Titles and Covers Too Similar? by Marilyn Meredith
Frankly, I always thought it was a good thing that the covers in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries are similar. And though my titles are all short, I hadn’t thought about any being too similar.
However, with my latest two books, it seems that both the titles and the cover are similar enough that I’ve had one person tell me she already had a copy of one book when I knew she was referring to the one that came before ti.
The stories themselves are not similar at all.
The latest book is River Spirits.
The blurb for this book is:
While filming a movie on the Bear Creek Indian
Reservation, the film crew trespasses on sacred ground, threats are made
against the female stars, a missing woman is found by the Hairy Man, an actor
is murdered and Deputy Tempe Crabtree has no idea who is guilty. Once again,
the elusive and legendary Hairy Man plays an important role in this newest
Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.
The book right before this one is:
The blurb for this one is:
Ghost hunters stumble upon
a murdered teen in a haunted house. Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s investigation pulls
her into a whirlwind of restless spirits, good and evil, intertwined with the past
and the present, and demons and angels at war.
The mysteries are very different despite both titles having a similar word in them: Spirits and Spirit.
I’ve been fortunate to have the same artist design most of the covers so they all have a similar style, but I really think if there is a problem, it might be with the titles.
When both books are on display side-by-side, no one seems to even mention the resemblance.
Readers, what do you think?
Writers, have you ever had a problem like this?
Marilyn
I like the covers as its a nice brand for you… But I could see people getting confused.
I think you're right, Lynn. With these two, I think having the word Spirit and Spirits in the titles caused confusion too.
This series has the most gorgeous covers! I can't see anyone being confused. The artist really understands the series and its Native American roots. Well-branded!
That's what I've always thought too. Thanks, Lorna.
I've been pondering this possibility myself as I finish up book two in my series. It seems similar titles based on syntax/topic (A is for Alibi, One for the Money) would be less confusing than repetitive words (Death by…) and still offer some kind of connection. At least in my reading habits!
I haven't thought much about cover design.
Good conversation!
It's a bit of a dilemma, Cyndi. I don't have Spirit in every title–but just happened with these two in a row. But all the covers have a definite Native American look to them.