This month, Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design reimagines the cover of Dying for a Vacation by Donna Huston Murray, who thanked Argyle and BookLife for “the opportunity to correct my freshman mistake.”

Design Note #1: Though the original cover photo is interesting, it feels gothic and cold. With an artist as its main character, this book needs a cover with more color, which will also help it stand out.

Design Note #2: A sharp contrast between light and shadow is a good way to capture the reader’s eye.

Design Note #3: Readers love a novel with a fascinating setting. Including a warm, colorful view of the French Riviera promises readers a setting they’ll want to visit—in the book’s pages and on vacation.

Design Note #4: The title is clever but doesn’t indicate a murder mystery. Including the subtitle will attract the right readers.

To submit a book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com.