This month, Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design reimagines the cover of Dancing in the White Sand by Cynthia L. Matlock. To submit a book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

Design Note #1: The original cover feels too modern for the Civil War–era setting, so I created a worn, aged look by decreasing saturation and including a speckled texture.

Design Note #2: A large, prominent title gives the cover a literary, serious feel.

Design Note #3: Adding a subtle mosaic pattern near the bottom helps convey the character’s love for African fabric designs.

Design Note #4: The sweep of the woman’s white dress not only adds some movement to the cover, but it also helps draw the eye to the title.

Original