Doing My Homework

Today I finally sat down and did something that wasn't just writing for my books. I first drilled in what Amazon category I think will fit them best, and then I set about looking through other people's covers to get ideas. I'm even assembling some favorites in various genres on a Pinterest board for easy access.

The thing that gives me a bit of an edge when it comes to look is that I'm a graphic designer by trade. If you're curious, you can see my work here. I can make it pretty. I even have a concept that I like already, though as I peel through the hordes of other covers, I'm wondering if I'll need to... well, honestly, to class it down a bit. There are some pretty awful homemade covers out there, and I don't want to fall into that category. I'm also thinking that doing a straight, clean, modern cover won't fare well amidst all the naked man flesh. There's a lot of naked man flesh. Which, don't get me wrong, I enjoy. I just think you can sell sex without showing it. 

How have you approached cover design to make your book stand out without making it look like it doesn't belong? I'd love to hear some stories from folks who are already in the trenches!