This week I’d hoped to be able to announce a brand new release, but that news will have to wait. I’m in final stages of edits, so hopefully by this time next week I’ll have that news on my other social media outlets.
But even though I can’t promote my new book, I do have a shiny new cover to share – and I thought I’d talk a little bit about how happy I am to be able to have discussions with the cover artist about what does and doesn’t work for me.
Here are the two covers of my most recent books. It doesn’t take much thought to realize that the two books are related. The setting is similar, the font is the same, and my name looks the same on both covers. Looking a little more closely, you can see that both titles are parodies of a familiar Christmas carol. I love the way that Elaina Lee of For the Muse Designs created two covers that reflect the important parts of each book, yet identifies them as part of a series. Since I have plans for at least two more related books I can’t wait to see how she’ll make adjustments to fit those stories. What will be the things that connect them all?
Elaina has designed several of my book covers, so when it came to filling out the cover art form I simply wrote the information she needed (the title, blurb, etc.) along with my usual request to avoid having people on the cover. Then I added, “Surprise me.” When I first saw the cover for The Partridge and the Peartree I was stunned. She had created a beautiful holiday cover that was unique and whimsical. I didn’t want to change a thing.
The Partridge and the Peartree was a re-release, and while working on that (I changed a few scenes for greater historical accuracy) I completed its sequel, Two Tutor Doves. This time, in addition to my usual request (no people), I asked for something that coordinated with the first book. The first cover Elaina sent had some really bright elements and I questioned the use of such vibrant colors in a regency period color. It also included brightly colored chalk. We discussed alternatives, and Elaina had the brilliant idea to add doves – of course! I was thrilled with the result.
What do you think?
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
Jeff Salter
Joselyn
Tonette Joyce
Four Foxes, One Hound 
They are just beautiful! Elaina does such wonderful work; she always seems to know exactly how to ht the theme of a book.
I have yet to read your Christmas stories but believe me, they are high on my list. I do love Christmas.
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Me too, Tonette! This is my fifth Christmas book – I’ve had one every year since I started writing for publication. I’m already mulling over ideas for next year.
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Both covers are cool.
Elaina Lee does terrific work. She did several of my covers, with two diff. publishers.
I always know if Elaina is on the case, the result will be awesome.
One thing I had to learn about what to feature in the Cover Art Form — in which the author makes her/his requests & suggestions — is that I needed to carefully study what I wanted the cover to convey. For example, for my second published novel, Rescued By That New Guy in Town, my original “direction” (in the CAF) was headed more toward a romantic SUSPENSE feel. Fortunately, I realized it before Elaina began work on that project and I revised the CAF to lean more on the awkwardly beginning relationship between my heroine and hero. The result — beautifully captured by Elaina — is a perfect blend of background spookiness, the heroine’s fear of spiders, and the off-kilter relationship between the H & H.
Very glad I realized I might have scotched my own cover by not thinking through it carefully enough.
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Good point, Jeff. There have been times when the cover had nothing to do with the overall mood of the story.
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Both covers are beautiful. I slightly favor Two Tutor Does’ cover. The hushed hues in it give it a bit of a softer look that I really like. I’m looking forward to reading it when it comes out
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I love your covers! They are heart-warming. 🙂
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