One of the most exciting moments for me as an author is when I first get to see the cover design for my newest novel. There have been some that I have loved, some that were so-so, and a few that I’ve really disliked. My publisher asks for my input and ideas, of course, but I never know what the final outcome will be. It’s up to the design team to choose an image and a “look” that best fits the characters, the story, the novel’s tone, and its theme. Not an easy thing to do! How do you capture the essence of a complex, 400-page novel with multiple characters and story lines in a single, compelling picture?
They say “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” but I’m not sure that’s true. I find myself doing it all the time. Some covers are so off-putting for a variety of reasons, that I’m not even tempted to read the back-cover copy to see what the book is about. Other covers look like books I’ve seen a hundred times before, making me wonder if the story is also one I’ve read a hundred times before. But then there are those very special covers that are so arresting that I want to turn to the first page of the book and start reading as quickly as I can. That’s the kind of cover I always want for my books!
Well, I may be slightly biased, but I think the design team at Tyndale House did an extraordinary job with the cover for my newest novel, “Chasing Shadows.” The book will be released next June, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek, just for you . . .
What do you think? Do you spot any clues that tell you what the book is about, or when and where it takes place? The windmill and flat landscape will probably tell you the novel’s setting. And the three airplanes flying in formation across a stormy sky offer a hint of when it takes place. But what I love the most about this cover is the sense of movement and tension it portrays. This young woman looks like she has been on the move, and now something off to the side has captured her attention. She seems alert and perhaps a little uneasy, yet determined to push down on that pedal and continue her journey. I want to know her story, don’t you?
If you guessed that the novel is set in the Netherlands during World War II, you’re right. The young woman’s name is Ans DeVries, and when the Nazis invade and occupy her nation, her life will change drastically. Along with Ans, there are two other extraordinary women of faith and courage in this story, Lena and Miriam, who also will be forced to make life-and-death decisions. I won’t give away any more of the plot, for now, but you can read a preview of it on the final pages of my last novel, “If I Were You.”
In the meantime, I would love to hear your opinion of the cover of “Chasing Shadows”—and of book covers in general. Are there things you like seeing on the cover—the main character’s face, for instance? Or would you rather that her appearance be left to your imagination? Are there elements of a cover design that make you want to read the book? And anything that makes you decide to pass? I would love to know what you think about the saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
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The cover is amazing! I love the bicycle, the young woman’s edginess, the planes flying in formation, and the windmill. Since she’s in tall grass, she’s either had to veer off the main path/road or is deliberately riding through the less traveled area. So, that makes me curious about the situation.
I loved If I Were You and have a copy here at home, so I will read the preview of the upcoming book at the end of that book.
Thanks Suzanne. I like the cover a lot, too.
For compliments: I like the way the girl’s face is not completely shown, so readers can imagine how she looks by themselves. Nice bike. Nice clothes. I like the windmill.
For criticism(which is not to you, Lynn): The sky looks artificial and I’m not sure I like the font of the title. It just doesn’t seem to fit.
And I sometimes judge a book by its cover but usually by the back-cover.
I agree about the sky, Anna. It doesn’t look real but I like the colors. I like lots of color on my covers.
Love the cover! I would definitely pick this up and read the back of the book to see if I would enjoy it. It certainly looks like she is trying to either get away from shadows or she is racing to find a shadow to hide in.
Great ideas, Betti! Not many places to hide in that open countryside.
It’s a gorgeous cover, Lynn! And I HAVE seen skies with those colors. Breathtaking! To answer your question, I prefer covers that don’t show the entire face of the character, but I don’t mind an outline, partial face, view from behind, etc. This one is perfect!
I agree. I like a hint of what she looks like, not the entire face. And I like some sort of motion, not static.
I love this cover. I like covers that are pictorial, not graphics. My favorites are in my favorite color, blue. But there are lots of pretty ones out there. Historical Christian Fiction is a favorite and I like the colors that feel true to the era. This one would definitely make me pick it up and read the back cover.
Great! I hope you enjoy the book.
I love books set in that era! The colors would draw me in as well. But I would read the book because your name is on the cover!
Aww, you’re very kind to say that, Judith.
Such an intriguing and beautiful cover. I look forward to reading. Blessings!
Thanks. I hope you enjoy it
Gorgeous cover, Lynn! Looks like yet another wonderful book that I’m eager to read. Congrats!
Thanks Tammy.
Very interesting and beautiful! I do judge a book by its cover most of the time. I can just about tell if I’m going to like a book by the cover. Of course my favorite authors I buy them even if I’m not crazy about the cover. That doesn’t happen often. I can’t wait to get this one.
OH! What a great cover! I would definitely pick that up to read the back blurb. It’s hard not to judge a book by its cover as that is our first introduction to it. Some covers just put forth a better first impression than others. Walking through a book store is a bit like walking through an art gallery… some art invites you to stop and take a closer look. Some art is best left for the next fellow to admire. lol I can, however, completely disregard the cover if the book comes highly recommended by a friend I trust for book recs.
I absolutely love the cover of your book! I admit that I judge a book by its cover.
As a WW2-era reader/writer, I would definitely pick this one up and check it out.
Wonderful cover – hope all goes well.
No publisher, no cover designer, and ( covid rules) no live book launch..
But I remember the inspiring words of the (late) mentor who convinced me to publish digitally.
Designing the cover for my own new book, I remember her advice
( she was close to 90, a former WWII codebreaker)
‘ Do it now. You’ve no time to lose. Can’t draw ? find somebody who can…