This month, Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design reimagines the cover of Crossing Zero by indie author Dale Brandon. To submit a book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

Design Note #1: Using a bolder, larger font adds a sense of immediacy.

Design Note #2: I added an ominous-looking stock market chart to the background since the stock market is a key element to the danger in the plot.

Design Note #3: A touch of yellow on the word crossing adds a pop of warmth to an otherwise cold cover.

Design Note #4: The original cover is somewhat generic, so using elements like a darkened woman’s face helps convey the mystery and tension of a thriller.

Original Cover