How do you see your book? By Marian Lanouette

What happens when your vision of your book doesn’t match your publishers? I’ve heard rumbling lately and wanted to address this.

I love book stores and libraries because I can scan so many covers before I chose a book to read. And there are so many beautiful covers out. Let’s face most times the cover sells the book. I think we as authors we have a vision of our covers as we write our hero’s story. So what do you do when your cover is not what you expected and your opinion (contractual) is not wanted.

As new authors the publishing industry is a learning curve. First, you have to understand the show don’t tell concept. Only a few get away with the tell concept. Fifty Shade of Grey is a tell book who got away with telling instead of showing quite successfully. Next, after all your revisions and editing you market your book. This process is very involved and it is very important you chose a publisher or agent who represents your kind of book.

When you finally find a publisher the excitement inside you builds to the point of explosion.  You think I’ve arrived at last and my work is done. Wrong, your work has just begun. Now starts the content edits, the line edits then your work moves to the art department. I’ve have found that I enjoyed the editing process, because it makes my books stronger and more appealing.

But what happens when the cover doesn’t match vision, or worse, you hate it? A very wise, New York Times bestselling author gave great advice.  She said, “Cut your losses and move forward.” Difficult yes, especially for your first book cover, but that is exactly what has to happen. Focus on your next book. Offer in advance your vision of that book i.e., covers that caught your eye, or have a graphic artist design something you can submit to cement your vision. Remember, if your contract says have no input into this part of your book, you’re stuck. Your only other option is to seek a contract that gives you some control or find another publisher.  Make sure to weigh everything before you make a decision based on emotions.

Good luck with your books

Filed under: romance