Well, since I only have one work published in a book, this is a tricky question. I did not have any say in the cover of the book, but it was an anthology and short story authors would seldom have input.
I am currently working on a side project for the AtoZ challenge involving an artist (my aunt by marriage). I will be using her paintings to inspire a collection of short stories. Now that I have said that here, I better actually do it!! I imagine if I use her paintings to one day make a hard published work, I would get her help to create the cover.
And just for fun, here is a cover I designed when I wrote my first-ever manuscript (in 2016 I think? Goodness that isn't that long ago, and I have come sooooo far--as an author and a person.) While I used a few elements from this manuscript in my current WIP, it is a totally different (and much-improved) story. And of course, there is a new title. But I really like this aesthetic. It's simple and spacey.
Also, I'm glad I shortened my author name. That's so many letters! What do you think?
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I like those to-the-point-covers. The one I suggested for my last novel didn't turn out the way i wanted, but you have to pick your battles, right? In the bookstore, I gravitate towards dark covers.
ReplyDeleteThat's fun you created a cover for it. And yes, now you have to write those stories for the A to Z Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI always design covers for my half-finished books... even books I haven't written yet. I guess we all do that. I just love making books... not just the writing, but the design, and even the printing. When I used to work at a print shop I bound my own books for fun.
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel about the long name. "C.D. Gallant-King" is a pain in the ass to fit on a cover.
I used to do the A to Z and it was a lot of work but so much fun! I think your aunt's art will be perfect for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'm Gwen, co-hosting this month for the IWSG. https://gwengardner.blogspot.com/2023/01/iwsg-how-are-you-book-covered.html#comment-form
I like how you can 'keep it all in the family' with your cover designs. To be immersed in such talent must be energizing!
ReplyDeleteI really like that over, Steph! How lucky you are to have an in-house artist! I know better than to tackle the A-Z. Wishing you success with it! Take care!
ReplyDeleteThat cover has a lot of soul. And you're lucky you have your hubs' talent!
ReplyDeleteWas heartwarming to see your WEP winners badges in your sidebar. We're creating our first book next year with this year's winning entries. Why not give it a shot? We'd love to have you write for us again!
It is great that you have artistic people in your family. I think it is much better than a designer you don't know.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun creating covers for stories. It's great you have some help too :)
ReplyDeleteThere is much good to be said in creating a simple cover. What's inside the covers is the most important part.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear your mention of A to Z! Looking forward to your contribution.
Lee
I agree with Arlee. A simple cover is always better. Kudos to your husband for the starry cover. Your AtoZ writing project sounds intriguing. All the luck with your writing projects.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great plan for the A to Z, I love it when there is a collaboration between different forms of art. Good luck!
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