Unused covers

Typically, I don't create the covers for my stories until the book is finished or near-finished. Granted, I have worked on a couple covers that haven't been released yet. One I created, then realized it would be better suited for the second book in the series. The other I created when I thought I was nearing the end of the editing process, but then it took longer to release than planned. That one's been sitting for at least a year, and is going to be revealed soon.

If I had to pay for a cover (rather than design them myself), I don't think I would order the commission until I was pretty sure I had the book where I wanted, and then I would try to find a cover artist who I felt could get the right design... or I would seek out premade options.

But if you can use them for other stories, I can see that being a good way to re-purpose them (as long as the licence for the cover permits that).

I commissioned one for my first book, and it really soured me on it. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted in an illustrated cover, and didn't feel like my own art style would really suit it. So I found someone who did the style I wanted, and who did covers, and gave them a rundown of what I was looking for. And what I got was literally something done in coloured pencil on A4. They didn't even do the actual cover design. I was so angry and furious that I almost gave up on the whole thing, but then a friend put something together for me that wound up being the basis for the look of the entire series.

I went a different route for the one I'll be putting out next month. I got the Adobe stock package, since I've already got Photoshop CC and Premiere CC. The cover's a bit generic, so I decided to look into finding a model to stick on there. And then I learned that models that work well for horror all look the same, and nothing like my MC, so generic it is. :C

Illustrated covers are just tricky period, because the style really has to match the content. I 100% have no business illustrating any book or cover meant for a reader over the age of about 10, because everything I draw looks like it came out of the Venture Brothers. For a cartoon, that's great. For the cover of an adult fantasy series, not so much. lol

I've bought a bunch of pre-mades that I haven't used... yet! Of course I've still got it in my head that one day I'll write all those stories

I fooled around with gimp for a bit, but then decided to commission the covers for my series. I love my cover artist. She was lovely to work with and did an outstanding job. The problem is that I don't think the covers are right for my books. I know she was probably trying to create something original and creative which she did, but I wanted something that would tell readers exactly what they would be getting - a hot romance. My next book is a stand alone offshoot from this series. I don't know whether to plow on with the style that I have been using or ditch it for what I think would be better. Of course, I could wind up with something even worse. When I send bloggers requests for reviews, I always put in a sentence asking them to give their opinion on my cover whether they choose to review my novel or not. One blogger responded, and she liked my covers. Has anyone had any experience with changing their cover styles from book to book?

I have one. My story changed. And now I have another, which is most def a keeper.