It’s the font that counts

There was an email that took my breath away this week. Emails, as you know, could breath-takers, heart-stoppers, life squeezers, the nice kinds and the worse kinds. I know everyone of us must have had an email we’ve been waiting for for centuries and writhed in pain upon receiving a rejection. But this one, I’d like to say, was a Very Nice email.

Tremendously, gloriously nice.

It was the comp for the cover art of my next book dropping next year. A book that had so many words for its title, I need to wrap it all up in a nice box and tie it in a ribbon before I send it your way. I am very proud of this book, and the lovely little world that thrived in it. And I hope that by the time we’re ready to shout it on the rooftops, you’re still here, drinking tea and eating cake, close enough to hear all about it.

We have another Filipino illustrator on board, so you might guess how I made that extra squeal when I saw the art. And oh boy, I have only been squealing. I have this tiny secret kept in my gallery like a small dream coming to life, and each time I’d look at it I’m reminded of the personal journey (and growth) that got this book to where it is. My editor kindly sent me two samples: one with a fun, funky font for that modern appeal; and one with a classic, whimsical font to give that timeless charm, perfect for the kids (and kids at heart) who had never outgrown their love for folklore. I loved fonts. I’m only a casual designer, but fonts make a difference on a design. Just take a look at these two studies from Marikit and the Ocean of Stars.

The official cover stars a classic serif:

But the other option sent to me, which I also leaned toward, had this fun, girly font that reminds me of the Cheri typeface:

I don’t know how the fantastic team from FSG BFYR had deliberated this, but I’m sure they took everything to consideration when choosing the final cover. The second cover made me joyful, the font was just so fun and unique! And while I know that this charming typeface will definitely lure readers who are all about Magical Girls, I also know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. To some, it may look childish, too girly, too cutesy. Going with the classic serif gave Marikit a more timeless look, a nice contrast to the youthful and whimsical illustration done by the talented Alexis Young.

It will take a while before we see Book 2’s cover in its full colored glory, but I could tell you now that it’s got all the wonderful details of our wild, wandering cast. The manuscript is currently in copyedits, but I’m so excited to share with you some bits and pieces as we move forward with the prod.

Please stay tuned for more updates here on my blog (you can also reach me via @carisavencruz at most social media platforms). If you haven’t subscribed here, please do! The door is open, there are seats all around, we have plenty to share—I have snuggly cat pictures, if you’d like them, too.