I’m at the stage of book-writing where the manuscript is basically done, the plot makes sense (mostly), and I’m feeling brave.

So naturally, I’ve entered the most emotionally stable part of the process.

Choosing a cover.

I have looked at approximately one million options and I can confirm the following:

• Cover A is gorgeous and moody and makes me look like a serious author with depth and mystery.
• Cover B is cosy and cute and makes me look like I bake sourdough and have never raised my voice.
• Cover C is bold and witchy and makes me look like I could hex your ex and still be in bed by ten.

Every time I think I’ve chosen, my brain does that thing where it suddenly remembers I am a human being with free will and anxiety.

I’ll be like: “This is the one.”

Then two minutes later: “But what if readers think it’s a different genre.”

Then: “But what if it’s perfect and I just don’t deserve it.”

Then: “But what if I change my entire personality and write a different book to match the cover.”

At this point I’m considering a fourth option: a plain background with the title in Arial, and a small warning label that says Author is doing her best.

Anyway. If you see me staring into the middle distance, I’m not being mysterious. I’m just trying to decide whether the font feels more ‘cosy chaos’ or ‘crime documentary’.

If you’ve ever had to choose a cover, please tell me your coping strategy. If your coping strategy was “I simply chose one”, I’m happy for you, and I also don’t believe you.

Amanda x

(Image - a cover that lost the battle, but now I am thinking maybe I might go back.... aargh!! Tell me what you think, please??)