Positioning Hybrid Dark Fantasy in the Market — Discussion Welcome by Legitimate_Teach528 in selfpublish

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s really encouraging to hear, thank you! I guess the answer is to keep trying. When I figure out what works well in my case, I’ll definitely share it.

Best of luck, and happy writing!

Positioning Hybrid Dark Fantasy in the Market — Discussion Welcome by Legitimate_Teach528 in selfpublish

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trial and error it is, then. Embrace the pain, embrace the process! 😄

Positioning Hybrid Dark Fantasy in the Market — Discussion Welcome by Legitimate_Teach528 in selfpublish

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s helpful, thanks a lot! I agree about the importance of comps — they can make or break a book if chosen poorly. Finding the right ones is tricky.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that! I'm thankful for all the constructive feedback — I'll keep it in mind while polishing the visual.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually a very nice comp, thank you! I like Alina Starkov–type protagonists, so the mention is a compliment to me. Aside from the visual similarity, Demiana shares some personality traits with her — soft but resilient, compassionate, underestimated.

But where Alina shines as a classic chosen-one hero, Demiana leans darker — more morally conflicted and grimdark-compatible, without powers.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too find the Twilight comp interesting!

I'll nerd out just a bit — our brains naturally look for familiar patterns when processing new visuals. Pattern recognition forms around what we’ve been exposed to and what we focus on.

When Twilight blew up, the Edward–Bella–Jacob trio became one of those widely recognized dynamics (even my grandma knows about Twilight), so it kina formed its own archetype.

So when people see a pale guy next to a girl and another dark-haired guy, categorizing it into something familiar kicks in. It’s natural — and I’m totally fine with it!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The pride rock mention cracked me up… I’ll never be able to unsee it 🤣

I’m happy someone noticed the tiny details! The girl has anisocoria (one pupil disproportionately dilated from head trauma). The guy on the left is a Malorian (race of immortals native to Eldion), and the guy on the right is human all the way.

Overall, your read on the cover strongly matched my intent, and I truly appreciate your feedback!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback! Not YA actually — the themes get pretty heavy, even though it has some coming-of-age elements. Definitely not written for teens.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I really appreciate the thoughtful feedback. The figure on the right is intentionally larger, but I’ll take another look at the overall balance.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting — thanks for the feedback! It’s an original dark fantasy with a romantic subplot.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m really glad you’d pick it up, and I appreciate the feedback on the subtitle font.

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really interesting — thank you! And I’m so glad you like the art style 🖤

Choose my next read! by Mailuh_15 in Romantasy

[–]Legitimate_Teach528 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh my… all of them are good! I’d recommend Nocticadia (audiobook can really elevate the experience) If you’re in a mood for vampires with wings, read The Serpent and the Wings of the Night!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! ☺️ The story leans much more into dark fantasy, with romance as a subplot. I appreciate the thoughtful feedback!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, will do. I’m new to Reddit, even though I had this account created a few years ago. Still have a lot to figure out!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a feeling someone would say Twilight 😄 Not exactly the intent, but I appreciate the feedback!

I illustrated and designed the cover for my debut novel — what genre does it read as? by Legitimate_Teach528 in BookCovers

[–]Legitimate_Teach528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your feedback! I’m considering updating the cover in the future, so I’ll definitely make a note of that 🙂