What are manipulated covers? Look at the layers, and you'll be able to tell! Manipulated covers have so many layers the parrots usually go like this -

- as they scroll through them, because how on earth designers manage so many layers, no one knows. (Also, some people don't name their layers, which is incredible. Seriously. How do you manage?) Manipulated covers usually involve lots of manipulation (ha) - specifically blending and adjustment layers to make a cover come together. The best manipulated covers look like they were text-slaps - that's how good the blending is! 

While manipulated covers are usually dark covers as well, light covers can also be manipulated! The typical idea of manipulated covers are fantasy and science fiction but as long as you've combined multiple images together - as well as textures and, in some cases, PSDs - you're good to go. Below are some examples. 

[CREDITS TO LANI, IMOGENE AND LUCAS]

To submit remember to tag your book with #GraphicWattys2020 and provide links to examples of your work fitting the category by commenting below. (Having it in one part helps but isn't required.) If you aren't sure if your work fits, please ask here.