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Five Inspirational Truths for Authors

Saturday, October 03, 2009

I've got my cover!

Just the other day, I was sent the jpeg for the cover of my debut novel, Crossing Oceans. Truth be known, one of my fears in the whole publishing process was getting a cover that I hated. Covers, in my opinion, matter a lot. They definitely do to me when I'm looking to buy a book.

Going in, I knew what I liked and what I didn't. The way I figured it, what appealed to me probably would appeal to my potential reader.

Tyndale was really great about the process. They asked what sort of cover I really liked and what type of cover I would be miserable with. Being book obsessed as I am, I already had a file with covers that captured me and had already figured out what turned me off about others. I shared all of that with them.

The original cover they sent looked just like the one you see here, except the little girl's hair was different than I had imagined it should be. I said so, and they graciously made the change.


I originally pictured a cover with lots of blues, but the pink, shell-like hues are beautiful and I'm so thrilled with my cover I could cry.

After many years and rejections, seeing my cover is one of the few sweet moments in this business and I wanted to share it with you.

Many thanks to my brilliant cover designer, Jennifer Ghionzoli. You did an awesome job. I love it!!!

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27 comments:

  1. I LOVE the cover, Gina. When I first saw it, I cried. As a CP, I suppose that's expected. :) Love you, love the cover, and I couldn't be more proud!!

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  2. The cover is AWESOME! I love it, especially knowing the tone of the story. They captured it.

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  3. Oh, Gina, I love the cover. It definitely makes me want to read the book. The soft shell pinks are evocative. Covers do matter. This one is as effective as a good hook because it raises questions that I want answered.

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  4. Gina, that's a great cover. It kind of reminds me of a Jodi Picoult cover.

    Looking forward to reading it.

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  5. Gina that is an incredible cover. The little girl looks just like I imagined. SO incredibly pleased for you.

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  6. Oh, awesome! Beautiful. Seeing a cover for the first time is DEFINITELY one of the highlights of the whole process. And Jennifer Ghionzoli is the best! She designed my cover too!

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  7. Gina, I am beaming with you! This is a beautiful cover.

    Thank God for keeping His promises- that every good work he begins he will complete.

    Blessings to you...

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  8. It's a lovely cover. Would certainly attract me to the book. Congratulations.

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  9. Thanks ladies! I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. It's definitely a rare and wonderful moment in life. Glad I could share it with you.

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  10. The cover is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing a little about the process and your preparation. Sounds like a good file to get started!

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  11. Thanks Johnnie, and good luck on the MS you just sent off!

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  12. Way to go, Idaho!
    Yes, covers grab my attention. The stuff beneath could be Grisham-worthy but if the cover does not grab my attention, then, it won't won't even get a blip on the 'grab me' meter.
    so, does that make me shallow? Or just a consumer?
    anyway, kudos to you, Gina.
    yes, you do deserve it. never let youself say anything else.

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  13. Love your cover! Beautiful design!

    Blessings,
    Carrie

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  14. This is just beautiful! I'm very drawn to it.

    Congratulations on the cover, and on the coming publication.

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  15. Thanks for the encouraging words!

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  16. Love the cover -- definitely something I would pick up in the bookstore and examine closely.

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  17. Gorgeous cover, Gina. So thrilled for you! Marcia

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  18. Congratulations, Gina!!!! The cover is so beautiful, I can't wait to read this! We love Tyndale, such a wonderful publisher. :)

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  19. Gina, thanks for your nice note. Waiting for the "yea/nay" is the hardest part!

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  20. It's beautiful, G! I'm so happy for you, and so glad that you're thrilled with it, too. The best part, I know the work inside is just as beautiful!

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  21. What an amazing journey you've been on, and how perfect that you love the cover. A huge congratulations!

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  22. A lovely cover, Gina. I'm so happy for you.

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  23. BEAUTIFUL COVER GINA!!! I'm SO EXCITED for you!! They did a WONDERFUL job. It really stands out and makes you want to look inside.

    All the best to you. I can't wait to read it.

    Sincerely,

    Nora
    Finding Hope Through Fiction

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  24. The cover is beautiful, Gina! I'm so happy for you. Congrats! :)

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  25. Thanks everyone. you're all so sweet to take the time to pump me up. I appreciate it :)

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