Okay, so I have been browsing book covers on Amazon relating to dogs because I know that my publisher will soon send me the art fact sheet to fill out for the military war dog series. I've got a few that I like, that have dogs on them but aren't cutesy (can't go "cute" because my books are still military thrillers with intense action to fit my RAPID-FIRE FICTION brand.
What is your favorite dog book cover? Please help me prepare my list!
So, the cover for FREEDOM IN THE AIR is by far my favorite. I'm still not a fan of having a person's face so prominent on the cover, but this shows you that this isn't just a fun romp through life with a dog. The military element is clearly portrayed.
Okay, so I'm cheating with this one. It's not a cover, but I absolutely love how the dog is sniffing the camera. But...this has a bit of a "goofy" feel to it, so I'm not sure it'd be a good and accurate reflection.
And this one is another picture found on a military site. I love this image because the dog is the primary focus of the image, and while there is someone in ACUs, their face is not easily focused on. I also love this because the dog is wearing his vest, which portrays his role as a military war dog rather than a pet.
And this final one I like because it's not your normal dog book cover. It shows a companionship between the dog and his owner. Regardless of how much I like this, I don't think it's a good fit for a war dog series.
So, tell me: do you have a favorite dog book cover? If so, please provide the title of the book and the author's name--and tell me why you like it.
I like the third one best. Like you said it puts the focus on the dog and gives that military feel. Haven't looked for anything else, so we'll leave it at that. <}:^)
Yep, I like the focus on the dog with the handler in the background.
I'll do some cover searching when I have a moment!
I like the 3rd one the best too, but I do like the idea of the dog sniffing the camera in the 2nd one. :) I think it could work as long as there was a solider or something serious going on in the background. Oh, I'm excited for your new series!
Oh gosh! I can't think of a single doggie book cover...you're making me work here LOL! Of the pics you posted, I agree with Rel I like the one with the dog front and center and his handler in the background. Very cool.
XOXO~ Renee
GO STEELERS!
Even though it's not a "modern" cover I really LOVE this one!
http://www.amazon.com/War-Dogs-Pacific-Harris-Done/dp/B001FAXM1I/ref=pd_sim_b_1
This one is fierce!
http://www.amazon.com/K9-Heroes-Together-Protect-Conquer/dp/1432744755/ref=pd_sim_b_24
Whoa, Renee. That lsat one is fierce--and I like it. I have one like it saved as well. However, I'm thinking my publisher won't go for that one. LOL
I loved the first one, Freedom in the Air.
I think it is important to include the person in the photo, but it's also important to keep both of them in perspective. In the other shots, the dog looked much bigger than the human. The last one was very sweet, but looked more like a romance.
Can't wait for this series to come out! Thanks for asking for our opinions!
LOL tell Merrie just to take pics of her dogs and send them to you LOL. I would help you with that but collies aren't exactly "fierce" looking. :-P
I like both 1 and 3, and I also like the K9 one Renee mentioned.
I also like this one, with the focus on the dog, but the other image plays a key part in the books subject matter.
Just finished Digitalis...really enjoyed it. (Loved the ending *g*) Looking forward to reading more of your books. :)
Merrie - I'm with you on #1. Although I am resistant to faces especially after the Discarded Heroes (like Nightshade's heroine should've been brunette, and the guy was entirely too young, etc.), but I don't mind smaller-ish faces. Hehe.
Jenny - I like that cover you pointed out. Thanks for sharing it!
I have several favorite dog covers. These are all stories about guide dogs, so not dogs are fierce as your war dogs will need to look.
1. For the Love of Dogs by Suzanne Woods Fisher, with the dog front and center and a background that kind of forces the dog to be front and center.
2. This cover version of Together by Tom Sullivan. http://www.amazon.com/Together-Novel-Shared-Vision-ebook/dp/B001EHEBNU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1296096847&sr=8-1 It seems a bit odd for a man and dog to be sitting in the middle of the road, but it was important to the story. Of course, the dog should have been in harness to be true to the story.
3. Alive Day, also by Tom Sullivan. http://www.amazon.com/Alive-Day-Story-Loyalty-ebook/dp/B002JCTAEY/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2 I like how the background spins and fades around the dog's face.
These pictures are not book covers, but would look very good on a book cover of this type.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAUkvCJHk4U/TANGCnGMwRI/AAAAAAAAATs/KLKv-Pd3ifU/s1600/war-dog-memorial.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAUkvCJHk4U/TANFxltNB1I/AAAAAAAAATk/_HAoROpmtbc/s1600/USAF_War_dog.jpg
They are from this blog.
http://lovingforaliving.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
Wow, I can see your dilemma! I liked the first book cover originally. Number 2 was so cute - but you're right, it has a more lighthearted feel. Then when I saw #3, it became my favorite! It captures all the right emotions. The depth and strength of the dog. The tight bond with his handler, standing by his side. And you're right, the vest *really* made the dog look "stronger".
Aww, what a great idea! I can't wait to see your cover. Gonna pray for it right now! :-)
Most definitely my sister's cover of, "K9 Heroes."
www.outskirtspress.com/K9Heroes
Everyone is always commenting on the cover-please check it out-Julie
Y'all are giving me some great ideas. THANK YOU!
Julie - someone did mention Nicole's book earlier. It's a striking cover, and I love it. However, I'm not sure my publisher will design a cover with a dog in attack mode. But who knows, so I will try to get them to make the cover less "cutesy" and more intense.
Hey Ronnie, I'm the handler in the 3rd picture, if you want any info for it just let Nicole know. Joel
JOEL!! I'd love to chat with you, if you're willing. That picture is one of my favorites. Would you mind to email me so I can contact you? ronie [at] ronie kendig dot com
Thanks to those who recommended Nicole's book. I purchased it for my Kindle and am looking forward to the read!
There's so many book covers with dogs when I go to the store. Not so many military ;plus dogs though. I can see why you like the first one.
I like your #1 best.
I also found an actual shot which might probe the imagination...
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/gal/photos-eng.asp?id=316
Take care!