Cover art
There’s been some progress on the publication front, some amusing and some very real and exciting. The amusing on was a six-item list from my publisher included in a “welcome to the family” email. All very well and good, but virtually all of it was already out of date or irrelevant since my advance had arrived and been deposited, I’d previously sent my author’s biography back to the editor who’d requested it, and the publisher’s social media boffin had already invited me to the authors’ group.
However, the letter also contained the email address of the art director, as well as a questionnaire to help guide the creation of the cover art. Color me excited! Fortunately, I found it very easy to compile physical descriptions, since I made up basic details on looks and personality before I started writing (and sometimes while I wrote). Copy, paste, done.
But other parts of the questionnaire proved more challenging, specifically whether I wanted a photograph or a painting. Photos are limited to stock photos, so that can be limiting indeed, given my strong feelings about the accuracy of any rowing depicted. Paintings are infinitely flexible, limited only to the talent of the cover artist. That’s probably the way to go, although I’ve seen some painted covers that make me pass right on by the books.
As for the accuracy of any rowing depicted, I provided URLs for boat builders, oarwrights, and makers of uniforms.
Yeah, okay, it’s compulsive and controlling, but this is the cover of my first book. I’m allowed. Besides which, the art director was super friendly and seemed appreciative of the level of detail. She’s no doubt used to new authors.
This is the part of the editorial process that excites me the most. I’ve done editorial work myself, so I know what’s involved with that (and will no doubt blog about it in due time). But this is the first time written ideas of mine will be depicted graphically. I’m incredibly curious to see how this works. Once the cover art’s approved, I’ll be posting it everywhere I possibly can, so stay tuned, true believers!