So I'm self-publishing an Urban Fantasy novel this year, and opted to have my cover illustrated rather than paying for a stock-photo manipulation. The biggest reason is in order to stand out with a unique cover that really portrays my character rather than using photo stock that's already on a bunch of other covers. Buuuuuuttt... I also will admit that my boyfriend illustrated this cover, so I didn't have to pay for anything except for someone to do the typography, which was a really nice bonus and the second biggest reason for choosing an illustrated cover.
You can see the cover here if you want:
http://ift.tt/1ZwHIoP
Anyway, the cover artist who did my typography basically said in not so many words that my illustration was 'cartoony' and that she prefers photo-realistic covers. She was quick to say that was simply her opinion, but I admit to feeling rather introverted about the cover. None of the successful indie UF authors have illustrated covers that I can see, and while it's highly likely this is because a well-done illustration costs anywhere from $1000 - $3000, I also wonder if potential readers will look at my cover and be turned away because it doesn't say "Urban Fantasy" to them. On the other hand, one of my favorite UF authors, Patricia Briggs, uses illustrated covers, and I think they're fab. So I dunno.
Mainly I just don't want to keep having illustrated covers done if it turns out they're not actually appealing to the market. So I'd appreciate any advice regarding this. Thanks!
Are illustrated covers dead in Urban Fantasy?
You can see the cover here if you want:
http://ift.tt/1ZwHIoP
Anyway, the cover artist who did my typography basically said in not so many words that my illustration was 'cartoony' and that she prefers photo-realistic covers. She was quick to say that was simply her opinion, but I admit to feeling rather introverted about the cover. None of the successful indie UF authors have illustrated covers that I can see, and while it's highly likely this is because a well-done illustration costs anywhere from $1000 - $3000, I also wonder if potential readers will look at my cover and be turned away because it doesn't say "Urban Fantasy" to them. On the other hand, one of my favorite UF authors, Patricia Briggs, uses illustrated covers, and I think they're fab. So I dunno.
Mainly I just don't want to keep having illustrated covers done if it turns out they're not actually appealing to the market. So I'd appreciate any advice regarding this. Thanks!
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