At what point do you get the Cover?

[Shari]

I start thinking about the cover after the editing process is complete and I can focus mainly on that.

[K.C.]

I don't know that you could start looking too early, but wouldn't go all in until you've got a satisfactory draft - a story that won't be making big changes during the rewrite process. You also have to be sure to work with your artist once you've selected one. I do not recommend starting the project or paying any money until you have a firm contract with deadlines/dates that includes milestones like 1st draft, 2nd draft, 3rd, Final art, with text, final text, etc... all the way to final tweaks and how many you get. Now if you artist likes to play it loose with things like how many drafts you get for your money, that can seem like a good thing to you, but it might also mean that they are unwilling to set deadlines and follow through. Be cautious, be courteous, be professional, be honest. In the end, it can take a lot of back and forth between you and your artist and being honest will pay the most dividends and get you the cover you want. Stick to your guns, but also know when it's time to call it quits and possibly start over with another artist. Sorry to drone on. I hope that helps.

[Ian]

I have ideas floating around for cover art all the way through. For example, current WIP I've had an image in mind right from the start, but no guarantee that's how it will end up.

However I don't get serious about drafting ideas onto the page until the late stage of editing because up until then I'm too busy writing and revising. I like to keep my (few and rusty) mental gears churning in the same direction, and I find it difficult to mix artwork with writing. They tug me in different directions.

[Leo]

My day job features plenty of design, so I tend to create a placeholder cover quite early in the writing. Having a tangible cover helps me focus, I find, and helps set the tone for my writing.

[Jordon]

Joe wrote: "When I have enough money to pay for it, haha..."

Joe's is the winning response! Haha It definitely has a true ring to it.

Humor aside,once the manuscript is finished, the first draft and your edit of the manuscript, that is when I would begin the cover design process. Just be sure, if you have someone designing it for you, that they are willing to do possible revisions in the event something big changes. I like to have the cover ready several months before release though so that I can use it in advertising.

[Jonathan]

I tend to get the cover produced after I've finished the manuscript (or at least told myself that I've finished...). They tend to be inspired by the most striking imagery from the books, so that makes this approach easier for me. It would probably save time to make a portfolia of images while you write, that you can draw inspiration from later. I am lucky to be friends with an extremely talented graphic designer who produces exceptional work very quickly. You may want to make sure you approach a cover artist (or start tinkering with Pixlr) at least a couple of months before you want to start sending copies to reviewers, to make sure you can get your cover right before then.