At a recent meeting of the Minnesota chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, our guest speaker was Jennifer Parker, Senior Graphic Designer at Bethany House Publishers. Jennifer began by asking us what we thought made a good cover, and then went on to explain her thoughts, and the process she goes through to create the beautiful covers she designs for many bestselling authors, including several Inspired by Life and Fiction authors: Lynn Austin, Tamera Alexander, Jody Hedlund, Becky Wade, me, and Karen Witemeyer too, I think. (Karen?)
Some of Jennifer’s recent covers. Doesn’t she do great work?
Julie and Jennifer
I met Jennifer Parker about 17 years ago back when I was the advertising manager for Bethany House Publishers and I interviewed her for a job as a graphic designer. I consider it one of the accomplishments from my years there that I’m most proud of—being smart enough to hire Jennifer Parker!
Jennifer’s covers consistently win online reader’s choice awards and top spots on Goodreads favorite cover lists. And it was an honor to have her share her insights on cover design with us.
Among other things, Jennifer shared the challenges of creating the best cover (attractive & attention-getting, accurately representing genre, readable, etc.) for each book, searching out background photos, and the many steps she goes through in preparing for photoshoots to create unique images for her covers. One funny story she shared was when the beautiful model she’d chosen (who’d worn scarves and long sleeves in all her sample shots) showed up for the photoshoot with a very modern-looking tattoo! The tattoo would have shown under the short-sleeved Regency gown Jennifer had ordered. Thank heavens she had also had a long-sleeved Spencer jacket made as well. (Though knowing Jennifer and the magic of Photoshop, she could have taken care of it one way or another. 🙂 )
Transformation!
When asked if she ever receives feedback from readers about her covers, Jennifer replied that she does. I was glad to hear that readers and reviewers (especially book bloggers) have taken the time to pass on positive comments when they love one of her covers.
As an author, I often receive praise about the covers of my books and am quick to redirect all kudos to Jennifer and the creative team at Bethany House. I have very little to do with the covers beyond providing input in the form of a 
synopsis, photos of how I see my characters, and ideas for costume and setting. Jennifer and the team take it from there. Here’s what I recall of the steps Jennifer described, in layman’s terms:
- Creating sketches/mock-ups from author & editor input and period research
- Creative team and marketing input
- Hiring model(s)
- Directing stylist, who transforms model’s hair & makeup for period
Teamwork: editor, designer, photographer, creative director, model
- Finding costumes, jewelry, and props
- Working with a professional photographer
- Taking tons of shots and then arduously narrowing them down
- Creating the cover with photo, design elements, typestyles, etc.
- More input from the creative team, sales team, etc.
- Finalizing the cover
Whew! A lot of work, but what wonderful end results.
How would you answer the question: What makes a good cover?
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Hi Julie, This was fun to learn more about the steps behind the cover process. Jennifer is a very gifted designer! Thanks for sharing this info and photos.
Hi Carrie, You’re so awesome to stop by and comment so faithfully. Glad you enjoyed the post. Your covers are gorgeous, too. I see one of yours is up for an award!
I loved this post, Julie! I’m endlessly fascinated with book cover creation.
Jenny is so, so talented. I’m beyond grateful to have had her as the cover designer for my novels. I’m going to blog about the making of my new cover on Friday and Jenny will feature in that post, too. :))
Me, too, Becky.I love seeing the behind-the-scenes-making-of features of book covers as well as movies!I’ll look forward to your post!
I loved this inside peek to cover creation, Julie. Being so far away from Bethany House, I rarely get to see anything beyond the final result of the cover. Charlene used to sneak into the photo sessions sometimes and take photographs and send them to me. That was always fun to see.
I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure of working with Jennifer. Apparently, you have to be named Dan to work on my covers. 🙂 All of my previous ones were designed by the fabulous Dan Thornberg. My most recent cover was designed by Dan Pitts.
The cover is so important. It is our first impression. And I am so thankful for the talented designers who create such fabulous impressions for us.
I wondered, Karen! Your covers are so fun and appealing, I just assumed, I suppose. The Dans do great work, too, obviously!
What makes a good cover? Tenderness. A tenderness that moves hearts. Those are my favorite.
Interesting observation, Shelli! Tenderness is moving, you’re right, and probably tricky to achieve. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment.
Bethany House does a wonderful job. Jennifer’s designs are among my favorite covers. So talented!
Hi Lynn. I know Jennifer enjoys reading your books, that probably helps. 🙂
I just loved Jennifer’s presentation, probably one of my favorite chapter meetings, and we’ve had many good meetings. 🙂 Jennifer is so very talented, her covers are works of art!
I honestly had no clue about the many steps & many opinions it takes to put together the amazing covers, though I’m not surprised.
As for what I think makes a good cover ~ color attracts my attention, and the picture asking a story question will get me to pick up the book.
Thanks, Brenda. It was a great meeting, I agree. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for being our talented chapter president!
Beautiful and fascinating. So much goes into making a lovely cover and these are exquisite! It’s nice to know other talented people also become a part of making a story into a book!
Thanks, Lenora. Publishing really is a team effort, isn’t it?
So interesting to see what goes into creating a book cover – – Wow!
Thanks for sharing this with us, Julie (by the way, ALL of your covers have been amazing, imho). 🙂
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
p.s. IF I’m ever pubbed, I’d request in addition to the cover model on my book, a feline would add a nice touch, LOL. 😉