Chronotrace Mega Cover Reveal - djedwardson.com

Chronotrace Mega Cover Reveal

chronotrace sequence

I have been working on a complete edition of my science fiction series, The Chronotrace Sequencefor some time now. And I’m still not finished. But…

In the process of updating the text for the print versions I decided to also update the covers of all three books in the series. As if that wasn’t enough newness, one of the books is getting a new title as well!

So today, I am excited to reveal the updated covers. These will roll out once the new versions become available (they will all be released at the same time). As of this writing, Into the Vast is finished. The other two books are close to being finished, with only the typo and grammar edit to go for each.

A galaxy-sized task

When I contemplated releasing the series in a single volume I knew I didn’t want to do it unless the books were absolutely perfect. If even a book as vaunted as The Lord of the Rings can go through revisions, I figured my little series could as well.

I’ve been taking everything I’ve learned about writing, publishing, theology, and philosophy (yes those last two are just as important, actually even moreso, than the first two) and poured it into this revision.

I’ve gone back and done a deep sonar edit, looking for all those little land mines I knew were there. Tiny little extraneous words. Logical errors no one caught. Even the colors of things. Everything was up for grabs.

Except the plot.

That is 100% the same. So if you’ve read the first edition, there’s no need for you to get these shiny new ones.

But if you have a friend or two who hasn’t read the series, this is the perfect time to jump on board.

I started working on this project 22 years ago. (Some of your jaws just dropped because you aren’t even 22 years old yourself. But hey, maybe I was locked in cryo-sleep or I just started when I was five like C.S. Lewis) Suffice it to say, I’m a little invested in this one. I’m very keen on releasing my first fantasy novel (sometime before the end of the millennia), but I wanted to set this series up as best I could before finally saying goodbye.

And now onto the covers. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so I guess it’s time for me to stop jawing and get on with the reveal!

Into the Vast

into the vast - science fiction book cover - dj edwardson

As you can see, the artwork is basically the same. And the title and byline are pretty much as before, but the fonts have been slightly reduced. The biggest change is the new font for the “Chronotrace Sequence” line.

I also got rid of the separator between the byline and the series title and the hour glass logo. I worked hard on that logo and liked it because it was an original way to set the series apart. In the end I dropped it because very few scifi covers use things like that and I think the new version is a little less cluttered.

Awakening the Sentients

Awakening the Sentients - science fiction book - DJ Edwardson

Yes, the second book has a new title! When I first wrote that book, for me it was really all about the journey Adan was on, so Through the Viscera made sense. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll understand just what the Viscera is. The problem is, if you haven’t read the first book, this title will probably be a bit of a head scratcher. And I realized after the fact that the word “Viscera” (which is a made up word) is too close to “visceral” and could have some bad connotations for some people.

So I decided to switch it up. I like this new title for two main reasons.

  1. It really is more fitting for the main thrust of the plot
  2. It sounds more like a science fiction book than the old title

Well, there it is. Thoughts? My family is mad at me for changing the title. Are you? (please don’t be! My apologies to those of you who were attached to the old title, but I really feel this is the right decision for the series as a whole)

Ascent of the Nebula

Ascent of the Nebula - science fiction book cover - DJ Edwardson

This one is pretty close to the original cover as well. The text is a little brighter, though, and more space has been given to the center so that the gorgeous spacescape receives more attention.

And that’s not all

I hope you enjoyed these new covers. Minor changes, perhaps, but I think they look a bit more professional and a bit more “in genre” than the first set.

As cool as these new covers are, I still have one more up my sleeve, and that is the cover for the complete edition. I’ll reveal that one closer to the release date.

That edition will be digital only. If it sells a zillion copies, I’ll certainly release it for print, but for now, it will only be available in ebook format.

The cover for the complete edition may be my favorite one I’ve ever designed. It is that cool. So be on the lookout for it. If you like scifi at all or just cool covers in general, you won’t want to miss that one. It’s pretty sweet.

Until then, I’ll see you in the Vast!

Author DJ Edwardson's seal of approval

 

8 thoughts on “Chronotrace Mega Cover Reveal”

  1. SO COOL! Very excited to try these after the final edit, and I’m now VERY curious to see this overall cover revealed! 😀 I like the tweaked ones, and since I (unfortunately) hadn’t read the first book, I had no clue what Viscera was anyway, so I actually like this new title better! (Sorry about your family disliking the change though. XD) So exciting! Best wishes on getting it finalized!! 🙂

  2. Love the new covers… and I’m glad you didn’t change them TOO much.

    I did like the original book 2 title, but I understand why you changed it. And I think it definitely fits.

    Very cool! Can’t wait to see the final design you’ve got up your sleeve!!!

    1. Yeah, the whole rewrite has been a bit of a domino experience. I knew I wanted to do the complete set and that led to the touch up edits and the new cover led to wanting to update the old covers getting updated. It feels a little like remodeling a house. One thing just keeps leading to another!

      Hopefully it will all be over soon, though and I can finally take a crack at publishing The Last Motley!

  3. Ooooo, snazzy! I like the new covers. They look crisper and more streamlined. I like the new title of the second book… but I liked the first title, too. I think you’re right that they all sound like sci-fi books and fit together better now, but I think the second book will always be “Through the Viscera” to me (maybe because I own that copy).
    I can’t wait to see the cover for the complete edition!

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