Can I Just Get Some Chocolate?
I’m thinking it’s PMS. Up late again last night and cranky like a big cranky thing today. Normally I’m not sweetness and light, you understand, but today I just feel like EVERYONE NEEDS TO BACK AWAY AT LEAST THREE STEPS AND JUST TOSS THE CHOCOLATE (GENTLY) IN MY DIRECTION. And working out just makes me feel like I can take on the world and throttle everything that even remotely irritates me.
So, in lieu of actual postage I will give a goodie! The folks at Razorbill would like to know what you think of the cover for Strange Angels. To see the lovely, lovely cover, just click through the cut–and tell me what you think, eh?
Isn’t she lovely? Now the people at Razorbill really want to know what you think, so please, if you have time, let me know.
Tags: books, not worth chewing through the leather straps, Strange Angels
January 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Very intense, I like it!
P.S. You know what fights the PMS gremlin? A biiig bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough. I’m still waiting for the menstrual hut/note from the doc saying that I get to not show up for that week. No luck
January 6th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
That’s pretty freakin’ awesome. I’m not your target audience, but it would definitely bring me to a halt in the bookstore.
January 6th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Very very nice. Would make me pick it up in the store to check the blurb, even if I didn’t recognize your name.
January 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Hey Lili,
The model looks intense and interesting, and should fit well with the Urban Fantasy niche, particularly since that seems to be the cover-style look of the moment for those books lately for that target audience (photoshop’d cover model, de-saturated limited color palette, the moon, flowing dark hair, etc.).
On the other hand…
I’m vacillating between whether or not it would help pull in a new YA reader who’s checking out the cover art by maybe having some additional element that would convey something more about the nature of the story — you know, monsters!
And…I don’t see this cover art as it is currently designed as necessarily fitting so well as a YA targeted story (starting with those 11 year olds and going up) — particularly since the model looks kind of older than teen to me (like mid-twenties). I’m also keeping in mind as comparison the YA cover art for Richelle Mead’s Chosen series, The Casts’ House of Night series, Rachelle Cain’s Morganville Vampire series and so on. Yup, I like to read YA for fun and revisit some of those kinds of teenage issues, although I’m way past my own teen years. (Yeah, I read the Twilight books, too).
Simply all IMO, of course! Maybe Dru Anderson (I’m guessing that’s who the model is supposed to be representing) isn’t a teenager…? In any case, I’m really glad that the art director and cover artist didn’t go with the previously popular backside view, tight leather pants, halter top and tramp stamp…
…and I’m warily tossing a virtual chocolate bar your way as I run away…
January 6th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
OK well the cover is appealing as the model seems a bit dark and mysterious. But hehe I am a cover whore I admit. I like to pick up books whose cover alures me. However I also read the inside jacket to see if it is worth my time, cause my time is valuable!
January 6th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
It’s lovely! Very striking. I work in a bookstore and if I pulled this out of a box, I would certainly stop and give it a good look. Then I would see who it was by and set it aside and read it.
I want to know if she’s a hero or a villain.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hi Lilith,
I really like the image. The model is perfect. Just lovely.
The lettering for the title of the novel is a little difficult to read. Maybe it’s the “feathering” inside the letters?
But I had to focus to make out the title.
Email me and I’ll show you the rough art for Hunting Memories. I’d like some thoughts too.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I love the picture, but I”m also a big fan of Dante Valentine and “Night Shift”. That being said, it would greatly depend on where the cover went as I’m not all that clear on it. I agree that if it’s YA that the model used looks a bit old for that genre (though it’s still a great shot/cover that I’d love to see used elsewhere!).
January 6th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I’m one of those people who walks around the book store and just looks at the spine/covers of the books. I have to say that I would most likely grab your book without even knowing who you are because that cover is just so freaking awesome. I’m so excited for the release of this book, you have no idea.
January 6th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Wow! Love it. I often buy on covers alone and this is a must by ( also ’cause it’s by you)
January 6th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I quite like it
as said previously…it’s intense and mysterious and very striking…
it makes me want to know what that woman is “on” about
January 6th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Wow, that’s an awesome cover. It’s intense, and I think it will stand out on the shelves. That girl looks fierce!
January 6th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
hey, she’s NOT standing with her back to the camera being all coy! excellent! really a very intense & eye-grabbing image, which makes the peculiarly stark (in a non-good way) font face & sizing on title & author particularly stand out. Those need to be a bit bolder, because frankly I spent a good several minutes not even realizing there was, uhm, a title or author on the page — the upper half of the image is just that intense.
(not that I’d ever say to get rid of it, oh no no no, I’d just say to up the font boldness on the lower half, to balance a little more. however that font magic stuff is done.)
January 6th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I like the look muchly, but I agree with karigou on the font issue.
I also think that for YA, the cover is on target. A great deal of the darker YA readers are older teens/early 20’s and they would much rather have an edgy, hot cover on their books, than people seem to think. I say that, as both a former bookseller and someone who has talked to many of the YA writers on AW.
January 6th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Wow, it is a really fantastic cover! LOVE it!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
That would definately stop me in my tracks at the bookshop. I love it.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Twould be great if Razorbill could up the lighting at the little bit. Maybe it’s this monitor, but I can’t actually see the girl’s face unless I Ctrl-A.
Have a lovely day!
January 6th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I really like it. It’s very eye-catching and has a rather haunting quality to it.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I like both the image and the font, but it wouldn’t instantly say “fantasy” or “paranormal” to me.
If the goal is to hit the between spot (eye appeal for both fantasy and non-fantasy readers) then I think it does a good job.
If the goal is to broadcast “this is a fantasy book” then I think it is a little too subtle.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
It’s wonderful! It would be enough to get me to pick up the book even if I’d never heard of you (in reality, I’ll buy it regardless). I really like it.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:16 am
Lovely lady. It gives me no clue to the novel, though.
January 7th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Ha! I’ll buy it. It is SO pretty. Feels the need to have it, right this minute.
On a more mature level – ha ha – I would think it would give browsers the pause to pick it up and check out the blurb. It is a very good cover and I like the fact that she’s facing her audience, as opposed to being a bit coy. In other words, a Lili Heroine!
January 7th, 2009 at 8:03 am
I like it. It would definitely catch my attention on the shelf. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
I just discovered your books and even though Working for the Devil isn’t funny, I found myself smiling at times because Dante is such a great character. I’m going to the city soon (I live in the sticks) and will definitely be snagging more of your books. Thanks!
January 7th, 2009 at 8:47 am
WOW! I was at work when I said that–before hours–and everyone said What?? So I told them.
Due to economic problems on my part am trying not to buy new authors, yet, if you recommend or I see a good cover that sucks me in & the blurb of what the book is about I get it. So I would get it!
Glad you’re getting into that market. Have no one in it now, but I see it is huge!
Thanks for the preview.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I think the cover is great…but then, I’m all about women with attitude (hmmm…devoted Lili reader…can ya tell?). I have to admit, though, I’d buy the book if it was covered in plain brown paper. The author says it all for me.
Regarding PMS needs…have you tried “Take 5″ candy bars? They’re the perfect “it’s that time of the month & I must satisfy this craving or commit mayham” food – milk chocolate, peanuts, caramel, pretzels & peanut butter. You’ve got salty, sweet, chewy and crunchy all in one snack
January 7th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I like her. Quite different from the other covers, but definitely one that would make me want to pick up the book and see what it’s about.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:50 am
You have so many projects going on I can never remember which is which (especially since you tend to use a lot of acronyms and code names rather than actual titles when discussing your work).
Literally judging a book by its cover I’d guess this is a young-adult novel aimed at teen girls interested in vampires. The Twilight/Buffy crowd perhaps. I likely wouldn’t pick it up.
And since the publishers probably want to know whether I am their target market, I should mention that I’m a 35 year old white male who only buys maybe 5-6 books a year. I also rarely read any sci/fi or fantasy anymore even though I grew up loving the stuff.
I should also add, for full disclousure, that the only reason I visit this blog is that I did walk through a bookstore one day and had the cover of The Devil’s Right Hand catch my eye. I’d never heard of Lilith Saintcrow before nor the genre of “urban fantasy” – but I bought all five Dante books.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I’m going to be one of the only dissenters, I guess… what’s wrong with the left half of her face (right when looking at it)? Why is it… squiggly? She looks old to me.
Also to the people saying it doesn’t look YA, it’s the emerging trend because everyone’s tired of half-cut-off faces and backsides. (cf. Diana Peterfreund’s Rampant) I can see how those trends got started – the models do look old, or just that we like to envision the characters our own ways and a cover model ties us down.
I could get past the weirdness of her face if the cover had other interesting elements but it’s somewhat plain. I don’t think it’s a bad cover, just not the most intriguing. Frankly, it tells me nothing about the book except it’s probably kinda dark and has a female protagonist. Lynn Viehl’s Darkyn series has a similar concept but the extra elements, the smokey look, the textures and different fonts, the Darkyn symbol, etc., give it the extra push that would make me pick it up. This just doesn’t.
Sorry, Lili. I’d still be interested because it’s got your name on it, and the title is intriguing to me, if that helps. You did say “honest”.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Absolutely gorgeous cover Lili. Really want the book now.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
[...] Saintcrow’s publisher is looking for opinions on the cover for Strange Angels. What do you guys think? Head on over and let Lilith know what [...]
January 7th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I think the cover is just right. It gives out the same vibe as the covers for Rachel Caine’s Morganville vampires YA series and they kick butt and are the right audience.
January 7th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I LOVE this cover, although I must say that it gives the impression of a more adult horror/fantasy rather than YA. And quite honestly that is probably all right considering that most teenagers consider themselves smarter than adults anyway and would probably find it appealing.
I will echo some comments from above – the lighting on the models is face is a bit odd, and the title text could use some tweaking; the font is perfect but the color/texture not so much, simply a solid grey/silver would look nicer methinks.
Also let me take this opportunity to say that I ADORE the title “Strange Angels”. It always makes me think of “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure.
Best of luck, can’t wait to read this one!
January 7th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hey Lili.
Long time reader, second time poster. I would also pick up the book just because of your name. However, the cover would blend into the background with any similar cover near-by. It would not stand out to me, unlike how the Dante Valentine and Jill Kismet books did – even pre cover shift on the Valentine books.
The one thing that really strikes me as I look at the cover is the shadow across her face. I don’t know who put it together, but as a person that did photo-manipulations for a while, the lighting on her is wrong for where the moon is, and because of where the moon is, where I expect the shadow to be opposite where it is. Not to mention the shaow cast by her hair doesn’t make sense for how her hair is falling.
The merger is, poorly done. Great cover but, If you mirror the model it might look more accurate?
January 7th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I like it. She’s got kind of a Kate Beckinsale thing going on.
January 8th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I love the cover. Of course I buy all of your books, but if I was browsing in the bookstore and saw the cover I would immediately gravitate to it. I look for books with strong female characters and this cover would entice me to pick it up and check it out.
January 8th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I really, really like it!
January 8th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Well, you already know I think it ROCKS!! Makes a change to have a face-on shot like this. And she looks like one tough chick. *g*
January 9th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Awesome cover, it would definitely stop me in a library.
January 17th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Yes, it’s a great cover! And if I could, I would share chocolate with you.