We all know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but with so many books out there, there has to be something to catch a reader’s eye. Here authors get a chance to showcase their cover art and explain how they feel it reflects their book.
Valerie Douglas: Servant of the Gods
A child of prophecy, in her life she would bear three names, one as a peasant and mercenary, yet another after she was captured and enslaved. Despite it all she would rise to become Priestess of Isis and High Priestess of all Egypt and face her greatest challenge…an nearly immortal evil.
Who designed the cover?
Myself, Ceri Clark and Kai Wilson
Describe how this cover came about
I had just finished the novel (the first in a two part series) when I stumbled across the original artwork – the priestess with her hands cupped and the pyramids in the background. So many elements of the story fit that picture! (Once you’ve read the series, you’ll understand) It was just so perfect… except… My priestess was actually blue-eyed, and I needed the colors to pop a little. So I popped into Picnik, changed the eye color and enhanced the image. ( I didn’t have much experience with any software more sophisticated.) My own text looked pretty good, I thought, but then my publisher passed it to Ceri Clark. She’s responsible for all the rest of the design elements, the font (papyrus, isn’t that appropriate?), the way it glows, and all the design elements.
Then, disaster – just as we were going to print we discovered that no one had the final back cover elements and Ceri was sick. Fortunately Kai stepped in to help… but the DPI was too low. In desperation, the publisher and I contacted Ceri, and she quickly brought it back to life, just in time for the release – currently scheduled for Dec 16th!
What thoughts/emotions do you hope your cover will elicit even before readers have seen the blurb?
I want them intrigued… it’s clear that it involves ancient Egypt, but the enigmatic expression on her face, the vivid blue eyes draw you in….
Tell us about a book (indie or mainstream) that you feel has great cover art?
Dean Lappi – Black Numbers
What kind of feedback are you looking for from readers?
General feedback would be great…
What a great cover! How could you walk past this one in a bookstore? And the Dean Lappi recommendation is a great one too!
Why not leave some feedback for Valerie and let her know what you think of the cover art. Would it make you pick up the book? What reaction does it provoke from you? Are you intrigued to know more about the story?
If you’d to find out more about Valerie Douglas, visit her blog or find her on Amazon.
About the Author:
By day a publicity assistant, by night an avid blogger and reader. I'm happiest when I'm surrounded by books and cats, with my husband by my side. Luckily, that's a pretty apt description of most days!
Donna Brown – who has written 620 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
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