Today, I’m going to pull you into a little madness. The undying headache of cover choice and making the right one for the book.
Echoes of Oria is not as straightforward as the monster romance I’ve been teasing (which, by the way, has a fantastic cover that I’m not sweating over at all). But Echoes? Echoes is tricky.
So here’s what we’re trying to cover:
A Quick Synopsis: What Echoes of Oria Is All About
Fifteen years after Cora Beane fled her hometown in her prom dress with no plans to return, a near-death experience in L.A. forces her back to Oria, Texas—the last place she wants to be.
With her once-weak ability to commune with the dead now dramatically amplified, Cora is approached by the ghost of her childhood nemesis, who demands she solve his murder.
Now she’s racing against time—alongside a snarky ghost and a handsome sheriff she’s trying hard not to develop feelings for—while uncovering centuries of ritual murders buried beneath the town’s perfect facade.
The Cover Conundrum
I’ve been staring at these three cover options until my eyes crossed, and I still can’t decide which one best captures the essence of Cora’s story. Each cover speaks to different elements of the book, and I’m hoping walking through my thought process might help me land on a final decision.
Cover #1: The Character-Driven Approach
This one features a close-up of a woman in a wide-brimmed hat under a glowing full moon. The tagline—“A town steeped in secrets and blood…”—instantly sets the tone.
What I love:
Frankly, I love this one all around. The model is beautiful. The warm/cool color contrast mirrors the tension of the story—inviting yet ominous.
What concerns me:
Does it lean too much into the thriller territory without clearly signaling the supernatural element? Will readers expect gritty crime more than ghostly chills?
Cover #2: The Relationship Dynamic
This one shows two silhouettes—our FMC and MMC—in the foreground with Cora’s Mustang with a full moon and Oria’s railroad bridge behind them. I find it very Urban Fantasy. It’s moody, romantic, and a little dangerous.
What I love:
It tells a story at a glance. There’s tension, connection, and place—all key to the book. The glowing taillights are a nice touch of drama.
What concerns me:
Does it read too much like a straight UF book? Will readers be disappointed that it’s not traditional Urban Fantasy.
Cover #3: The Symbolic Approach
This one leans stylized and symbolic. Cora’s magic is represented in the flames, the elegant silhouettes, and the full moon all scream “supernatural.” It’s decorative and mythic in tone.
What I love:
It feels magical. The folk-tale aesthetic fits the idea of a town built on ancient rituals. It’s bold and beautiful—definitely eye-catching.
What concerns me:
Will readers feel distanced from the characters? Does it risk looking too timeless or fantasy-heavy for what is ultimately a contemporary paranormal mystery?
What I’m Looking For
When readers see this cover—whether on a shelf, a TikTok scroll, or deep in the Amazon rabbit hole—I want them to know:
- This is a supernatural thriller with ghostly and magical elements.
- It’s set in a small town full of dark secrets.
- There’s a strong female protagonist unraveling the past.
- There’s a romance, but it’s not the whole story.
- It’s a modern tale rooted in deep, eerie history.
Your Turn
I’d love to hear which cover speaks to you and why. Which one would make you pick up this book? Which best represents the story I’ve described?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, or hit me up on social media, and let’s see if we can crowdsource this decision before I lose all my hair over it.
Thanks for helping me keep (some of) my sanity.