Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday Fun Facts: Let's Talk About Cover Designers

Most of you know that I have a boxed set coming out in the near future (hooray!!) so I've been working on getting a cover designed for it. First off, let me say I totally admire cover artists and/or anyone who can create their own book covers. I have zero talent in that area.

Over the last year of indie publishing, I've worked with 3 different cover artists. All talented, all charging somewhere around the same price for either custom (my Hometown Heroes covers) or pre-made designs (my Cocktail Cruise individual novellas). When it came time to work on my boxed set cover, I went back to one of my designers from the past.

Unfortunately, this time we didn't gel. Specifically, the turn-around time was MUCH longer than the first time we'd worked together, and also, she was communicating with me almost exclusively through an assistant. Now, I myself have a virtual assistant, so I know how helpful they can be when it comes to answering questions/communicating via email. But when you're trying to design something as personal as an author's cover, I'd like a direct contact to the designer. Is that a lot to ask?

Anyway, I switched gears and got a little frustrated when I found myself back at square one. Happily, though, after a few hours of searching websites and getting some author recommendations, I found a new cover designer that I LOVE. I cannot say enough about her; she is designing 3 custom covers for me (3D, 2D, and print), for a very reasonable price, and she's done it in about 4 days. Best of all, I've been emailing back and forth with HER, and she is totally open to thoughts and suggestions. Plus she has terrific talent.

Want to know who it is? Check out Dar Albert at Wicked Smart Designs. Just a look at her work and you'll know why I chose her. And......cover reveal next Monday for Cocktail Cruises: The Collection. I can't wait to show you!!

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