Happy Friday, everyone! And happy (almost) Mother’s Day to the moms among us!
Last time I blogged, I shared an interview with Joanna, True to You’s cover model. This time around, I’m excited to be providing behind-the-scenes photos from the day of True to You’s cover shoot + a peek at a few of the runner-up covers that weren’t ultimately chosen.
My books release in May, which is the first month of Bethany House Publishers summer season. Their summer catalog has to be ready (and filled with finalized covers) in October so that they can present the books at their sales conference. Thus, this cover shoot took place last September.
Many thanks to my fabulous editor, Raela Schoenherr, for taking these pictures for us!
Here, Hair and Make-up Artist Tracey Tischler begins work on Joanna’s hair. The cute person on the right is Noelle Chew, Marketing Director at Bethany House. She and Joanna are friends!
Make up application, complete with small black cape.
THE shoes.
In her interview, Joanna mentioned that the sides of her skirt were held up in order to give it volume. Here’s photographic proof! The woman on the left is Senior Graphic Designer, Jennifer Parker. I’ve been fortunate to have her design all of my covers.
Another “regular” in the creation of my covers is talented photographer, Mike Habermann.
Here, the team is considering some of the photos on a monitor. Notice how many people were present! And the clip tightening Joanna’s dress in the back.
One of my favorite pictures from that day! This is Raela, my editor, trying on the cover shoes, purse, and pose for size.
These three covers (called “mock ups”) were presented to the sales, marketing, and editorial employees at Bethany House at the same time that the winning cover was presented. Isn’t it fascinating to see the covers that almost, but didn’t quite, come to be?
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on True to You’s cover, especially Jennifer Parker and Bethany House Creative Director Paul Higdon.
Readers, did anything surprise you about the cover shoot or the cover mock ups?
Finally, I wanted you to know that a big giveaway that includes a $100 cash card and all the prizes pictured below is currently running in celebration of True to You’s release. Click here or click the image below to be taken to the entry page.
I had a great time shopping for prizes! The pjs are mentioned in the story and emblazoned with a quote familiar to Navy SEALs. The personal library kit is a nod to Nora’s job as a librarian. The sisters plaque signifies that the series is about sisters. The tea sampler and mug were inspired by Nora’s love of books and tea. And Almond Roca is a sweet treat made in Washington, where the series is set. The cash is just because… well, cash. It comes in handy. 😉
Becky Wade
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I found it amazing how many people are involved in the making of a cover. They did a fabulous job though because the cover is exquisite.
I always find that amazing, too, Kay! I’d imagine a cover shoot to include only the model, the photographer, and one assistant. But, in this case, the cover is a true collaboration between the designers at Bethany House, the photographer and his assistant, and the Hair and Make-Up Designer.
I enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes to making the cover. I’ve always wondered what went into it.
I’m glad you enjoyed this peek into the process!
Looks like so much fun
Maybe because I’m a creative person myself, artistic careers (like designer, photographer, editor) always look like fun to me, too, Jann.
You always have the best “behind the scenes” posts, Becky. Loved seeing all the pictures. It never ceases to amaze me how much magic the cover designers work after the shoot. Changing the dress color, purse color, adding backgrounds, title fonts and swirls. They are true artists!
I agree!
Really enjoyed the pictures and commentary.
Thanks for stopping by, Betty!
I’m fascinated that the dress is actually white! I love the final version, especially that Nora isn’t looking out but rather down. Just how I imagine she would be if on the cover of a book. Very introspective!
I think the mock ups are wonderful, but I love the final version, too!
Thanks for showing us ‘behind the curtain’ of the photo shoot. I always enjoy seeing all the work that goes into creating book covers. I’m especially intrigued with how they change the color of the dress and add background. I really like the mock-up in front of the fountain with her shoulders at a jaunty angle. It makes her look whimsical. Can’t wait to read Nora and John’s story.
“I’m especially intrigued with how they change the color of the dress and add background.” Yes! This post gives us a glimpse of how much work is dedicated to the creation of a cover after the photograph is taken.
I’m always fascinated by the making of a cover. I love original ones. I’ve seen too many stock model covers that pop up on numerous books.
In the book the shoes are described perfectly except they are golden in the book, these look silver. Also her hair is down when John first sees her in the dress.
The red “colorized” purse does standout and is eye catching.
“Also her hair is down when John first sees her in the dress.” You’re right, Gail! I knew readers would notice that Nora’s hair isn’t in a up do when she wears this dress and these shoes in a scene in True to You. I decided to have Nora wear the cover dress and shoes, anyway, because it was too enticing of an opportunity to pass up.
In real life, the shoes definitely look silver. But on the final cover, they look more gold to me. So I made them gold in the book. 🙂
It always surprises me when I see how much is done after the photo is taken. I like to think it’s taken on scene, but that seems to be a rarity. Even clothing/prop colors can change!
True! My Porter book covers were all shot outdoors, on scene. This is my first original, studio-shot cover. I agree with you. It’s fascinating to see all that’s done to a photo after it’s taken!
Love behind the scenes stuff! Great post! Will look forward to reading the whole series! Thanks!
Thanks, Paula!
Oh! I so love this. I love that so many people were involved. With the ease of stock of images, I always wonder how many book covers are truly created for the purpose of the story…rather than a quilting together of stock images (that might be everywhere else as well).
AND, I love many books created with stock images. But still…!
This post delights my heart because of the work behind the cover. It’s SO much more…I don’t know…magical?
Yes, the cover creation does feel a bit magical, doesn’t it? A combination of skill and pixie dust!
It surprises me the other 2 choices show the model’s face. 😀
That surprised me, too, Sabrina!
Becky, this is so awesome. I’m wishing I was young enough, pretty enough, to be a cover model. 🙂 ha ha. That looks so fun. You have an amazing team, Becky. And I love seeing the different cover choices. Thanks so much for sharing this inside look. You’re so awesome.
I do indeed have an amazing, team! Thanks for stopping by the blog, Shelli.
This is so interesting! I love seeing all the behind-the-scenes action. I think I’ve discovered my new career goal: Christian-fiction-cove-model. Haha!
Ha! #LIFEGOALS
I’m always fascinated by what goes into a cover shoot. Thank you for this peek behind the scenes. I think all the almost-winning covers were good, especially the two on the right. I’m actually reading this book right now [I read for a while before going to sleep, and sometimes during the day.] I’m loving it. Blessings to you, Becky.
PS…Love the shoes
I thoroughly enjoy reading at night before bed! I’m so happy to hear that you’re loving True to You so far, Diana. Thanks for reading it!
I love behind the scenes peeks. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
This was fascinating, Becky. It’s so fun to go behind the scenes to see what goes into the making of a cover. They chose well–your cover is striking! It makes me want to grab the book and read it! Which, of course, I will. 😀
Thanks so much for sharing this “insider” view of cover design. I was surprised by the actual color of the dress vs. its color on the book cover. Who gets the fun (and challenging) task of selecting apparel and accessories?
The cover designer, in this case Jennifer Parker, gets that fun and challenging task, Valerie. 🙂
I always enjoy the behind the scenes look at the making of your covers. I’m really excited that my book arrived today! Now I just have to finish what I’m currently reading.
Thanks, Pam! I hope you enjoy True to You.
Becky, thank you for the behind-the-scenes look at your cover shoot. I’m so excited to read about the Bradford sisters!
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As usual, this is a fascinating post, Becky! Thank you so much for sharing. Loved seeing these behind-the-scenes snapshots. While the mock ups are pretty, the cover ultimately chosen is perfect. Bravo to the BH team – and Joanna! 🙂