Writing: Book Covers Revisited

In a previous post, I discussed book covers, how they were designed, who has input, etc. At that time, I shared with you the proposed cover design from my publisher, Thomas Nelson, for my next novel of medical suspense, Stress Test. Some of you liked it, a few didn't. But the decision was made, and I thought that was the end of the matter.

          Well, things changed (as they sometimes do in publishing). There was more input, this time from the sales and marketing team and even from the buyer for a large retailer. As a result, that cover is out, this one is in. And I have to admit that it certainly reflects the main arc of the book--a doctor, stressed to the limit, then put in an even worse situation. Or, as the blurb says, "They may not have enough evidence to convict him of murder, but they have enough to ruin his life."

Eventually, this cover will show up on the various bookseller sites, where Stress Test is already available for pre-order prior to its late-March/early-April release. In the meantime, I'm delighted to read some of the early endorsements of the book. Let me share just one with you, from New York Times best-selling author Tess Gerrittsen: "Packed with thrills, Stress Test is a lightning-paced read that you'll read in one breath." 

Were you surprised that a cover design, once done and accepted, would be changed? Do you like this behind-the-scenes view of what goes in in an author's life? Let me know. 

Heads-Up: Author Jean Henry Meade is interviewing me tomorrow on her blog, Mysterious Writers. The interview will be up for a week. Hope you all will drop by and let Jean know that Christian fiction has a broader appeal than some folks may realize. Thanks.