Judging A Book By Its Cover

Artists see the world differently. 

This applies to all creatives, but I think it differs depending on what kind of outlet you enjoy. As a writer/theatre person, I've noticed that I look at things differently than my husband who is a musician.

My husband, daughter, and I are all involved in the performing arts. My son is not interested at all. He is a visual artist. He thinks in sculptures and drawings. His first thought upon seeing my husband's new kayak was, "Can I draw on it?".

Now, to the point of this post. I have published 6 books since I started seriously writing. For the first 5 books, I used the generic cover designer. They looked okay, but they didn't look professional. There are so many aspects to consider in cover design, and I am not a artist. I tried my best, but I just do not have the talent.

Enter: Luck.

My husband met a graphic artist/comic book artist and made a connection. I loved his style and worked with him on the cover of SuperGym. It was incredible. Somehow, he was able to take my disjointed rambling ideas and make the cover I didn't even know I wanted. It was so much better than anything I could have even imagined.
​Check it out:

Love it. So much.

I am working on a second edition of my second book right now. It's hopefully going to be done in time for my girl's birthday. I want it to look as professional as possible, so I contacted my cover guy.

This is what he had to work with: "It's a YA, magical realism story about a girl who lives with her "witch" great grandmother and eventually discovers she is also a witch and is being hunted by an evil spirit. There is a large hedge maze that features prominently in the story." 

He asked for a few details about the girl's appearance, and a few days later he sends me a mock-up of the cover that is absolutely perfect. Again, it is better than anything I could have ever imagined. I am so excited to see the finished product.