Oh wow, such an interesting post, now I'm feeling the suspense! Kudos to you for the collaborative process you've put in place. I recently read a FB post by an author who was completely devastated by her final cover. Her publisher never consulted her and didn't care at all about her opinion. I was dumbfounded; I never considered it possible that an author's views wouldn't be taken into consideration!
I've heard such horror stories, too, Michèle. As a publisher I get what goes into a cover, and how the marketing team needs a big say, so that it matches the other titles and the plans for reaching a particular audience, but it's also important for the author to love it. I can't stop staring at mine!
OMG I cannot wait for the title and book cover!!! This is so exciting. I'm so glad that they were able to make the exact right cover to represent your book. And I really can't wait!!
Yes, I echo the comment below - I so want to see your cover! My approach has been different, perhaps - maybe because I am way greener (read amateur, not pukish) than you. My publisher has asked me with each of my now 3 books if I had thoughts or concepts about my cover. I consider myself MUCH more artistic with words than images, and while I shared my ideas, know they will take it much beyond. I too was so excited and anxious, but have been thrilled withwith all my covers; pleasantly surprised by some details, and yet so fitting for what I somehow imagined. My only push back was font with one cover, and they were so good to help me by improving it for my (and their) liking. I think this is one of the biggest moments of a book release.
You will see it soon! I think we'll announce after PNBA, so in the second or third week of October, and there *might* be photos of the book on the Lanternfish table before that.
That's such a great point--and probably much valued--that you know your strength is words and you believe in your designers and their vision for each project.
You tease! Now we're all excited about seeing the great reveal of your book cover. To my mind, Gigi Little is one of the best book cover designers; each of Forest Avenue's releases is a work of art. She is gifted.
As for me: one of my practices while I'm writing a book is to create an imagined cover and put it on my bulletin board along with all the notes and photos and inspirational quotes. It helps me see the book as a completed-book when I'm lost in the maze of bits and pieces of the before-book.
Thanks for your Bright Side and congratulations to you and Ari Honarvar on the release of her beautiful book.
Haha, sorry about teasing you! It'll be worth the wait, though.
I love what you say about Gigi. She is such a brilliant designer. When we first started working together she hadn't made any covers yet. I've adored watching her grow her design business and earn accolades and appreciation.
And thanks, too, for the Ari congrats! It's been great watching the excitement build. I only wish I could have come to San Diego for the launch, but with Delta, it just didn't make sense to travel.
I'm sorry I can't attend the launch on the 22nd. But I have a workshop that evening. I'll get to the next one. Maybe you'll be able sometime too. Hope so.
There's a virtual Powell's event on Sept. 24 and I'm sure Ari would love to speak to writers in San Diego, so if you have thoughts on other opportunities, that'd be amazing! Right now we're starting with a small number of events because of Delta.
Oh wow, such an interesting post, now I'm feeling the suspense! Kudos to you for the collaborative process you've put in place. I recently read a FB post by an author who was completely devastated by her final cover. Her publisher never consulted her and didn't care at all about her opinion. I was dumbfounded; I never considered it possible that an author's views wouldn't be taken into consideration!
I've heard such horror stories, too, Michèle. As a publisher I get what goes into a cover, and how the marketing team needs a big say, so that it matches the other titles and the plans for reaching a particular audience, but it's also important for the author to love it. I can't stop staring at mine!
OMG I cannot wait for the title and book cover!!! This is so exciting. I'm so glad that they were able to make the exact right cover to represent your book. And I really can't wait!!
It's so gorgeous. I can't wait to show you! And the title suits it so well too.
Yes, I echo the comment below - I so want to see your cover! My approach has been different, perhaps - maybe because I am way greener (read amateur, not pukish) than you. My publisher has asked me with each of my now 3 books if I had thoughts or concepts about my cover. I consider myself MUCH more artistic with words than images, and while I shared my ideas, know they will take it much beyond. I too was so excited and anxious, but have been thrilled withwith all my covers; pleasantly surprised by some details, and yet so fitting for what I somehow imagined. My only push back was font with one cover, and they were so good to help me by improving it for my (and their) liking. I think this is one of the biggest moments of a book release.
You will see it soon! I think we'll announce after PNBA, so in the second or third week of October, and there *might* be photos of the book on the Lanternfish table before that.
That's such a great point--and probably much valued--that you know your strength is words and you believe in your designers and their vision for each project.
Oh and PS: Thanks, too for the article about "Be Yourself and Sell More Books.
I was so anxious about putting that out there and I've been so floored by the response. Thank you so much!
You tease! Now we're all excited about seeing the great reveal of your book cover. To my mind, Gigi Little is one of the best book cover designers; each of Forest Avenue's releases is a work of art. She is gifted.
As for me: one of my practices while I'm writing a book is to create an imagined cover and put it on my bulletin board along with all the notes and photos and inspirational quotes. It helps me see the book as a completed-book when I'm lost in the maze of bits and pieces of the before-book.
Thanks for your Bright Side and congratulations to you and Ari Honarvar on the release of her beautiful book.
Oh! And I love your bulletin board idea too. That's so smart. I might do that for my next project.
Haha, sorry about teasing you! It'll be worth the wait, though.
I love what you say about Gigi. She is such a brilliant designer. When we first started working together she hadn't made any covers yet. I've adored watching her grow her design business and earn accolades and appreciation.
And thanks, too, for the Ari congrats! It's been great watching the excitement build. I only wish I could have come to San Diego for the launch, but with Delta, it just didn't make sense to travel.
I'm sorry I can't attend the launch on the 22nd. But I have a workshop that evening. I'll get to the next one. Maybe you'll be able sometime too. Hope so.
There's a virtual Powell's event on Sept. 24 and I'm sure Ari would love to speak to writers in San Diego, so if you have thoughts on other opportunities, that'd be amazing! Right now we're starting with a small number of events because of Delta.