Sample projectBook Covers · Cozy mystery · 2026
The Lantern Index
Three cover directions for a library-set mystery, each testing a different promise to the reader.
01 — The opportunity
A cover is a promise about genre. Get it wrong and the right readers scroll past. The brief was to signal "cozy mystery" instantly while still feeling distinct on the shelf.
02 — Creative direction
Three routes: warm and illustrated, typographic and graphic, atmospheric and photographic. Each is tested at thumbnail size first.
03 — Production
Genre comparison boards, three cover roughs, one refined direction with ebook, print and audiobook formats.
04 — Outcome
A sample cover exploration. Titles and authors shown are fictional.
