It's odd that the book cover, hence your first glimpse of my new book, is often the last thing I think about. Go figure.
I know some writers who start out thinking about the title and the cover. I usually don't think (much) about either until the book is completed, or "in the can," as we say in the documentary film business.
When Jesse sends me a first sketch of his cover concept, I confess, I'm thrilled. Because this where the world that I created in my head becomes a visual image that all can see and share. And ... one that attracts thoughtful readers, convinces them to pick the book up–or click on it in Kindle–and take that all-important closer look.
Yes, the words on both the spine title and the cover face titles are wrong. But we don't care about that now. This is the first sketch Jesse has felt strongly enough about to send along for my input and comments.
There's a lot to like about this, right out of the chute. I like the boy and dog in the foreground, Will and Blackie. You readers will recognize them from the previous two books, "Cheechako" and "Float Monkeys." The second boy, poking at the fire, readers will also recognize as Elias, Will's co-conspirator. He's very rough here and will be filled in later, in the actual cover painting.
Not to give away too much, but there is a grizzly bear at the "back" of the image. Right now he's too small and too distinct. We want him more vague, scary and BIG.
USE A GENERIC COVER?
I'm paying nearly a thousand dollars a cover. Yes. I could pay a lot less for an off-the-shelf generic cover, good-looking, in the current popular style, with a "Your title here," presentation. Is it tempting? Honestly, not really.
Jesse is one of the premiere "youth" cover artists in the country. With him in my corner, focussed on my work, I get to speak directly to the prospective reader, with an image that makes the reader–faced with an entire display of middle-grade novels to select from–extend a hand to pick up mine. I've seen it happen.
JESSE JOSHUA WATSON ... CHECK HIM OUT!
You can learn more about Jesse and see pictures of him and samples of his covers and his art, at www.jessewatson. com or http://jessewatson.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-work.html
Take the time to take a look. I'm sure you'll agree, it's exciting stuff!
I know some writers who start out thinking about the title and the cover. I usually don't think (much) about either until the book is completed, or "in the can," as we say in the documentary film business.
When Jesse sends me a first sketch of his cover concept, I confess, I'm thrilled. Because this where the world that I created in my head becomes a visual image that all can see and share. And ... one that attracts thoughtful readers, convinces them to pick the book up–or click on it in Kindle–and take that all-important closer look.
Yes, the words on both the spine title and the cover face titles are wrong. But we don't care about that now. This is the first sketch Jesse has felt strongly enough about to send along for my input and comments.
There's a lot to like about this, right out of the chute. I like the boy and dog in the foreground, Will and Blackie. You readers will recognize them from the previous two books, "Cheechako" and "Float Monkeys." The second boy, poking at the fire, readers will also recognize as Elias, Will's co-conspirator. He's very rough here and will be filled in later, in the actual cover painting.
Not to give away too much, but there is a grizzly bear at the "back" of the image. Right now he's too small and too distinct. We want him more vague, scary and BIG.
USE A GENERIC COVER?
I'm paying nearly a thousand dollars a cover. Yes. I could pay a lot less for an off-the-shelf generic cover, good-looking, in the current popular style, with a "Your title here," presentation. Is it tempting? Honestly, not really.
Jesse is one of the premiere "youth" cover artists in the country. With him in my corner, focussed on my work, I get to speak directly to the prospective reader, with an image that makes the reader–faced with an entire display of middle-grade novels to select from–extend a hand to pick up mine. I've seen it happen.
JESSE JOSHUA WATSON ... CHECK HIM OUT!
You can learn more about Jesse and see pictures of him and samples of his covers and his art, at www.jessewatson. com or http://jessewatson.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-work.html
Take the time to take a look. I'm sure you'll agree, it's exciting stuff!
