The Makings of a Cover

A friend asked me this morning, how it actually works – getting a cover – what do I do? How does it come about?

I did a similar post about the Appaloosa Summer cover, so I thought it was time to do one about the making of the Wednesday Riders cover.

I try not to leave finding my images until the last minute. Every now and then, I have a reason to browse stock photo sites and, when I do, I keep my eyes open for any images I might like – not just the particular photo I’m looking for in that moment.

I bookmark ones I like, and I’d had this one bookmarked for a long time.

I liked the feel, and I liked that it was a horse running through water, as that happens when you ride horses on an island. Still, I knew the photo wasn’t perfect (for one thing, cover images should really be portrait, not landscape). However, I was sure the super-brilliant Allie Gerlach could do something with it.

I sent it to her, she agreed she could probably work with it, and this (as you know) was the result:

Some parts of the cover design process were easier this time (I’m speaking for myself – not Allie!) because we already had the font chosen for Appaloosa Summer. But there was still agonizing over just which shade of font colour, and just what photo treatment. I’ve learned it’s usually not much use asking for opinions, because everyone has a different one, but my friend Lynn is a great person to ask for an opinion because she points out why she has a certain opinion – she notices different treatments and shades I don’t notice at first, and then I’m able to communicate better with Allie.

Like most parts of my books, the cover is a team effort and I LOVE my team!

Let me know if you have any questions about this cover, or the cover process in general. Or, tell me about getting your covers done!