As authors, seeing the cover for the first time can either be a joyous occasion or cause for great despair. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with some truly lovely covers. And when my editor asked if I wanted some behind the scenes candids she took during the photo shoot for A Worthy Pursuit, I jumped at the chance. It was even more fun to learn the story behind the models selected for the cover.
The models are Chad and Carissa Maki, a married couple with ties to Bethany House. Carissa works in the publisher’s administrative department with rights, contracts, advance payments, and sales data. She’s also been on the cover for Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Dee Gist and the repackage of The Winds of Autumn by Janette Oke.
I must say they make a good looking couple, especially when chad is fully decked out in hat and duster. You might not be able to tell, but he’s even wearing spurs. And Carissa’s skirt and blouse are exactly how I pictured them. They couldn’t have dressed her more perfectly. Especially with the cameo at her throat. That brooch shows up often in the story.
Dan Thornberg is my cover designer. One of the best in the business. They did the photo shoot in his basement studio. In fact, he even built the fence they used in the shots. Talk about dedication to your art. Thanks, Dan!
As you can imagine, it’s hard to know exactly which shot will make the most compelling cover, so they tried out many different poses and iterations of pursuit. Here are a few:
These next two were fun . . .
Turning the tables
Showing off some petticoat.
And here is the version that became the final cover. You’ll notice they changed the skirt color to blue and added appropriate scenery.
There are a few things that didn’t match the story perfectly. Since the book came out, I’ve had several reviewers comment about how the cover model didn’t match the mental picture they had for Charlotte. Many of the complaints stem from hair color issues. I created Charlotte as a heroine with dark blonde/light brown hair, but when I described it in the story, I talked about sun streaming through honey. This gave some readers the impression of auburn hair instead of light brown.
Also, Charlotte is a very controlled, stoic heroine with trust issues, and Carissa’s expression is so playful and joyous, that I worried it didn’t accurately portray my heroine. However, my editor later explained that the more serious expressions tried out during the photo shoot made the cover too menacing and more like a suspense novel than the light-heart historical romance that I’m known for. So they opted to match my brand instead of my specific heroine. I think they made the right choice.
How about you?
- What cover option do you like the best?
- Does it bother you when a cover model doesn’t match the mental image you have for the character he/she represents?
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Hi Karen, I love seeing the behind the scene photos of the cover shoot. It’s aways fun to see how the designer and photographer pull it all together. I must say I love the blue skirt. That really makes the cover stand out. I’m looking forward to reading this story!
I agree, Carrie. That color really pops. So glad they worked their magic with it. 🙂
Hi Karen. I am guilty as charged. My version of Charlotte and Stone dont match the cover BUT that’s what makes reading so great. We are only limited by our own imagination. Although the characters aren’t what I pictured I still really like the cover and I loved the book. Congrats!
Thanks, Cynthia. I remember a time when I was jerked out of the story I was reading because the hero’s blonde hair was described. Blonde? In my head he was definitely dark haired despite the author’s description. I just like them tall, dark, and handsome in my imagination. Ha!
How very fun to see the behind the scenes pictures of your new cover, Karen! I always love getting to see the “extra” pictures! And I really love seeing BHP staff getting on the covers. The little boy on my first lighthouse book is the son of one of the BHP staff!
Very cool, Jody! I didn’t realize that. So sweet!
As a reader when I see the cover model that’s the image that comes to mind when I read the story. As for which cover I liked the best I choose either the first one or the one chosen. I think I like the chosen one best. I definitely like the blue skirt better than the tan one. Brings more color to the cover.
Thanks, Shirley. Glad you like the one they chose. 🙂
This was so interesting! THANKS for sharing! I thought all the photos were good! I like the blue skirt better than the tan–just my personal preference! (grin!)
You bet, Barb! 🙂
I often compare the cover images of the characters to my interpretation based on reading the novel, but I am an artist as well as a writer, so that sort of comparison is second nature.
I like the cover design, but I also like some of the other shots. The first photo, with Carissa leaning on the fence, is my favorite.
Congratulations on the new book. Best wishes,
Carrie
Thanks for sharing your artistic perspective, Carrie!
Love your books and really like the great job that Bethany does. The editing staff does a great job. For me the covers don’t have to be perfect. Each of us will see things just a little differently.
I agree, Nancy. Everyone has there own interpretation of the characters.
Interesting Karen. I caught the cover the other day and thought it was eye-catching—a little different—so I think it works. If she really isn’t playful, they could have simply made her smile slight. I. like Carrie Lynn, liked the first fence picture, too. She just needed a “hidden” smile.
I am going to be doing an Indy cover working with my kids who are prof. photographers so I think that will be fun. Covers are a big deal to me as a reader. If I see the slightest seductive edge, I will not buy it. I like your fun covers because as you said—that is your brand.
Indie covers are a whole new world when it comes to cover art. Having one that is well done makes all the difference. I bet your kids will give you an edge. 🙂
I love the cover too, Karen. Getting to see some of the other pictures taken and learning a little about the models is a real treat! I also love what Bethany House has been doing with different pictures for front, back and spine!!!
It’s awesome that they used a married couple. The last couple of “meet the models” I’ve seen used couples who were dating when they took the pictures but then broke up before the book released and learning that kind of put a damper on the whole experience. Shows that the WHOLE book process has an impact!! Really looking forward to reading this one!
Thanks, June. Yes, I loved the whole “married couple” angle. Adds a little extra romance to the experience. 🙂
How fun to see the candid images from the cover shoot. They did a great job! It is hard when the cover doesn’t match the heroine perfectly. But I agree, I think it was better to match your brand than the heroine completely. And I think that, in general, things are never going to be perfect!
So true, Melanie. If we hold out for perfection from others (or what OUR version of perfection is), we’ll never be content. I’m happy with the overall result, and as long as people like what is between the covers, I’m be completely happy. 🙂
This is too fun! I love seeing all the different poses tried on for size–especially the one where the tables are decidedly turned! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Wasn’t that fun? I think it was done just for kicks since Charlotte was definitely NOT the pursuer in this story. But I loved seeing the pics. 🙂
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
You’re so welcome, Victoria!
How fun – enjoyed getting to see behind the scenes. The perfect pose was picked for the cover.
Thanks, Ann!
I do like the final cover, but I do have to say that the photo of Carissa leaning on the fence is my favourite. I think not only does it match your brand, but it also matches the character of Charlotte a bit more. The touch of blue for the skirt was also a good idea. It makes the cover more eye-catching than the original nude colour.
You have a point, Alyssa. It does show her more actively trying to shut him out.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes pictures of creating a book cover. All of your covers are beautiful and eye catching. I especially liked this cover. I was wondering why the man’s face is cut off. This is usually the case in a lot covers and I wondered what the reason was behind it.
I think it was more due to space constraints than anything else. CBA covers tend to focus more on the female and the dress for historicals. Plus, it gives you the freedom to imagine the hero any way you want to. 🙂
How fun to see this part of the process. Great couple!! I actually liked the first gate photo, where she is standing and leaning on the fence, the best, but the shot selected is fun, too. I do look at covers, some catching my eye more than others. I am a historian and read almost exclusively historical fiction for my pleasure reading. Since I am interested especially in the last half of the 1800s lifeways on the western frontier, I always notice the accuracy of clothing and all accessories. If there is a little fudging, I can let it pass, but major errors drive me crazy! Shopping for a book, I usually look at the cover and then turn pages to grind the date in which the story is set! How bad is that? ;-P I do love your books. Such fun to read!!
Thanks, Bonnie! Yes, I’m picky about those historical details, too. That’s why I was so happy with the clothes they found for Charlotte. They were perfect! Several people have liked that back to the fence shot. Interesting. I wonder if it made the final rounds during the selection process. Hmm . . .
What a fun post today, Karen! I always love when an author shares how the cover is chosen. I really like all the poses here, it looks like they both had a LOT of fun! It also made my heart sigh when you said these two are married…what a fun way to connect and have fun together! Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures and for the background story behind them. I truly enjoyed it 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it, Trixi. I was giddy when my editor first sent them to me, and that was months ago. I was glad to finally get to share them with everyone.
Covers are meant to sell books, and this one will. However, I cast my vote for the first one as perhaps conveying the storyline best, with less smile and more of a pout. My favorite is still the one of the girl in yellow about to mis-step off the porch. Is it fair to ask which of your titles has been the best seller, although some have not been out as long as others.
In my years of writing it always amazes me what I thought was the best was not always what sold the most and what sold the most was not always what I thought was my best!
Thanks, Nancy.
My two best sellers to date have been A Tailor-Made Bride – my first book, so it’s been out the longest, and Short-Straw Bride. Short Straw was kind of my break-out novel.
Karen Short Straw Bride was my all time favorite cover of yours and one of my all time favorites of anyone’s. So cute. And loved the book.
How exciting to see the cover shoot photos! I’m always eagerly anticipating reading your next book! A Worthy Pursuit looks like it will be another great story.
To answer your question, Yes. I do like the cover image to match my mental image but usually the differences aren’t huge. On one occasion, a book cover had a blonde and was described as a dark brunette. Now that bugged me. My biggest complaint about covers nowadays is the chopping off of heads. I really don’t care for that look but in reality it has nothing to do with the actual story, so I ignore it. But I won’t buy a book that has a cover like that. I try to find them in the library if I haven’t managed to snag one for review purposes.
Ha! So many of mine have had cut off heads or partial heads. Even here, Charlotte gets cut off at the forehead. LOL.
I know! But I ALWAYS read your books. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this ‘behind the scenes’ peek at your cover shoot, Karen! It’s such fun to know a little something about the models and how the cover creation process led to the final result.
I agree, Becky. I was excited this time to learn that you aren’t the only author with married folks on the cover. 🙂
Beautiful cover. Thanks for mentioning Dan Thornberg, nice to know he is still with Bethany.
Still working with them and doing excellent work!
I don’t usually mind if the heroine looks different… unless it’s a drastic change. From your descriptions, I’d say, this cover suits your heroine and book well even if there are minor differences. Thank you so much for sharing this Karen. Love these BTS looks at cover art. 🙂
Thanks, Rissi!
How fun. Thanks for sharing. Reading it now. And of course, loving it.
Awesome! So glad you are enjoying Stone and Charlotte’s story. 🙂
Besides the one that was chosen for the cover, I like the one where she is leaning on the fence looking over her shoulder at him. I love the expression on her face and the attitude she is giving him. Thanks for sharing the pictures! I enjoy all the “behind the scenes” stuff.
That one seems to be the most popular. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Love behind the scenes! Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome, Andrea! 🙂
I love the final cover! yes, I have been disappointed by a heroine that didn’t match what I had pictured her
Glad you like the final version, Sheila. It’s hard when what we picture in our minds is so different from another person’s interpretation. 🙂
I love this! So fun seeing the behind the scenes. I do prefer for the model to match the character description, and I personally think this sweet lady matches Charlotte just right. I agree that your editor made the right choice as far as matching the cover with your style – it’s so fun and pops with color and humor. Love, love, love! 🙂
Thanks, Nicole. I’m very pleased with the final result.
Love seeing behind the scenes! Great fun! Thanks, Karen.
So glad you enjoyed peeking behind the curtain, Susan. 🙂
I actually love that you can’t always see the faces or the full faces. I like to let my imagination fill that in! And to me, that’s what makes a book yours- it’s your ‘stamp’…..And my favorite book and cover was “Tailor Made Bride” That dress was so elegant!
I LOVED that dress! In fact, after I saw the finished cover, they showed me some of the previous iterations, and the dresses were all very simple calico. Right for the time period but not for my dressmaker heroine. I was so thankful they went back and searched again until they found just the right dress. I think that dress on the cover got people to try a new author when a plainer style would have been passed over.
Since I’ve started following lots of authors I’ve noticed, and even pointed out to one or two, that the same model has appeared on various covers with the backgrounds changed. The model looked the same and was even in the same pose. One model caught my interest enough to want to read what the story was about. I do tend to refer back to the cover when I’m picturing in my mind what the character should look like. Most of the time I don’t hone in on minor details. The story line is what’s important to me.
And my I say no matter how good a book might be, I will not read about or buy one that has a bare chested man on the front, the or a woman with half her clothes off!
I know what you mean, Gail. I don’t mind the same model on covers if the clothes and poses are different, but when it is obviously the same stock photo image, that’s when it is sad. No one wants to have the same cover as another. I’m so thankful Bethany House does their own photo shoots and creates unique designs for all their covers. I’ve never had to worry about a duplicate cover.
Thank you for posting this. It is quite interesting to read background information. Covers are so important as a reader might just pick a book based on it.
I just finished your book and I loved it!
Thanks, Jeanette. Hey – that name sounds familiar. I think Charlotte’s mother shares your name. 😉
Love everything about this cover! And the sun streaming though honey–I thought the description matched perfectly with the cover! Natural honey they would’ve had in the 1890s is much darker than, say, the stuff you get at McD’s. 🙂 Especially winter honey. The heroine’s smiling a motherly smile at the beginning also matched the cover in my opinion. With so many different talents involved in creating a cover, it’s a wonderful thing when it all comes together so cohesively. This one’s a beauty!
I love seeing behind the cover ‘scenes’. Thank you so much for sharing! I love the cute cover, and I am glad they changed her skirt blue. 🙂