Covers and Chapter Books

Looks like I need a new cover for one of my chapter books. I have read so many posts about how important a book cover is. I never really paid attention but I guess they might be right. I take no more than a passing glance at a book cover, couldn't tell you what has been on the cover of any book I have ever read. I might be able to make a guess. I look at the title, turn the book over and read the back material, if I like it I go further, if not, I put it back and pull another book. I do like titles and sometimes will pull a book from the self because I like the title, I turn it to the back and read. I must be out of the norm - far out. That probably is the case.

Not sure what to think - see all my books here.

But the second book in my kids chapter book series is selling much better than the first. And I love that first cover. Why? Well, maybe because it was my first. So, guess what, I will be changing it. I had a professional designer/artist tell me why the second cover was good and the first was lacking.

The cover to be changed - too bad for me

I do the covers myself, using simple templates, and might someday try a professional, but the cost is too much. I only make a few dollars each month from my four books and am not ready to spend several hundred on a cover or covers.

The better cover - designer liked the colors and photo better

I am taking a longer look at my eBook covers and may do more changes on them, it is much easier to do only a front. Much easier than front, back and spine.

The following book covers seemed to have passed the first look test.

My target readers, historical society and park types love this cover

My western mystery novel cover

Crazy .99 Ghost Book - Now That's a Good Deal

I now have one of my kids chapter books up for .99 cents on
Kindle. The book, Melvin the E Street Ghost, is the first of a series that will run to five or six books, two are for sale here now.

For those of you who have been with me for a few years you already know I write historicals and for kids. Well, This one could be a bit of each. It is the story of three buddies bumbling their way through a  wonderful summer  in the 1950s. Melvin the ghost, real or not, becomes the central figure in this fun and adventuresome read. Loosly based on some of the crazy stuff kids, including myself, did back before the days of video games and too much TV.

See all four of my books here.