Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cover Art


Cover art.

So much rides on those two little words.

Readers tell us time and time again that they literally do judge a book by its cover.

I know I do. It’s the cover that draws me to pick up a book by an author I might not already know. If the picture or artwork on the front intrigues me, I flip it over and read the summary on the back. And if that “grabs” me, then and only then, will I take a peak inside where I might read the first line, the first paragraph, the first page. (And if I get to the end of the first page, you can bet that book is going into my basket.)

So, as an author, I get pretty anxious about the cover art. I try extra hard to paint detailed word pictures when I fill out the questionnaire for the Art Department. I talk with my editor about what I’d like—and what I wouldn’t like—to see on the cover. And then, I wait. Fingers crossed. Toes curled. Until the day I receive an email that says the cover of my book is ready. That’s when I squeeze my eyes tight, say a little prayer, and click on the attachment.

And squeal for joy!!!!

Because Harlequin’s Art Department is amazing. Because they absolutely nailed the cover of my June release, The Daddy Catch, with a gorgeous setting, the perfect hero and a little boy with a melt-your-heart smile. Because my editor, Laura Barth, suggested there should be fly fishing vests. And because she writes the best, most wonderful blurbs for the back of the book.

I create the story, but it really takes a village to shape my words into a book. I’m so glad that Harlequin is my village.

9 comments:

Judith Keim said...

Leigh, I love the cover! It's adorable! And I know the story inside is going to be really, really good! Congratulations!

Frank Zweegers said...

Nice cover, indeed.

Linda Warren said...

Leigh,

Great cover! I squeeze my eyes shut too as I wait for the cover to pop up on the screen. It's a very tense moment. I don't think I've ever been disappointed. Harlequin's art department does a wonderful job.

Linad

Leigh Duncan said...

Thanks, Judy. I hope you like the story as much as I love the cover.

Leigh Duncan said...

Thanks so much for dropping by, Frank.

Leigh Duncan said...

So, that feeling never goes away, Linda? Great! I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Estella said...

Great looking cover!

Leigh Duncan said...

Hi, Estella! I'm glad you like the cover. Now that we've seen the cover, I'm really looking forward to holding that first copy of The Daddy Catch in my hands.

Barbara White Daille said...

Leigh - gorgeous cover!!

I'm like you before I open that all-important file.

Also like you, I've never been disappointed. The Art Department always does a fabulous job.

Barbara