Creative book cover wanted for darkly comic memoir

Chris Watson

Aimed at readers of unconventional true life stories and also fans of self effacing humour

Pitch: A darkly comic story about obsessive infatuation, revealing the depths to which people can sink, before they realise they’re in too deep…

Title: Drowning in the Shallow End 

Subtitle: memoir of a secret obsession

Ideally, the sleeve design should provoke curiosity in the book – hints of intrigue – many of the themes are dark, but are often told with humour. 

This part-fictionalised memoir taps into the universal themes of human desire, infatuation and compulsive behaviour and is positioned as a tale of psychological intrigue. In terms of themes, the book initially appears to be about Charlie’s obsessive infatuation with someone (or something) called ‘Pennie Fenton’,This turns into an infatuation which almost destroys everything he holds dear.

Ultimately the book provides insights into love, loss, relationships and the importance of free will.
Any humour included is subtle, observationally based – not laugh-out loud jokes. I would like to get across that the book is a bit left of centre

I’m looking for a high impact, professional and memorable 5x8 paperback cover (front, back & spine to be used to CreateSpace specifications – template sizing and dimensions are attached) which would work well both on bookshelf and as small Amazon thumbnail image.

Key themes:

Secret obsession, infatuation,misguided relationships.
Gentle wry humour (self-effacing)
Blunders, improbable events and far-fetched coincidences.
Observations about idiosyncrasies, flaws & foibles, celebrating underachievement?
Absurdity of the human condition.

Opening paragraph inside the book (for reference only)
Of all my many foibles, the unconditional regard I had for Penelope Fenton was without doubt the worst. Oh, there were others - numerous little idiosyncrasies and peculiarities - but it was always the burgeoning interest in Pennie that would prove to be my greatest undoing. She introduced me to the best and worst of times, to the funniest, wildest encounters I can remember and at the same time, managed to fill every part of me with an overwhelming sense of dread. Ultimately, Pennie brought me to my knobbly knees, to the point where I was willing to surrender anything for just one more encounter with her. It was because of Pennie that I turned my back on my wife and children, lost touch with many of my good friends, got involved with the occult, fell out with members of the Greek Underworld and even volunteered one of my own fingers to be crushed by a sadistic stranger.

I first met her many years ago as an impressionable teen, but got to know her much better as a gullible adult when the two of us would go on to become practically inseparable. As our acquaintance grew, she demanded an unquestioning and absolute loyalty. I was told by others who knew her well, that if you were able to manage her incessant demands, she was capable of being a formidable ally. Unfortunately, I rarely saw this side. Instead, for me, she was always unyielding and unappeasable - a strict and merciless companion who insisted on complete obedience. Before I knew it, every choice I made and every action I took depended on her approval.

Finally, if I've missed anything or you have any further questions, contact me!

Good luck!

Please see attached files