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@stephencoxauthor.bsky.social Sep 10, 2026, 4:18 PM

Updated my popular blog on how I did my cover, to include the second book.

TLDR - the issue was whether to stick rigidly to the first layout or emphasise the Terror. (Six word titles only different in the sixth word!!)

#covers #NoAI #TheCrookedMedium #design @inkspiraldesign.bsky.social

The Crooked Medium’s Guide to Terror
A striking book cover with the title and author name dominating.
The lettering and detail are pale against a dark and sinister red-brown. The Title is in large Victorian lettering emphasising the word Terror by size of font and red added to letters – not dripping blood! - and framed by gold. Three roundels show icons related to the book; left, a half folded cutthroat razor streaked with red, top right, pearl jewellery with three pearls and a pearl effect locket; bottom right a burning railwayman’s lamp.
The effect is striking and Victorian.
Placed next to the Crooked Medium’s Guide to Murder (dark blue) there is a strong series resemblance.
The Crooked Medium’s Guide to Murder by Stephen Cox
A striking book cover with the title and author name dominating.
A rich dark blue background, and a touch of mist. The text appears in gold in a gold rectangular frame, the font is old fashioned implying C19th century. The frame has three rondels or cameos each containing a picture. Top right is a golden bee brooch with the body and one wing streaked with red blood. Middle left is foxgloves, spires of small bell flowers in pink, white and purple. Bottom right is a dark brown medicine bottle, with a pale label. The word LAUDANUM is just visible.
There are pink highlights on some of the letters.
Taken together it is bold, mysterious, and Victorian.

@stephencoxauthor.bsky.social Sep 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

The elements read better widdershins

grumpy older sapphics
brutal railway murder
prophecy of vengeance
TRUST NO-ONE
Victorian spooky
rival medium
disgraced nobles
Gilbert & Sullivan
snarky dock-lass,

#books #TheCrookedMedium #Victorian #terror #indieauthor #booksky
stephencox.co.uk/buy-terror/

The Crooked Medium’s Guide to Terror
A striking book cover with the title and author name dominating. described below

The book cover is surrounded by elements clockwise from top:
Victorian spooky, rival medium, disgraced nobles, Gilbert & Sullivan, snarky dock-lass, TRUST NO-ONE, prophecy of vengeance. brutal railway murder. grumpy older sapphics
The lettering and detail are pale against a dark and sinister background. The Title is in large Victorian lettering emphasising the word Terror by size of font and red added to letters – not dripping blood! - and framed by gold. Three roundels show icons related to the book; left, a half folded cutthroat razor streaked with red, top right, pearl jewellery with three pearls and a pearl effect locket; bottom right a burning railwayman’s lamp.
The effect is striking and Victorian.

@stephencoxauthor.bsky.social Sep 3, 2026, 1:40 PM

Great signoff for a review.

"Can't wait to see what trouble these characters get in next time" Could be a series tagline

#books #TheCrookedMedium #Victorian #spooky #sapphic

ramblingmads.uk/2026/09/01/b...

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