Cover art continues to be my favorite part of publishing and it seems to be of fascination for many readers, too. Other than reading the book! I begin thinking about a cover as soon as I start writing the book and create a ‘secret’ Pinterest board where I save images to share with my publisher when it’s time for a title and the beginning of a book cover.
I fell ln love with this blue gown which actually exists in a museum collection and was worn by a lady in history during the time The Lacemaker is set. I never dreamed it would actually become the cover of my ninth novel. But the art team/designer felt it would be perfect for the story, too!
Before they chose that final design, many others were considered as you can see here. Love all the colors, lace, the 18th-century dress options, the poses, etc. I’d have a hard time making up my mind!
Here are the five covers that made the cut before the final was chosen. While I like some elements in each like the bridal white of the one dress and the Georgian house of the one at the center, I can see why the final cover was chosen. But before it was, it had to pass through editors, sales & marketing, and more. This is the first cover of mine without my heroine, just a glimpse of her bare arm. Your imagination has to complete the rest.
And that, my friends, is the rest of the story!
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Most of them are static poses, but by choosing the to crop the final the way they did, I think it gives a sense of moving ~ which Liberty surely does in the story! Almost like as she was posing events erupted and she was all “Gotta go. See you later.” Enjoy looking at all the options, my friend.
Mary Kay, You always have the most delightful insights:) Love Liberty’s see ya later look! I do hope this next cover for the Scottish novel delights you since you’ve been there. Hoping it rings true. Their ordering the plaid from Scotland makes me so happy. Revell’s art team is truly inspired and I’m excited to see what transpires come June!
They chose the best cover in my humble opinion. The other colors, though pretty enough, seem a wee bit drab compared to the beautiful blue color of the gown. Despite not getting a full view of Liberty, this dress had my interest piqued immediately upon seeing it.
Love your cover critique, Amy:) Always so interesting to hear each reader’s thoughts as covers are as subjective as eating! I do think the blue is a big win and I love that her face is not shown. Love’s Reckoning was my favorite cover for a long time and The Frontiersman’s Daughter my least though I do love that cabin on my debut:) Now I’m smitten by A Moonbow Night with that split-screen and love TL as it leaves so much to the imagination. Happy Monday, friend!