I have a decent collection now of over 10 comp titles that feature in the top 100 of the various categories I think my book will slot into, and have been noting common elements in their covers and descriptions.
Almost all have a figure in the foreground and in most cases, the figure is obscured – either looking away, in shadow, or in clothing that hides their face. All of them look dangerous in some way, either with weapons and armor, or magic. (There was one with a symbol cover and another with a landscape and castle, but as must as I would prefer one of those for my own preference, I have to accept that they are the outliers).
The backgrounds in most are faded, but hint at the setting. They have an illustrated feel, while the foreground figure is generally a stock image.
That gives me enough for now to commence my hunt for a proper cover image sample for myself. I know that my hero has to feature and that she has to look badass or at least have the potential for badassery. I’m probably going to need to get a second image for the background to go with her, but at least for now, I have an idea.