Friday, August 18, 2017

New Book Covers and Branding by Jannine Gallant

A few months ago, I received the cover for the first book in my new SIREN COVE series, releasing in 2018. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I got the cover for the second book. They're all scenery and have a suspenseful vibe. I've been given permission to share, so...tada!!



What do you think? I love them! Not long after the first cover was finished, my editor emailed me to say they were giving my BORN TO BE WILDE series a new look. Everyone at Kensington loved the cover for BURIED TRUTH so much, they wanted a do-over for the current series.

I know lots of self-published authors who've gone through multiple incarnations of a book cover, making it more professional and going for a different look. But usually with a publisher, we only get one shot at a cover. So, why is my series being repackaged? The original covers are professional and eye-catching. They feature an attractive couple. They're upbeat. Romantic. Cheerful! I always thought they better suited contemporary romance than romantic suspense, even though they accurately reflect the story. They capture the content but not the mood.

I think there's more to this than going for a suspenseful look. I've always wondered about the mystery of author branding. I never could quite grasp the concept, but with these new covers, I'm beginning to see the light. Kensington is feeling their way with me, finding my specific niche in their company. My brand. I write suspenseful stories where rugged, outdoor settings are a focus of the plot. They're repackaging my books to give me an identifiable look. Currently, only the first two covers are finished. Until all four are available, the old covers remain up on retail sites. I'm giving you all a sneak peek to make my point!

I love this new look, this brand they're giving me. So here they are, the old...




And the new...





What do you think? For those of you who read my books, does this look more like me? I hope one day readers will pick up my books and identify me by the covers the way we do authors who have a brand we know well. For now, I feel like I've found my niche in the world of romantic suspense.

The final two books will get their face lift soon. Stay tuned... And if you haven't started this series yet, read WILDE ONE...with the old cover. Get your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, or KOBO now. Or, pre-order BURIED TRUTH. The buy link is on my website. Happy reading!

19 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Wow, Jannine...I LOVE them... all of them! Very Sandra Brown-ish! They all look definitely suspenseful (like you said), but relevant to the stories. I think you're right on with the outdoorsy element in the branding. Very clever! The new ones for the Wilde series are fantastic, a big improvement. I'm very excited for you. :-) Thanks for sharing! (I just pre-ordered the new one, BTW.)

Jannine Gallant said...

I'm glad you like them, Leah (and thanks for the pre-order)! Buried Truth is my favorite cover--love those colors!

Diane Burton said...

Love the covers for the new series. Kensington is going all out for you. Congrats.

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Diane. Since the Siren Cove series will be mass market paperback, they're very invested in seeing them sell well!

Donna Michaels said...

Congratulations, Jannine!
I love them! They really have a great suspense vibe.

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Donna. I think so, too!

Rolynn Anderson said...

Jannine, these covers definitely speak to the suspense part of your novels, along with a focus on the natural world. You have reason to be excited about all of them! Plus your name is nice and big...very easy to read title and author names...and artistic. Clicking champagne glasses with you!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Rolynn. I like seeing the size of my name increase. Okay, maybe it isn't the focal point like Nora's, but it isn't tiny anymore! LOL

Andrea Downing said...

Fab covers, Jannine. Lucky girl!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Andrea!

Brenda whiteside said...

These are so great, Jannine. Yes, they do fit. I so wish my Love and Murder series had a better feel to them. I really liked the first cover, but since all five have come out, I see they really aren't the right "feel". Congrats for a publisher who is working for you!

Alison Henderson said...

I've been waiting for these with bated breath. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!! They've given you a completely different look--atmospheric and suspenseful, while still romantic. AND much more mainstream. You may be surprised to find you attract a new and wider audience with these. You know I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out and express my author brand in the last few months. Kensington has nailed yours!

Jannine Gallant said...

It's a juggling act, Brenda, to get the right feel and represent both the book and sub-genre and the author's unique personality. I'm really happy with what Kensington has done.

Alison, you've worked so hard to get the exact right brand for your books...and done an amazing job! Your thumbs up for these means a lot! I do hope the new covers attract a wider, mainstream romantic suspense audience!

Christine DePetrillo said...

WOW! Super gorgeous covers! Best of luck!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Chris!

Alicia Dean said...

OMG...YES, these are wonderful!!! I love, love, love them! Yes, I think they capture the books and your 'brand' well. Congrats!!

Jannine Gallant said...

So glad you approve, Ally!!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Think you're right. You and your niche have arrived! Great covers. All of them.

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Margo!