Publication - more Information, Recommended Covers

2 November 2011, Publication - more Information, Recommended Covers

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

Here is the cover I designed for Aksinya.  I haven't sent it to my publisher yet because the novel isn't under contract.

You can see how this meets the request of my publisher in many ways.  I tried to pick the perfect picture that captures the feel of the book and it's main character.  I use this image for the novel's website.  This allows me to market the novel and have a cover design ready to go.

What you can expect back from your publisher is a recommended cover or two.  They will use a picture and they will embellish it with fancy fonts and clip artwork.  Like I mentioned, you can do the same.  The quality of the cover you get from your publisher will be outstanding.  They will produce a print ready cover much better than any you might be able to make.

If you really don't like their recommendation(s), tell them so and ask for more.  I've found all the designs from my publisher acceptable, but they are easy to work with.  Just don't begin to turn away every cover design and be willing to work with them.  If you reject a design, tell them why and give them some ideas.  Like I wrote, your publisher knows the market better than you do, but make sure you get a design you can live with.
 
Tomorrow, I'll tell you even more about the cover.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.