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Welcome!

I've run into the same problem on my profile.

I would say either one or two; my personal preference is #1. I like the simplicity; there's something magical about the imagery. #2 feels a little too busy.

If you use #2, I would suggest removing the train at the bottom left corner, and making the author name a little bigger.  You know I love trains, but the pinned image stands out and tends to drag my eye to the bottom left-hand corner, rather than keeping it on the more central images of the mountain and the woman.

They are all beautiful, really. Your daughter is very talented!

Also, wanted to let you know that it's confirmed - the place Ceridwen had her bad experience with is not the same press that has expressed interest in The Hunting Grounds. Ceridwen signed a contract with "Black Rose Writing," whereas I've been talking to "Wild Rose Press." Wild Rose Press has a "Black Rose" line, but it is not in any way associated with the other operation.

I've been researching Wild Rose Press through other avenues, and by all accounts, it appears legitimate, even well respected. A small press, but solid. I've got a little time to think about my options. Meanwhile,  I will try to post a few more chapters...

Thank you, Jeanne!
I think my instincts are in an epic battle with my Catholic upbringing right now.
That's a good point about sex selling. Of course, in an ideal world, I'd like the novel to sell on more than the merits of its sex scenes, but sometimes you've gotta say, "Whatever it takes."
I actually consider myself shy when it comes to crafting & sharing sex scenes; tNBW has given me a 'safe space' to explore that part of story telling. To be honest, I find sex scenes a pain to write, but I've also always considered sex a natural part of my character's lives, and so I try to make it a natural part of the story. And in The Hunting Grounds, sex is a very important part of Helen's journey. I would have never pegged tHG as "erotic," but I guess somewhere along the way I crossed the magic line. So, I don't know...Lots to think about.

I discovered this afternoon that there are actually two publishing operations that carry the name "Wild Rose:" Wild Rose Press and Wild Rose Publishing. (There is also "Black Rose Writing," which is another entity altogether.) According to Predators & Editors, Wild Rose Press is legit and gets overall good reports; while Wild Rose Publishing is not recommended. Wild Rose Press is the one that's expressed interest in tHG. It's a small press but looks to be a solid operation.

Certainly, Gacela! So far, I've heard good things & bad things about the press. It seems they had a rocky period, especially when they were starting out, but they were also voted best small press several years in a row by RWA. I've sent Ceridwen a note & am waiting to hear back from her. Will let you know as the story develops.

Thanks, njc, Rhiannon, Don & Tom! I haven't had a chance to talk with the editor yet - I only have her email to go off of - but the more I think about it, the more I suspect it's a language thing; certain words, as Don pointed out, that they may not like. To quote from the editor's email:

"...the love scenes are written in language we only allow in our Scarlet (erotica) line."

Surely they are talking about the body parts, as opposed to my metaphorical star-drenched galaxies & so forth. If that's the case - if it's just a few words here and there - it seems it would be an easy fix to keep the novel in Black Rose. (Although honestly, I don't understand what's wrong with naming a body part or two; but that's a rant for another day...)

I am really not familiar at all with erotica as a genre, but from what I understand, sex kind of has to be at the center of the plot, which is not really the case with tHG. I worry that if tHG is marketed as erotic romance, fans of erotica won't be satisfied. And of course, fans of paranormal might not pick it up at all. So....

I should get a chance to talk to Black Rose's editor sometime this week. I'll keep you posted. I'm pretty sure, if I sign a contract, I won't be able to post the rest of the novel publicly on tNBW. But I am thinking about creating a private group for regular reviewers (that is, all of you!) who might be interested in finishing their critique of the novel. I'd love to be able to count on your input all the way to the end.

Whatever happens, you'll be the first to know. Thanks again!

Congratulations, Janet!

Yeah, my mouth is still kind of watering over that one, too.

Thomas Vandenberg has done both artwork and cover design for my fantasy novels. I can put you in contact with him if you're interested.

Thank you, Janet and Tom. Hugs to you both.