One of the things we've changed around here in recent times has been the way that we sort out the cover designs. As with most things blue and chromey, we have generally handled them 'in house', as we try to keep the costs to a minimum etc.
Anyway, 'traditionally' I've sorted most of them out - and in a lot of cases they have been well received, people always say nice things about them at launches and generally..I could be pretty smug. People loved my 'art', I was practically Peter Blake.
OK, the odd comment from the Scott 'that's a shit cover' Packs of this world, but there we are. Matter of taste.
Well moving forward, I must admit we'd had a few people saying things like
'they are arty but not commercial', or
'the cover has bugger all to do with the book' and even
'how do you tell if it is poetry or a novel',
and well we decided we needed a better approach.
Something that looked more like the books in the shops and basically, a new set of eyes.
So at this point Fiona took over, and I hate to say it (you don't know how hard this is to admit, as I'll never hear the end of it) but the covers are
a fair bit better.
Didn't get that? I said
a fair bit better.
Still too quiet? OK,
THEY ARE MUCH BETTER.
OK, they are a lot better, and the book sales have increased too.
Well doubled actually.
And there we are.
I thought I'd better come clean.
As credit where credit is due.
That lovely cover over there, is a rough draft she's just done for DJ Kirkby's book (next year, you will have to wait) and it is beautiful.
I couldn't have done that.
10 comments:
I am sooooooo excited to see that you have done a post about what is quite possbily the most beautiful book cover in the world. Fi is a clever, clever woman.
Deej - DON'T SAY THAT, she might hear you...and Boysoboy will I know about it - Pah.
Is this an appropriate post on which to remind you that you were going to give me deadlines for my cover art and ms?
And yes - I agree - that is a gorgeous cover!
Angela
Book covers are getting better all the time.
The cover for DJ Kirkby's is super and i cant wait to read it! Pity we have to wait so long!
Well done to Dj . . . do you think this green colour suits me . . .
I hate to keep commenting, but I do have something to say about the cover of my book, Going, Going..., as well. It's so beautiful, and everyone who looks at it remarks on it. Howard Fritz has rightly been credited with the photograph, but the fabulous wrap-around idea that makes it a cover and not just a photo has not been credited to anyone. Did you do it, Anthony, or Fiona? 'Fess up, someone. And yes, the cover on this page is another rapturous one.
Well done, Fi. And as we know from the (also) incredible cover to Tangled Roots, you are a woman of great vision and style! (don't worry, Anthony -- you must be ok too to have landed her in the first place
:-0 )
xo
Boyohboyohboy, it's about time you gave the woman credit where credit is due!
Bravo AGAIN, Fi.
Hm, I hope my book cover looks something close to that pretty.
Fablous cover for Denyse's book. If I hadn't already read it, that book cover on a shelf in a book store would certainly intrigue me! From Denyse's mom!!!!!!!!
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