Part of my task as a new author is to answer some questions about what I would like on the book's cover.
For me, the cover design makes or breaks a book. As a former book buyer, I know how important it is for a cover to stand out. It has to speak to me and make me want to read the blurb. So you wonder how I'm feeling about having this chance to make comments on my cover design?
I'm calmer now but initially, (and I promised to tell it the way it really is on this blog) I panicked thinking this: What if this is the only book that is ever published with my name on it? What if I suggest something horrible and it comes out horrible? What if...
I do that a lot. Say what if, you know. But it's true. This could very well be my one and only book. I sure hope not but it is at the very least my first. So I want the cover to convey the story.
The publisher asked me what one element I wanted on the cover.
One. Not fourteen or a split page with two elements or an insert of a necklace in the corner.
One element.
So I tried to think quick. What always comes up when I tell people about my book?
Then they asked me to describe the mood of the book and to give suggestions of other cover designs I like that would work.
Let's say this... Amazon is really big.
But I narrowed it down. Just haven't clicked Send yet.
Like I do with writing, I made a goal. By the end of Friday, I will quit agonizing and send what I have chosen. That's it. I'll live with it and yes, trust God that he has the perfect image and design in mind for me.
Have you gone through this process before? What did you find helped most in cover selection?
12 comments:
I design my own covers and have mostly used photos but for my ebook, I played around on kindle and like what I came up with=it looks more professional than my others-just designs and words.
I completed an art fact sheet for my publisher, answering questions such as those you did. After that, the decisions were pretty much out of my hands.
Did I wonder what my cover look like and hope it would work to convey the story.? Yup. Was what I got exactly what I envisioned? No. But the amazing this was this. Just as when I held our daughter for the first time, I fell in love. For better or worse, the cover was on MY book, and I thought it was beautiful. Was it perfect? No. Neither is my daughter. But in my eyes, both are works of art.
I look forward to the day you have a cover an unveil it. I'm sure it will be awesome.
Hi Terri! I totally agree. The cover must grab me, or I won't even grab the book to give it a look. (hey, there I go, being a poet again...a really bad poet!)
I wish I could say I always knew what I wanted on my cover, but it just kind of developed, as I finally came up with my title...it all just evolved. PS I'm so excited and happy for you!
Hi Terri,
My publisher and I went through a lot of graphics before I found the one I used for The Moses Conspiracy. It was a difficult choice.
The Scent of Fear was also a challenge because I couldn't find anything appropriate. I finally found something that would work.
With that experience, I checked out cover options before giving book 3 a title. Yes, covers are important!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Wow! I didn't know authors had any say initially on what goes on their covers. Interesting. :)
You are lucky to have a say, Terri, despite the terrifying side of it. Many authors have no say at all about the cover. I'm sure, with God's guidance, you'll end up with something fantastic :)
(I'm soooo looking forward to seeing it AND reading your story, of course!!)
Can't wait to see - and READ - it? And I haven't even thought about it yet. But now I will! LOL
Oh covers ...
Here's what is most important:
You have to love your cover.
Or at least like it A LOT if you don't have FINAL, final say on the cover.
Just like your writing, not everyone will like your cover.
Let it go.
It's okay.
Just like you know why you chose to write the words you did in every chapter, you'll know why you (and your editor and art team) chose your book cover.
Let it be.
And be proud.
And content.
I've had people love my book covers ... and I've had some people take the time to tell me the don't like my covers.
Oh, well.
Moving on (after the initial OUCH.)
YES!!! I went to pinterest and browsed my favorite covers, then dreamed up a number of concepts, then shared them all with my designer. Thankfully he read my book and came back at me with a completely different cover than I'd conceived, but he had the right ambiance, and I LOVE it.
Oh my goodness!!!! I know I don't visit here much anymore (bad me) but I am so thrilled to hear your news and so excited to read your book! I know there were so many times when you were tempted to quit, but what a reward for persevering!
Covers are so tricky! My son is a graphic designer, so he designs anything I need along these lines. I give him a few ideas, we brainstorm a little, and he always comes up with something good. So far I've only had non fiction published, so it'll be interesting to see what happens for fiction someday. But having my son do this has been a huge help - he has a good eye and comes up with things I'd never think of.
I can't wait to see it!
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