I always enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes peek at how book covers are created. Here is a video and a few photos that describe the cover design process for my newest novel, The Bridge to Belle Island. I hope you enjoy them as I did. First a 3-minute video. Turn up your volume control!
Once the design direction is chosen, designer Jennifer Parker hires a model based on my character description and rents or buys a costume and any needed props. Below you can see the stylist, Tessa, transforming the model from a modern-day woman into a Regency heroine as the photographer looks on.

Below (left) photographer Mike regards our model through his view finder. On the right, designer Jennifer reviews an early shot.

Next, here are a few outtakes from the photo shoot. (Note: we considered having the model hold a basket—baskets play a role in the book—but in the end decided it was too reminiscent of “Red Riding Hood.” 🙂 Speaking of red, notice the color of the long coat or redingote. After the photo shoot, the designer digitally made it much redder.

And last but not least, here is the final cover, which I love. Hope you agree!

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope your 2020 is off to a good start.
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The process is so interesting. Thank you for sharing. I always appreciate behind-the-scenes info on the making of a finished book.
I love cover stories, Julie! This is a cool one and the cover is gorgeous, as always!
I loved the book Julie.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous cover . .. I love the red. And I loved the book!
Love the cover. Love your books and I am sure i will enjoy this one. Thanks for keeping me with great books to read.
It’s fascinating to see the before and after shots. Fun! I love the cover!
So interesting! Thanks for sharing this process.
It’s always a treat to get a peek into the cover design process! I really enjoyed these photos. 🙂
What a neat process! Thank you for sharing. I’m excited to dive in to this story! 🙂
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing the process of designing that cover.
Thanks for sharing the look behind the cameras with us blog readers!
I enjoyed reading your new novel–this was a great bonus.
I love these interesting how-they-came-about stories!
Can’t wait to read this book.
Thank you for sharing!