Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Give Gargoyles a break?



Now I have to be honest, I don't much like this cover. I've had plenty of covers I've not been keen on but I've kept my mouth shut about them. Mostly. This one - well - it just misses the mark for my story. I don't mean any disrespect to the artist, it must be very difficult to come up with covers that match author's expectations, BUT - this woman isn't Pepper. The guy isn't Alessandro. The gargoyle - well yep, he could just about be Eli. The artist has managed to get a building in the background that could be the supernatural museum - so that's a plus but it's the expressions on the models' faces that I dislike. 
Nothing I can do. I'm stuck with it.
But I can't help but wonder if the cover puts people off trying the story. The story is quite funny. That doesn't come over in this cover. Is the blurb not attracting readers?

The Rock  
Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.

The Stone Maiden
Much to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place. 

The Hard Place
His hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.

Maybe people don't want to read MMF stories with a gargoyle! LOL
I need more reviews. I need people who have read it to spread the word. I need to know if this story didn't work so that I can see where I went wrong. 

I can offer two ecopies of Rocked to people who leave a comment. If you haven't read it and you'd like to, leave your email - disguised - and I'll send copies to two people. I can't offer more because of my contract but I'd love to hear why this one didn't succeed. 



9 comments:

Trader Mare said...

the description sounds interesting and the fact you said it had humor is intriguing. Would love to give it a try! mulvey dot mary at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I agree!! The cover isn't exactly your style, but its your name that makes me want to read your book:) not sure how I missed this one, but the plot sounds really good, and I do love you m/m/f stories!!! Tonya Polk 1 at hotmail dot com

Arlene said...

The cover isnt that bad. I rather like it. The blurb is great and the story is fantastic. Maybe all Rocked needs is some promotion, which, cudos to you Barb, is what you're doing.
Prehaps your fan base needs a nudge and this one is seriously a great ride that shouldnt be missed.

Barbara Elsborg said...

Thanks, guys. maybe some promo is all it needs. I really think this is a sweet story - but it's sold vastly less than any other! Which has to mean it hasn't attracted people to buy for some reason.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Tonya. The cover isn't you and it doesn't pull in MMF fans (you don't know it's MMF until you read the blurb). So if the cover misses MMF readers, but pulls in MF readers who don't want MMF, then your arrow has sailed on, right past your target.

It's on my to-read list. I'll move it up and get a review out there.

Barbara Elsborg said...

That's a good point, Pam! I hadn't thought about that. Well, I'm stuck with the cover sadly.

Ann Q said...

I do not think that you need worry about the cover turning people away from reading the book. the blurb is good, and me, with your name on it , I will read it.

Barbara Elsborg said...

Right - I'll close off comments here and all who need a copy get one! Please send your emails to me at bjel at btinternet dot com

Ashley Lynn Willis said...

Barbara, I'm reading about two to three books a week to keep myself awake during night feedings. (wjoeyl over at CC) I'll add your book to my list. No need to gift me a copy. I'm spending a small fortune on authors I've never spoken to before so I'm more than happy to spend on one I know. Plus, I like your stories, so it's not exactly a sacrifice. Are you serious about wanting to know if something doesn't work? 'cause you know I'll be happy to dish if something seems amiss. :)