This isn't the way it works everywhere, but here's a composite of the major steps in the process. Design begins with the author filling out an information sheet about the physical description of major characters and the important central themes of the book. Graphic artists then take this material and, often in consultation with the marketing wing of the publisher, come up with several versions of a cover. Authors may or may not have input here--I have in some instances, not in others. Eventually, a version is settled on as the final product. If the author hasn't seen it already, this is when it's revealed to them. Of course, if the author has serious misgivings, they may ask their agent to step in and talk with the editor about it. But generally the publisher gets it right.
That's the front cover. The back cover copy has to be formulated, and we probably should save that discussion for another post. But, believe me, some work goes into it, as well.
I'm proud to share with you the cover design for my next novel, Stress Test. It's my first to be published by Thomas Nelson, and I'm under contract for more. Stress Test is already available on at least one site for pre-order, for those of you who like to make sure you don't miss anything. Otherwise, it's due to be in stores by the end of March, 2013, with an official launch date of April 1. (Yes, I'm aware of the significance of the date, and wonder if my publisher thought it appropriate for a book of mine).
As for whether book covers sell books, that's a question for you. What do you think?
10 comments:
Love the cover! Can't wait for the book.
Covers don't totally sell books, but they definitely impact it. And if I'm on the edge, they can tip me one way or another.
The recent emails on the ACFW loop have been interesting because it does drive me nuts when the cover doesn't match the book. Descriptions of hair color, skin tone, even ages of the characters, are often wrong, and that is really annoying. That's one reason why I've begun to prefer the covers without faces.
Thanks. I was thrilled at the way the cover "grabs" me--hope it does the same for my readers.
Hey Richard ~ we've chatted about your new cover and it's good to see it here :)
I agree with Linda that I like to see covers match descriptions inside the book. Covers play a key role for many readers but the author is usually key for me. I'd like to see Christian publishers try something bolder/different with a lot of their covers.
Thanks, Rel. I'm delighted that Thomas Nelson took a bolder approach with this than many of the typical CBA covers--might even encourage a cross-over audience.
Appreciate your chiming in with nice words from across the sea. Now can I call myself an "internationally recognized author?"
Blessings.
I don't like this cover. It looks like non-fiction. It looks like you're a doctor (M.D.) who has written a book to help people fight stress. Is this supposed to be a mysery or a thriller? The cover art doesn't say that. There's no "picture" or "art". Is there still time to change it?
JD
JD--I think Blogger ate my earlier reply. Thanks for leaving your comment. It's true, this cover doesn't look like most CBA novels, with pictures and art, but it closely resembles the covers of lots of books by best-selling authors such as Lee Child, Michael Palmer, Lawrence Block, etc.
As I mentioned in the blog post, sometimes authors have input, sometimes the publishers come up with a cover. Since both my agent and I like the look of the cover, as well as the reason for its design, it won't be changed. But I appreciate your giving me your opinion. And I hope that, when the book comes out, you'll like what's between the covers.
Hi, Doc! Haven't been blog-hopping for a while now (crazy-busy spring and summer) but thought I'd catch up a bit. I'm blown away by this gorgeous cover! This is definitely a book I'd pick up for a closer look!
Thanks, Myra. Thomas Nelson went all-out to make this one both good and different. Hope others like it as well as you and I do.
Appreciate your comment.
Congrats on the new contract, Richard. That's exciting! I'll be waiting impatiently for the release of STRESS TEST.
I have to say I have mixed feelings about the cover. JD has a point. It's very different from your previous series, but it's attention-grabbing, and that's always a good thing. I'm wondering if you're well enough known now that you could drop the M.D. on front covers, just retaining it on the back cover blurbs to display your legitimacy to new readers???
Carol, I've thought about dropping the MD, but have been advised to keep it, at least for this first one from a new publisher. Maybe with later ones.
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