First Cover

[Manat]

I just got my first ever cover, It wasn't a goal, it's not an accomplishment because I didn't do it, but it sure feels sweet. My book is real! I didn't get to see it before it was done and didn't expect it for a month or two and it doesn't come out for a year, but I'm really happy with what they've done. Still it really felt strange to see someone else put an image to what used to be just in my head. Yes I'm showing off, and putting it in my sig and avatar, but I did have a bit of a manic depressive reaction to it at first that surprised me. I'm curious to hear how other people felt when they saw their first cover.

[maddythemad]

Congratulations, Manat!! I'm afraid I can't really comment unless I see a bigger picture. Could you post it in the thread?

You said you're really happy with it, so what do you mean you had a "bit of a manic depressive reaction to it at first"? Anyway, I hope the manic depressive part goes away. :)

[san_remo_ave]

Congratulations on the cover! How exciting! I haven't one of my own yet, so can't comment on my reaction.

Best wishes!

[Manat]

Thanks so much. It feels a bit like a birthday. By manic depressive I meant I was going, I love it I hate it I love it I hate it and couldn't seem to make up my mind at first. As to posting it, I'm technicaly challenged and my web guy hasn't put it on the site yet so I can't link it. Hope to be able to soon though.

Thanks again

[sadron]

That's so awesome!! Congrazt! You live my dream! *hugs*

[illiterwrite]

Congratulations! It's exciting, isn't it?

I loved my cover image when I first saw it. I hated the font they used for the title and my name, but my opinion didn't count for much. I still love the image though.

[Toothpaste]

From what I can tell in the small avatar it is a man on a ship. I love men. I love ships. Ipso facto, I love your cover!

Seriously though, great composition, very eye catching - you should be thrilled! Congrats!

[job]

Lovely. Fine cover. Congrats

[funidream]

Your cover looks very cool. It is a compelling image. Very exciting. Your book would catch my eye on the shelves.

You should be really pleased, because there is an awful lot of room for them to cock it all up when it comes to the cover - and in most cases, there is absolutely nothing an author can do about it.

I just got my cover art recently, and luckily, I loved it. The quality and accuracy of the illustration made up for my having to change my original title.

See it here:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83232

[Sean D. Schaffer]

I just got my first ever cover, It wasn't a goal, it's not an accomplishment because I didn't do it, but it sure feels sweet. My book is real! I didn't get to see it before it was done and didn't expect it for a month or two and it doesn't come out for a year, but I'm really happy with what they've done. Still it really felt strange to see someone else put an image to what used to be just in my head. Yes I'm showing off, and putting it in my sig and avatar, but I did have a bit of a manic depressive reaction to it at first that surprised me. I'm curious to hear how other people felt when they saw their first cover.


Awesome news, Manat! Congratulations. :) Your cover looks pretty good.

[xDemode]

I'm really digging the cover.
Very nice. Congratulations.

[HopelessDreamer]

Wow, congrats! That's a great cover. I usually don't like covers with people on them, but that one's wonderful.

[Cassidy]

Congratulations Manat! Yeah, covers are sort of strange-- it's the whole look of your book, the first thing people see, and yet most of us have no real input or control over what they look like.

I was pretty nervous about my first cover because, like HopelessDreamer, I tend not to like covers that have people in them and I thought mine was going to. As it turned out, it did, and I loved it as soon as I saw it. I thought the artist had done an amazing job and got it just right. For weeks after I got the cover, I peeked at it at least once a day! I was pretty euphoric.

I just got my new covers (three books for spring 08-- don't ask me how that happened) a few days ago and I like them all. No people this time! And I'm peeking at these new ones every day too.

Getting the covers really does make it feel real-- like it is actually going to be a book-- and it is cool to see what someone else (with a far more visual and artistic mind than my own!) comes up with.

I just added my covers to my website if you want to check them out....

[underthecity]

Congrats, Monat! How exciting, and it's a beautiful cover. And I think I understand the "manic depressive" reaction: "Oh, it's so cool! Oh, but will other people like it?"

When I got the cover for my first book, I thought it was wonderful, a perfect representation to the theme of the book (see avatar). I've been told by quite a few people around the area that they love the cover.

If the publisher sends you any covers (w/o book), make sure to frame one for your wall.

allen

[amber_grosjean]

The first time I saw my cover for Cursed Blood was, "Oh my God, there's a demon on her arm! How cool is that?" Let's just say I was thrilled because it basically told me they had read the book in order to come up with the cover. I thought it was awsome! It was even better once I got the book in my hands because its glossy and the hidden images look clearer in person!

Now with Stolen Identity, it was totally different. I had to fill out a form telling them how I saw the cover looking and they would attempt that look first. When I saw it, I was like uh ha, there is no way this will work so they woman who designed the cover, went back to the designing board and tried it again. It actually took her 6 tries before everyone agreed with the cover. There were a couple that I had approved but the owner wanted something that said a little more erotica so the designer said she would keep going until it was approved by everyone. I am totally psyched with the final cover and can't wait to see the final product!

Amber

[Karen Junker]

I think your cover is gorgeous!

And I totally got the manic-depressive reaction. That's how I felt about my first cover, only it was more like 'this sucks, no one will buy this book, this sucks so bad, no one will buy my book' and sure enough...it was not the biggest seller, but then Triskelion went out of business, so I don't have to worry about anyone seeing that cover ever again!

[David I]

Congrats!

When I saw my first cover, I literally had trouble breathing (there's a tumbnail at the bottom of the page here). There's nothing like it to bring home the reality of the process.

Even more interesting, though, was to see what they did for the paperback cover, which was just revealed to the public a few days ago; take a peek, as I think it's quite eye-catching (http://davidisaak.blogspot.com/2007/11/and-now-drum-roll-paperback-cover.html).

The reality really sank in when I saw my ISBN and bar code.

I'm thinking the bar code might make a good tattoo. Do you think I'd scan?

[Cassidy]

Congrats!


I'm thinking the bar code might make a good tattoo. Do you think I'd scan?

That made me laugh out loud; thanks David!

[Manat]

Hey...It's a different one in your link? Two covers?


No, the moon/ship one was a temporary cover my web guy made. He didn't want a blank space there. I'm waiting for him to change it for me.

[KTC]

Oh...I gotcha. I really like the one in your avatar. I like the motion in it...

[Manat]

Funidream Great to know it would catch your eye on the shelf! Your cover is beautiful and I like the title too. What was it before they changed it?

Cassidy, like you and Hopeless dreamer, I’m not a big fan of people on the cover. I was a little taken aback and expecting something else. Once I got over that though, I really felt they captured the MC, mood and themes and realized I loved it. I love your covers, particularly Dead in the Water. Three books this spring? You’ve already got an anthology in the works

Allen Great idea! I just sent them an e-mail and asked if there’s anyway they could make me a poster too. I love the way your covers are alive but in sepia tones, It’s as if they’ve captured a piece of history

Amber. Wow! Must be great to have cover input. I was asked to fill out a sheet when I signed, and never heard again until the cover was done.

Karen I guess there’s always a silver lining. Now you’re done with Triskelion, can you take it somewhere else?

David I almost put my hands above my head and ducked when I saw your paper back cover. Very exciting. I love it, but now I’m stuck with an image of a salesclerk pushing a button to move you along her conveyer belt, and you lying on it with your arm held up and your book in you hand.

Everybody: It might sound silly, but this whole process has been one of the high points in my life, and often a very lonely and scary journey. The cover was a frightening business, the first time really that the book slipped out of my control. It was also thrilling. I’m over my panic, very relieved, and it means a lot to have people to share it with who understand. I’ve checked out some pretty nutty loops, and some overly dramatic and just plain mean ones. This has got to be the most informative, open minded, civil and supportive group for writers on the net. Hearing comments from other people is hugely reassuring. Thanks to all of you for your comments and congratulations, and for letting me share the moment.

[Wraith]

Looks lovely! The sort of book I'd pick up in a bookstore. Must be the font of the title :D. And the ship. I love ships.

Must have been awesome and crazy to see it for the first time. Hope the book does well, Manat. Congrats!

I'm still dreaming of my first cover (and of the completed stuff to put between the covers), so can't speak about that, but I'm happy for ya. :)

[goatprincess]

Congratulations! Seeing my cover for the first time was great. It just made the whole thing seem so much more real.

Your reviews are great and your book sounds awesome! :)

[Manat]

The cover is up now at the link of the first line of my sig if anyone wants to see. WOOT! Thanks everyone. And now I'm going to drink my coffee to celebrate and get back to work. You know you have a great job when you can work drinking Baileys in your coffee while your sitting in you pyjammas!

[BruceJ]

I just got my first ever cover, It wasn't a goal, it's not an accomplishment because I didn't do it, but it sure feels sweet. My book is real! I didn't get to see it before it was done and didn't expect it for a month or two and it doesn't come out for a year, but I'm really happy with what they've done. Still it really felt strange to see someone else put an image to what used to be just in my head. Yes I'm showing off, and putting it in my sig and avatar, but I did have a bit of a manic depressive reaction to it at first that surprised me. I'm curious to hear how other people felt when they saw their first cover.

Oh, I don't know. The only thing worse is including your cover as part of your signature. Oh, wait... ;)

Conrats on the accomplishment, too!

[Cassidy]

This has got to be the most informative, open minded, civil and supportive group for writers on the net. Hearing comments from other people is hugely reassuring. Thanks to all of you for your comments and congratulations, and for letting me share the moment.

It's a great group, isn't it? I also find it very helpful and supportive. Writing is an odd occupation in that it doesn't necessarily bring one in to contact with other writers, and so AW is a wonderful resource for information and sometimes just for reassurance too. And I'm so glad you are feeling good about your cover-- it looks fabulous. Congratulations again.