 at 20:29

Hi Nicholas – I think you should go for the first one. I don’t think it matters that it looks like Schism – the first one “pops” the other two don’t.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:30
  
  Thanks! That does seem to be the consensus 🙂
  Reply
augustmacgregor on February 18, 2015 at 19:50

I like the first one the best — it jumps out at me more than the others.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:22
  
  Thanks! I agree. Electra complains it looks too similar to Shcism, though. 🙁
  Reply
Grandma on February 18, 2015 at 19:11

I like #1 because it’s the brightest. That’s not very scientific, but I think there may be others who are drawn to bright colors, too.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:28
  
  Actually, there is research to support that thesis. Light-colored book covers do seem to sell better.
  Reply
Charles Yallowitz on February 18, 2015 at 18:54

The first is more eye-catching to me. #2 seems rather dull for some reason. I do like the lettering of the 3rd one. Taken as is, I’d go with #1.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:22
  
  The key words here are, “taken as is,” of course 🙂 I might have to pick your brains once more.
  Reply
  - Charles Yallowitz on February 19, 2015 at 02:23
    
    That’s what your audience is here for. That and cheerful support. 🙂
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:13
      
      Lol – both are much appreciated! 😀
      Reply
imagine647 on February 18, 2015 at 18:51

I like the first one, it seems more dramatic:)
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:21
  
  I agree! Electra’s complains it looks too similar to Shcism, though. 🙁
  Reply
Toni Betzner on February 18, 2015 at 18:50

I like the first one. It really pops.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:21
  
  As do I! Electra’s the one who complained it looks too similar to Shcism, though. 🙁
  Reply
  - Toni Betzner on February 18, 2015 at 21:34
    
    she makes a good point. I might have to take a second look while looking at Shcism.
    Reply
raymondbolton on February 18, 2015 at 18:36

The first is still the best. It’s the brightest and the elements really stand out.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:26
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
C.E.Robinson on February 18, 2015 at 18:35

Nicholas, I like the third one for contrast. Also how about making the lettering (your name book title & book number) – a darker color like red. You did that in book 0 & 1 (red). Moss green & red are compatible! It would look like the first one that you like, (red lettering) but with a moss green background! Agree with Chris about it looking more like a set! Christine
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:20
  
  I’ll try that, thanks 🙂
  Reply
Elle Boca on February 18, 2015 at 18:31

It’s okay for books within a series to share some similarities, I think. I would ask in turn: What do you want to convey? Which one does that one best?
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:20
  
  I think they all convey the main message, which is that they’re part of a series. They share many common traits. Also, they have a strong fantasy element, plus a clear Pearseus theme.
  Reply
The Story Reading Ape on February 18, 2015 at 18:12

Third (Green) one Nicholas – it keeps your brand theme and gives a completely different background colour to the other books – makes it look more like a set 😀
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:19
  
  Given your lovely covers, I was particularly interested in hearing your thoughts. I might have to try a version of the third with a higher-contrast text, though.
  Reply
  - The Story Reading Ape on February 18, 2015 at 21:35
    
    The Red used on two of your books might work Nicholas, but experiment 😀
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 22:57
      
      I’ll let you know 🙂
      Reply
Richard on February 18, 2015 at 18:08

Number 1 definitely. Your name and title are both clearly and the colour tones better with the other two books.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:18
  
  Thanks, that’s what I think too. Hmm…
  Reply
lizgavin on February 18, 2015 at 18:03

Nich, I think the first version is easier to read. As you put it, the second low contrast is a problem but I thought the same is true for the third version. hahaha Sorry…
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:17
  
  Don’t be sorry. I agree with you. I might try a version of the third with higher-contrast text.
  Reply
The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap on February 18, 2015 at 17:56

First one. 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:16
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
Dave Higgins on February 18, 2015 at 17:55

The first one looks quite similar to Rise of the Prince.

I prefer the colour of the second one to the third one.

The gradation of the text on two and three remove too much contrast on the smaller lines, so I suggest a less extreme range.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:16
  
  An interesting thought. Thanks, Dave!
  Reply
Bette A. Stevens on February 18, 2015 at 17:52

Number 2! 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:15
  
  Thank you, Bette! 🙂
  Reply
erikakind on February 18, 2015 at 17:46

If the first one is too similar, then number three would be a good choice a guess. Same theme but different color. I like it!
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:50
  
  Thanks! Is it too similar, though? That’s what Electra thinks, but I don’t.
  Reply
  - erikakind on February 18, 2015 at 17:54
    
    Actually I love the first one best. It has something more mystical. The other one is more modern. I don’t know if it is too similar. On the other hand, who cares? It has a different title. And whoever buyes a book is supposed to be able to read 😉
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:23
      
      Mystical, huh? I like that! Thanks!
      Reply
      - erikakind on February 18, 2015 at 20:25
        
        Welcome, Nicholas
        Reply
Kylie Betzner on February 18, 2015 at 17:44

I like the first one because it’s more cohesive with the rest of the series. Plus I like the font better. It looks great!
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:49
  
  Thanks, Kylie! 🙂
  Reply
Deanie Humphrys-Dunne on February 18, 2015 at 17:43

Hi
I like the third one best. I guess it’s just a personal preference. They’re all very nice.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:49
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
Mathiya Adams on February 18, 2015 at 17:43

Also, is this book 3 or book 4?
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:49
  
  Ah, to answer that question I refer you to https://nicholasrossis.me/2015/01/15/my-decisions/
  Reply
  - Mathiya Adams on February 18, 2015 at 18:14
    
    Thank you for the clarification!
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:26
      
      🙂
      Reply
Mathiya Adams on February 18, 2015 at 17:42

I think your first cover is actually pretty good, but what makes it stand out is the Title and Book 3 in the dark lettering. If you could do that on the third cover, it would stand out in terms of background color (and be sufficiently different from the first two books), but maintain continuity in terms of the title and Book designator. Also, your name should be in the dark font.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:48
  
  That’s a great idea, thanks! I changed it because red clashed with the moss green background, but I probably shouldn’t have opted for such a light colour.
  Reply
Lefteris on February 18, 2015 at 17:41

I like the 3 third option…
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:47
  
  Thanks, dude! 🙂
  Reply
jorobinson176 on February 18, 2015 at 17:37

I like number three next to the first books.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:47
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
Sue Vincent on February 18, 2015 at 17:32

The first one is the clearest… otherwise the third.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:37
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
sheriwilkinson on February 18, 2015 at 17:32

I like number 3 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:37
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
sknicholls on February 18, 2015 at 17:31

I think the green of the third one completes the set look.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:32
  
  True enough. So you feel Vigil is clear enough on that.
  Reply
  - sknicholls on February 18, 2015 at 18:10
    
    I think it is. It looks reflective and stands out enough.
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:25
      
      Thanks!
      Reply
ARRivera on February 18, 2015 at 17:28

I like #2
The title stands out best to me on that one.
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:31
  
  Thanks! When you say title, are you referring to Pearseus, or Vigil? My concern is that Vigil doesn’t stand out enough.
  Reply
  - ARRivera on February 18, 2015 at 23:56
    
    Vigil was the word my eyes went to.
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 19, 2015 at 11:12
      
      Interesting, thanks!
      Reply
coffeennotes on February 18, 2015 at 17:28

I loved the first one 🙂 But I also like the third one 🙂
Reply
- Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:31
  
  Thanks! So, basically, anything but the second. 🙂
  Reply
  - coffeennotes on February 18, 2015 at 17:47
    
    LOL, sorry. But the first one is the best, I think it’s nice that they similarities 🙂 The third one is also very nice.
    Reply
    - Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 17:50
      
      Didn’t mean to put you on the spot. 😀 Thanks!
      Reply
      - coffeennotes on February 18, 2015 at 17:59
        
        It’s all ok, really 🙂 Hope you’ll find the right one for you 🙂
        Reply
        
        Nicholas C. Rossis on February 18, 2015 at 20:24
        
        As do I! Thanks 😀
        Reply

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Cover Reveal: Pearseus, Vigil | Nicholas C. Rossis - […] long deliberation and thanks to your valuable feedback, I have tried another variation on Vigil’s […]

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Help me Choose Vigil’s Cover!

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