Okay, so I'm going to be brutally honest here:

EVERY ENTRY WAS INCREDIBLE! I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the talent you guys have. Even if you didn't end up placing, just remember that many people entered this contest, and many people were professional cover makers. So...without further adieu, I'll present the winners!

Honorable Mention:

CaroDelMonte

Congrats on your honorable mention! The cover was simple, well-thought-out, and pretty.

Third Place:

glowdaze

This is simple and beautiful. I LOVE the background, and the way you positioned the title. Congrats on third place, you definitely earned it!

Second place:

misshijabi3

This looks like a real, professional book cover, and I am very impressed! The title is arranged perfectly, and the whole cover is AMAZING! Congratulations on winning second place!

First Place:

FEEL THE SUSPENSE

mxnsterz!

This is everything I was thinking of: beautiful, simple, and thoughtful. You are a true, incredible cover-maker and this could be a cover for a REAL short-story! 

Congratulations to everyone who entered! I swear, even if you didn't win I was astounded. You guys have some real talent.

I will pm the winners, and I hope you enjoy the next contest!