Choose my cover image!

[TheDylanDrakes]

Hey there Scribblers!

So, not so much about my story content, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on which of the below images you like for my story Our Dark Prince, which is being posted here ongoing (two chapters a week, to be completed in November 2022). Definitely not scrounging for reads, so for context, it is a fantasy-romance, set in an ancient Greek/Roman inspired world, with shifter elements (with werewolves being replaced with satyrs and sirens and the like).

All of the covers share a Spartan / celestial feel. Yes, they all use the same cheap star / galaxy effect, which I love, even though I am sure some people will hate it

. That effect is there because it looks much better in thumbnails than large size -- which is mostly how people will first come across the story.

I won't say which is my favourite, so I don't influence anyone -- beyond saying that I currently have #4 as my cover on SH, because this doesn't seem like the kind of site that does 'steamy half naked men' as cover images. I have put both larger size and thumbnail, because I reckon the effect can chance a lot, depending on size.

Thanks in advance!


#1: Star Prince

#2: Spartan Ab-Man

#3: Space Helmet

#4: Golden Glow

 

[CarburetorThompson]

I like the one you've been using for a while now. Gold with gold font looks nice contrasted on the dark background.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

It depends on the readers you want to attract. If you are aiming for readers who are attracted to men, show that body! That being said, the second one doesn't appeal to me. I always preferred lean body types over bodies with huge, obnoxious muscles. Plus, the first one looks like he's actually in action rather than just striking a pose.

 

[Deleted member 57675]

1. & 2. feels like Romance novel cover.
3. Title doesn't feel like it fits perfectly with the picture.
4. Title color matches helmet color so sorta gives a theme it seems to be going off of I guess. Also feels like it gives you more room to write whatever genre instead of like the first two cause this cover seems like it could go for more than 1 genre type.

 

[Deleted member 22388]

Number 1 and 2 is showing a s*xy figure for those woman~, although its less value in my eyes, the image indicates a live telling story of a cliché from first glance. Maybe reward the reader later on don't give desserts too early the attraction, as in my opinion and guess anyone wouldn't even read till the end well except some.

Number 3 stands out the most. although it looks stiff, the empty gaze is menacing nonetheless. Smokes that of the dead beings. Instead of skulls is replaced by iron metal and not golden to show the real, hardship of a soldier then that of a leader. The person must be someone from poor environment, and has a hidden talent. The item itself is cursed.

Number 4 is gold of a treasure, precious to anyone indicating ancientness and high status and strength. Its the opposite of 3, someone who is rich relying on the armor smith, efforts more on speech onto a huge mass. It indeed fits the evil prince. Everyone is greed of gold on hand, but to see someone who uses armor made from gold will show WHO is the wealthiest and FAR greater arrogant man.

I have no sense of fashion on the fonts, so... ye no comment on it.

 

[Sabruness]

either three or four because 1 and 2 feel a bit cringey to me.

 

[SakeVision]

2, dommy warrior mandaddy with abs! dom me, dad!!11

 

[Ai-chan]

The first 1 and 2 will get you flagged on tumblr for 'man-presenting nipples'. 4 seems best out of 4.

 

[IDKWtWrite-San]

Bro you have no choice but to go 4.
This feel like the best cover you presented out of the other 3.

 

[PeacefulMyst]

2 ofc. Show those bulgy muscles!~

 

[InceTagn]

I will say 3 even though it does not look to me completely like a space helmet.

 

[TheDylanDrakes]

Thanks

It depends on the readers you want to attract. If you are aiming for readers who are attracted to men, show that body! That being said, the second one doesn't appeal to me. I always preferred lean body types over bodies with huge, obnoxious muscles. Plus, the first one looks like he's actually in action rather than just striking a pose.

The funny thing is, that I am not particularly attracted to the big mega beefcake type either. But my search for 'roman soldier with dad bod' produced unsatisfactory results. :-P

2, dommy warrior mandaddy with abs! dom me, dad!!11

Oh, believe me, he would.

Bro you have no choice but to go 4.
This feel like the best cover you presented out of the other 3.

I think that you have spoken as the consensus opinion! You are right. I have no choice but to stick to my guns... and keep the cover image exactly as it was.

Wait, does that make this entire exercise pointless, then?

 

[tiaf]

Wait, does that make this entire exercise pointless, then?

Mayhaps

On a side note, 3 reminds me of this 囧 or scary movie mask. Imo, don’t put irl people on the cover unless you have a more traditional writing style. It’s probably my preference, but illustrations have more appeal to me. Idk, but irl people kinda break my immersion as they do not align with my headcannon most of the time ╮ (￣ヮ ￣) ╭

 

[TheDylanDrakes]

Soooooo I decided to do science -- inspired by another forum post about seductive covers vs non-seductive covers. Now that I have done ten chapters with the old cover, I am going to swap it for the sexier one for ten chapters, and see if that has any impact on clicks or follows.

For science.

Definitely not to try and increase my read count...