WHEN IS A COVER NOT A COVER?

So now we come to the formatting. A writing acquaintance, fellow author and Founder of Firedance books has offered to do my book formatting.
He is a bone-fide author with books like;  The Evil and the Fear, Day of Demons, Expect Civilian Casualities, Muffy College Cambridge & Curses Foiled,  to name but a few. 
See  - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815636.Gary_Bonn

I nearly fainted when he offered, because Gary is always so busy. The least I can do is mention his work, so if you like fantasy fiction follow the link above by copying it and pasting it into your search box.

Anyway we were discussing my novel, and I was pathetically dribbling on about the trials and tribulations I've been going through. (See earlier blogs) When we got round to the cover format. He offered to give it the once over prior to printing  which was lovely of him.
The long and short of it is ( yes second cliché I know), its not fit for printing. Something to do with bleed over areas and fonts covering the images and shadows being in the wrong direction. He gave me a long list of issues and I quailed. I really do want the novel to be professional and I want to be taken seriously so it was either back to the drawing board (it's a cliché night) or  find an expensive front cover designer. Gary has offered to help by giving a new spin on the cover and then I'll decide. It means more money but the cover is everything. I want people to pick it up not walk past it.

STOP PRESS - As well as going for the launch at WS on Halloween, I'm also doing signings in November at Westgate Library and Quex Barn Birchington.