how can I make text look more organic on a book cover?

[BadStar]

Hi. I'm still working on this cover, and someone told me that the text over the image looked slapped on, that it didn't look organic to the rest of the cover. I agree. He said other literary fiction novels, which this is, have kind of a matte finish to them. I searched online and found some stuff about applying a matte finish to photographs but nothing about text. Any suggestions on what I might do? Thanks. Here's the cover.

[99jon · Accepted solution]

Select the text layer (highlight in blue) and go to the menu

Layer >> Layer Style >> Style Settings

You could experiment with a drop shadow or one of the other options

You can also adjust the layer opacity

[BadStar]

Thanks a lot, Jon. That was a very helpful suggestion. Using a dropshadow with a wide size but relatively low opacity made the title blend into the waves more. I think it definitely looks more organic.

[Test Screen Name]

If you see a special finish in text it’s done as an extra ink or varnish, on very special print machinery. Some covers are embossed too: more special machinery. You’ll pay handsomely for this stuff. Then you’ll need to use the right software to make it, probably Illustrator. Non professional software like Photoshop Elements can’t be used to specify special inks. Talk to the printer or publisher about what will work, there is no way anyone, no matter how experienced, could do this without that discussion.

[BadStar]

Thanks Test. Good to know. I'm not shooting for quite that level of sophistication, though. (Fortunately.)

[Mark_Sand]

Perhaps this look?

Add drop shadow, lower Opacity.

[BadStar]

Thanks Mark. Yes, I think the dropshadow is going to be what does the trick.

[hatstead]

Consider scalloped bevel effect

[BadStar]

Thanks Hatstead. Now that looks like a hardcover book. Very nice. I'll experiment with it.

[rayek.elfin]

Thanks for the play.

[BadStar]

Hey Rayek. That was really helpful seeing all those combinations. Thanks so much!