I know I’ve posted pics of the cover of my upcoming novel before but this is the real thing, folks! I actually have a book in my hands. After squeeing, swooning and pinching myself, I noticed subtle changes to the cover compared to the advanced reading copy (ARC). I did not think the cover on the ARC could possibly be improved but the brilliant designer Phil Falco somehow made it happen.
Check it out. Here’s what the cover looked like for the ARC:
Gorgeous, right? But Mr. Falco, apparently, kept tweaking it until he came up with the final version:
Wow. The lines encapsulating the title were removed, giving the illusion that the type is bigger. Also, a beautiful border was added on the left side to frame it. The black background has been lightened up so that we can see her long hair. And check out how her golden broadcollar glimmers now!
I’m sure there were other changes that escape my untrained eye but even I can see how the manipulation of light around her face gives more emphasis to the fierceness of her expression. Very subtle but quite beautiful! Phil Falco is a genius!
As has happened so often during this process, I keep turning around and asking, “Is this really happening to me?” Did I really work with one of the most respected editors/publishers in the business? Did one of the top children’s book designers in NY really work on my book?
Yes, yes, and yes! Amazing.
CLEOPATRA’S MOON is officially released August 1. I will probably do a book giveaway (though someone may have to pry my first copy from my cold dead hands first) but I can’t even think that far yet. For now, I’m just going to keep staring at the cover and sighing.
I’m excited to read this book! Congrats! The cover it gorgeous!
Count me in if you do a blog tour! Love the cover. It’s absolutely beautiful.
So, yeah, ignore that message I just sent you about WHEN your book is being released. 🙂
I MUST read this (lovely cover of a )book–and I have no qualms about prying it from your cold, dead hands.
You’re right, Vicky. It IS even more beautiful. I can’t wait to read it. You just be sure to send us a reminder when it comes out.
I’m always amazed at what a huge difference subtle changes make. It’s one of the great arguments against self-publishing–I would NEVER know how to make those improvements but once they’re done it’s obvious that they make such a difference.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Thanks for letting us in on the process!
It’s really quite beautiful. Amazing the difference such small changes can make.
It is gorgeous.
And the model is beautiful.
IZ GORGEOUS Chickie! Can’t wait to see it in person! Fuzzy hugs, e
Fabulous! Just like we polish our manuscripts, it’s cool to see art tweaked as well. It’s amazing the difference it can make!
I didn’t mean to sign in as Barker!
That was me – Jo 🙂
THanks, everyone! I think he picked an outstanding model for the shoot, didn’t he?
Ooo, I love to watch those designers work their magic. The cover is simply smashing. I can’t wait!
Cathy and I may need to have a cage match to pry it from your cold, dead hands. It is gorgeous! And listening to the audio snippet really piqued my interest. Can’t wait to read the whole thing!
Congratulations on the beautiful evolution! VERY soon now, isn’t it?? Yay!
Thanks, Leslie and Irene!
Kara, I’m glad you liked the audio clip!
Amazing how such subtle changes can make a big difference.
But the question I want to know is: When is the launch party so I can get my book signed? LOL.
Wow! You are getting DEATH THREATS. 🙂 I will protect you! LOL! My fee: The book. Hand it over, and no one gets hurt. 🙂 But seriously, It’s gorgeous and the ‘evolution’of the cover is a great reminder to those deep in yet another round of revisions *ahem* that every little (or big) change MATTERS. Thanks for that!
Can’t WAIT to hold my copy!
-ash
PS: When is the release party? i’m SO THERE.
Interesting blog post, thanks for sharing… as an artist and designer we alays like when someone notices the little things on a piece. Congrats on the book!
Hi Vicky!
Congratulations. How exciting!! And thank you so much for sharing the differences. It would be a fascinating thing to see the initial concept and how it developed up until the ARC and through until now.
Very good!
I’d guess it’s wonderful to work with pros, no matter how one is published. 🙂
Your excitement is contagious…I just plopped in outta nowhere but will be checking it out. You may not be able to judge a book by it’s cover, but sometimes you will read one you may not have because of it. 🙂 congrats.
Not only is the cover gorgeous, I would definitely pick this book up to read it in a bookstore. And that’s really what it’s all about.