Judging A Book

I think, as a reader, that a cover is the one thing that will draw me over and inside a shop to look at a book. I’m a sucker for those wonderful covers that lure you in and demand that you find out what the author has to offer.

The only thing I do find, is that often the artist who created the cover that attracted me had no real connection to the author or their works and so it feels mismatched and sometimes irritating. The jacket is glorious but the story doesn’t even begin to compete.

So when I was asked if I had ideas on what I would like to see on my book, I was really excited and probably over-excited. I already trusted the artist because I’d seen her work. You only have to look at the covers of the Bedazzled books to see that she knows how to get the right feel while creating something that draws the eye.

I wanted something striking yet simple for my cover because Aeron is both those things as a character. She’s so unique that you wouldn’t miss her yet she’s a pretty down-to-earth lady who likes the simple things in life. Also, the theme of water and Aeron’s hands is very important and to me personally both are symbols that mean a great deal.

Yesterday, I got the cover through. Did I like it?

I sat dumbstruck as I stared at the screen. The colours, the picture, the fonts, the way she’d placed the name in the middle and left the space at the top. (and space to me, as I like my jazz is important.) Oh, I loved it. I swear if I could have reached through the screen and given the designer the biggest cuddle she’s ever received, I would have!

Thankfully for her, I’m pretty certain that that’s impossible and perhaps, you may think that it’s a tad over-dramatic. Where is my reserved British manner, huh?

To try and explain, I may fail but I will try. Yes, to an author their novel is akin to a child and yes, it’s a picture with your name on it but more so, it was not only the right picture but the perfect picture. It is Aeron, those hands could be hers and the more you look at it, the more striking it becomes.

So, before the big reveal, here is a wonderful poem composed by my good friend and beta champion Gena Ratcliff about the hero herself:

AERON

With Truth her shield and Faith her sword

She shelters all in need

Flings wide her arms despite the pain

She harbors no misdeed

She fights the fight, she saves a soul

She weeps for those she’s lost

Ignoring self, desire and fame

And suffering personal loss

A lion’s heart, her courage great

Her adversaries many

She faces all who threaten good

With never ceasing fury

With Faith in hand she rushes forth

To spare the innocent

When evil’s reach is once more foiled

Her soul seeks sacrament

So thank you to Ann McMan (Famous Author Awesome Designer) at Treehouse Studios for the incredible cover. I’m still figuring out if it’s possible to reach thousands of miles through a screen and give you a hug but for now, I hope my thanks will be enough!

Take a moment… and enjoy!