This month, Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design reimagines the cover of Reasonable Doubt by Steve Vogel. To submit a book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

Design Note #1: Showing a typical American street gives an ironic sense of the shocking story being told.

Design Note #2: Adding the word “true” to the subtitle helps the viewer understand that this is not fiction—something I felt was missing on the original.

Design Note #3: The gritty, bloodlike texture on the title spins the cover into thriller territory.

Design Note #4: It’s important to make sure elements are easily recognizable, even in a thumbnail. While the original cover is very nice, it can be difficult to see the man’s shadow right away.

Original Cover