Can a writer have a say over the cover art of her book?

[MorganMarshall]

Why don't illustrators read the books they illustrate? Or at least read the descriptions of the characters they're reproducing? Obviously the book is interesting, or the publisher wouldn't be publishing it. So why are the cover illustrations so often totally off the mark from the actual story? *Tears hair out*

[Torgo]

Originally Posted by MorganMarshall

Why don't illustrators read the books they illustrate? Or at least read the descriptions of the characters they're reproducing? Obviously the book is interesting, or the publisher wouldn't be publishing it. So why are the cover illustrations so often totally off the mark from the actual story? *Tears hair out*

At the very least the designer ought to read the book.

[defyalllogic]

Originally Posted by MorganMarshall

Why don't illustrators read the books they illustrate? Or at least read the descriptions of the characters they're reproducing? Obviously the book is interesting, or the publisher wouldn't be publishing it. So why are the cover illustrations so often totally off the mark from the actual story? *Tears hair out*

Because art is an interpretation of the artist's imagination and the seeds planted by the author. The author and the illustrator and the audience or readers might all see the character differently.

Maybe the author and illustrator agree but you're interpreting differently. Maybe the author sees the illustration and thinks, "hm, that's an interesting take. I'll take it."

Remember how the hunger games described Rue as a dark skinned girl and then people were shocked (and even appalled) to see her played by a (half) black girl in the movies?

[Sheryl Nantus]

I've had input on *all* of my covers. I've made suggestions, filled out sheets and had to approve the final artwork.

However I'll admit that I tend to lean towards accepting what's suggested because this is what an art department is FOR, what they train and get degrees in, how to produce marketable artwork and something that'll appeal to the public.

Look at "Blaze". *points down* I would have NEVER thought of that for a cover image but it sure is a hell of a great picture. Same with the first "Blood of the Pride" cover which now works in with the series.

On my own I would have never picked up such great covers. I just don't have the expertise or knowledge to do that.

JMO.

[Filigree]

Why don't illustrators read the books they illustrate? Because at most levels of publishing, they don't have time. That's what art directors and cover art forms are for - so the writer and art director can meet somewhere in the middle.

[RedWombat]

Because it varies substantially from house to house how much information the artist actually gets.

When I was doing bargain basement covers, I got very quick descriptions. I never got a manuscript to read. They wanted a very fast turnaround (which is why I had work--I was fast, reliable, and cheap. I just wasn't GOOD. You'd be amazed how much the first three made up for that last one at some places.)

Other houses I've heard of have elaborate forms to fill out that cover every base in terms of physical descriptions.

I wouldn't assume that the artist has actually read the book. Some do, but some don't get the chance and are working off descriptions from the art director.

[Perks]

Ha! This thread resurfaces just after my book cover gets changed. It turned out to be a compliment, but the Barnes & Noble buyer liked the book, but not the cover, so they were back to the drawing board.

Still, when they showed me the new cover, they definitely wanted my input. If I had hated it (which I didn't, I really like it now that I've got my head around such a drastic change) they would have worked with me.

Same deal, different cover: they do care whether I'm pleased with the book in all aspects.

[gingerwoman]

Originally Posted by Belle_91

Can a writer have a say in what she wants the cover of her book to be? Can she say what she definatly doesn't want?

Example, I'm writing a historical romance and I don't want the cover of my story to have a couple embracing in a thin night-shift and breeches, while their hair billows in the wind.

Is that alright?

It entirely depends on the publisher. I had a lot of say in my Samhain Publishing cover which you can see in my avatar. I asked for a snow glob for sexy abs, for the heroine to be a redhead, for the three people in the menage to be depicted but (knowing there might not be much space in the snow globe i said heads and faces did not have to be shown. ) see how they put everything I asked for in and made it totally beautiful? Some publishers however will just tell you to like it or lump it. If you get offered a contract you can ask if you will have a say in cover art.
The other thing to consider though is that they may have a better idea than you do about what will actually sell your book.