Voice of the Muse by Mark David Gerson

Did you design the cover?

No.

Did your publisher design the cover?

Yes and no. It's my publishing company that put out the book.

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

Yes. I had considerable input

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details.

The interesting story is how I found the designer. I had done the same research for designers on this book as I had done for my earlier book, The MoonQuest, but without same unequivocal results. No portfolio I saw, online or off, seemed to capture the essence of this book. Finally, I contracted with a designer who came the closest, crossed my fingers and prayed. She sent three concepts, none of which fully satisfied me but one of which I felt I could work with. After some back-and-forth with her, it became clear that this wasn't going to work and she resigned. Suddenly, I had no designer. A few weeks earlier, however, while I was on Facebook offering feedback on the proposed cover of a friend's book, I came across Richard (see the next question). His was the comment immediately previous to mine. We became online friends and, when I suddenly needed a new designer, I asked him to send me his portfolio. I soon as I saw his work, I knew he was the one. And he sure didn't let me down.

Who is the cover artist?

A U.K. cover designer: Richard Crookes

Are you happy with the cover?

Absolutely delighted.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover.

Nothing specific. I just love the way he captured the essence of the material with his design.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Please provide your website link.

http://www.calltowrite.com

What is the link to buy your book?

http://www.calltowrite.com

Pilgramage to Heresy: Don't believe Everything They Tell You

We want you to share your book cover with us. An attractive cover is a big element in the appeal of your book.

We want the details about yours.

Pilgrimage to Heresy: Don't Believe Everything They Tell You

A Novel of the Camino

Tracy Saunders

Published by iUniverse

2007 (December)

Did you design the cover?

Yes, I did. I took the photo when last in Santiago de Compostela, and when I viewed it I was struck by the mystery it contained. It seems to take you beyond and past the beautiful Portico de Gloria into the mysteries of the Cathedral in Santiago itself. It was the only photo I ever considered. The rest was easy.

Did your publisher design the cover?

No, although I did have that option.

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

Since I self-published with iUniverse, I had full control over the cover design, although I did pay for a "Cover Copy Polish" which I thought, on receipt, took a lot of the strength out of the book and the original copy. I requested that they go with the original cover, which they did.

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details.

The first thing a pilgrim sees when they enter the cathedral is Master Matteo's stunning Portico de Gloria, described by some as a "symphony in stone". The Romanesque interior lies inside the Barroque exterior, but in some ways it is far more ornate than the original builders intended. As such, as I have explained, I felt that a mystery was implicit, and the perspective and symmetry of the cover invite the reader to find out more.

The book itself is a "timeshift" of course which looks at a bishop named Priscillian. Decapitated in 385 by the Romans (and with the full encouragement of certain of the Iberian bishops, although some - notable St. Ambrose and St. Martin of Tours were very much against it - were so scandalised that they refused to hold communian with the Roman emperor who allowed it. My claim - and remember it is fictional after all - is that it is Priscillian in the tomb in the cathedral, and not St. James at all. All of this is dovetailed with the story of Miranda, a professor from the University of Toronto, who is walking the Camino to try to regain some self identity.

Who is the cover artist?

Myself, but you'll see me listed as Cassie Berry. It's a bit of an in-joke actually. I hope she doesn't ask for a share of the royalities!

Are you happy with the cover?

Very much so.

If not, what would you change and why? Nothing.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover.

The colour. It has a "mediaeval" touch to it.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Please provide your website link.

http://pilgrimagetoheresy.com

What is the link to buy your book?

As above, although it is also available at book outlets in Spain, and from Amazon etc., of course. There are links on the websire, and it can also be found under "Pilgrimage to Heresy" on Google, etc.

Please send me a copy of your cover along with your answers so the blog readers can see your cover and read your thoughts.

Please see above, but, if the image is not clear, I have others.

Many thanks, Nikki! A brilliant idea suggested to me by June Austin: Genesis of Man

Barlett's Rule by Chelle Cordero

We want the details about yours.

The name of the book is Bartlett’s Rule by (me!) Chelle Cordero

Did you design the cover?

No

Did your publisher design the cover?

Yes, Kimberlee Williams of Vanilla Heart Publishing designed the concept and then her artistic staff “tweaked” it

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

Kimberlee sent me her first concept and we “discussed” via email whether it captured the feeling of the book. She sent me the next concept based on our discussion and then had it “tweaked”.

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details.

Kimberlee literally built the cover design using important elements of the story. She did an amazing job.

Who is the cover artist?

Kimberlee Williams of Vanilla Heart Publishing

Are you happy with the cover?

Very happy. I can honestly feel comfortable calling the figures on the cover Paige and Lon, my main characters.

If not, what would you change and why?

I can’t think of anything I would change.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover.

I like the fact that the characters are looking away. The scene is very metropolitan, they are looking out over NYC… but they are separate from the bustling activity.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share.

The cover effectively draws the eye in, just as the story does.

Please provide your website link.

http://chellecordero.blogspot.com/

What is the link to buy your book?

http://shop.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/main.sc

or http://www.amazon.com/Bartletts-Rule-Chelle-Cordero/dp/097965453X

New Madrid , Missouri by Arlington Nuetzel

2027, New Madrid , Missouri by Arlington Nuetzel

Trade Paperback 176 pages $19.95 ISBN#1424193001

Did you design the cover?

No but I did select the earthquake engraving from an engraving in the public domain from a Mark Twain book. It actually depicted an earthquake in San Francisco .

Did your publisher design the cover?

Yes, PublishAmerica hit it on the first try. I couldn¢t have been more pleased.

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

I suggested the cover art, the publisher provided the integration, graphics, bleed, sepia and overall look. It was very professional.

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details.

It just all came together, the cringing passerby, the bolting horses, the crumbling buildings. The sense of my book is captured.

Who is the cover artist?

The graphic genius Anthony Saavedra. He is understated but extremely effective at his work.

Are you happy with the cover?

Absolutely. It sells the book for me.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover.

I like the way it leads the reader into the story.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Always search the public domain for ideas just like you should Google your title and characters names. What you find will surprise you and may prevent embarrassment before you release Moby Dick.

Please provide your website link.

I offer samples, my book trailer and buy my book links at

http://www.freewebs.com/nuetzel

I hang out for viral purposes and great music at

http://www.myspace.com/nuetzel

Outlaw in Petticoats by Paty Jager

We want you to share your book cover with us. An attractive cover is a big element in the appeal of your book.

We want the details about yours.

Did you design the cover? Yes and no.

Did your publisher design the cover? Yes

Did you get to give any input about the cover design? Yes, I provided the photo used on the cover and Nicola Martinez designed the layout.

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details. My daughter and I staged the photo that is used on the cover. Nicola Martinez came up with the style and we sent her the photo of my horse stage to be at a spot in a stream where a person is taking a swim.

Who is the cover artist? Nicola Martinez

Are you happy with the cover? Yes. Not only because it is a great cover but because my horse is on it too. :)

If not, what would you change and why?

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover. My horse being on the cover and working with my daughter to stage the scene.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share. My daughter and I dug through items we had to find a saddle, gun and saddle blanket that looked the most historical. Then we walked all over our property to find a spot that resembled the setting of the book. The hardest part was getting my horse "Bud" to stand still. He was more interested in grazing and than being a model.

Please provide your website link. http://www.patyjager.com

What is the link to buy your book? http://www.thewildrosepress.com

Searching For A Starry Night

Did you design the cover?
I made suggestions which the publisher, Karen Syed, did take into consideration.

Did your publisher design the cover?

She and cover artist did.

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

My initial view, I admit I was a little let down as the background was white. I love color! So I suggested some blue stars and adding that made the design "pop."

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details.

Petey the Dachshund is mischievous, yet his antics play a role in the search for the missing miniature replica of Van Gogh's Starry Night, the focus of the book. So I definitely wanted the dog on the cover. When I saw the photo, it looked like Petey and really made me laugh!

Who is the cover artist?

Nathalie Moore

Are you happy with the cover?

I LOVE it! It makes me and everyone else who sees it smile. A good thing!

If not, what would you change and why?
see above.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover.
The dog for sure.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share.
That "missing" miniature painting on the cover is actually in my possession. See my blog Jan. 12, 2008 blog post at http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

Please provide your website link.

http://cverstraete.com

book page is http://cverstraete.com/Starry_Night.html

What is the link to buy your book?
http://www.amazon.com/Searching-Starry-Night-Christine-Verstraete/dp/1590805798

Crimson Promise by Sapphire Phelan

Did you design the cover? No, I didn't.

Did your publisher design the cover? Yes, they did.

Did you get to give any input about the cover design?

Not this time, but I loved it. Puts me into mind of Madri Gras.

Is there an interesting story behind the cover design? If so, please share the details. None for this one.

Who is the cover artist? Debi Lewis.

Are you happy with the cover? Oh yes. Had people compliment on it.

Tell us what you think is the best part of the cover. That it's beautiful.

Is there anything else about your cover that we need to know? Feel free to share. Nothing else.

Please provide your website link. http://FantasticDreams.50megs.com (Sapphire Phelan's/Pamela K. Kinney's Website)

What is the link to buy your book? http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Crimson+Promise+by+Sapphire+Phelan