I dont really like my book cover. I did design another one but Im worried that readers that arent following me might only recognize my book from the cover. Is it a good idea to change book covers mid way through a story.

Also if the book isnt performing aswell as hoped could a change in cover help?

I guess they will still see the name or at least recognize it when they'll see it. 
I don't know about RR (tho it must be the same as elsewhere), but usually yes it helps since the cover is one of the first things that will attract new readers.

NellielDC Wrote: I guess they will still see the name or at least recognize it when they'll see it. 
I don't know about RR (tho it must be the same as elsewhere), but usually yes it helps since the cover is one of the first things that will attract new readers.

Thanks, that makes sense.

For me personally (so long as the cover was as good if not better than previous) I've only seen an uptick in views and followers with each cover change. Granted, my first cover was pretty crappy (made it myself and was so proud, but times change) and it could only go up from there. Yours is actually pretty good, but I think change is also good as new eyes see it and someone who may not would've clicked on this one may give another a chance.

I do make sure to post the new cover on the latest chap before I change it to see if my followers like it and get feedback, and then they also become accustomed to seeing it before it's changed. Plus, I've found the awesome folk who follow the ramblings of my mind just like updates on what I'm doing.

Maybe that'll help a bit. :-)

~Rhea

Rhea Wrote: For me personally (so long as the cover was as good if not better than previous) I've only seen an uptick in views and followers with each cover change. Granted, my first cover was pretty crappy (made it myself and was so proud, but times change) and it could only go up from there. Yours is actually pretty good, but I think change is also good as new eyes see it and someone who may not would've clicked on this one may give another a chance.

I do make sure to post the new cover on the latest chap before I change it to see if my followers like it and get feedback, and then they also become accustomed to seeing it before it's changed. Plus, I've found the awesome folk who follow the ramblings of my mind just like updates on what I'm doing.

Maybe that'll help a bit. :-)

~Rhea

Thanks Rhea thats some great advice.

I say go for it.

There's a lot of advice that pours out about covers for Indie and Webserial authors. Typical advice includes choosing a cover that portrays the genre at a glance. For Isekai, a lot of the web serials and, hah, almost all of the manga and LN covers are basically "Protagonist alone with hand extended up doing magic/holding weapon/looking chill" or "Protagonist and side-character/support cast beaming into the camera in varying poses".  I would suggest joining a writer discord and then finding some other authors to take a look at your cover and see what they think. The Traditional publishing contracts I've seen often don't even stipulate letting the author choose a cover. The story gets written and then an artist is commissioned.

I digress. Back to your direct question. I know several authors that continue to hit RS on Royal Road time and again who change covers, sometimes while they're trending or racing to the top. Wanting to hold off on commissioning better covers until they know their story is on the rails with their viewership. Some of the longer series will change covers just to update where they are, volume-wise, nodding to current content. I wouldn't change covers if I thought the new cover wasn't better though.

For increasing your audience having a more eye-catching cover can definitely be a benefit, but you might be better served by quietly looking into exchanging shout-outs with other authors or asking your friends if they wouldn't mind looking at your fic and adding advanced reviews. Advanced Reviews and shout-outs are considered solid choices for exposure on Royal Road.

Cheers.