Cover Reveal

Early in the writing process of a new book, I am required to turn in a form to my publisher with lots of different information about the work in progress. Included in this information are suggestions for the cover such as significant locations, items that play an important role, etc.

The problem for me, as a seat-of-the-pants writer, is that my story can change a lot as I write the book. That certainly was the case for my July 2021 release, Make You Feel My Love. For one thing, I believed I was writing the first book in a new series that would be built around an antique store. However, I eventually realized that this was a stand-alone novel, not the first of several.

When still thinking this was a series book, I suggested the antique shop be on the cover. But when the first comp arrived soon after I finished writing the book, it was immediately clear that my initial idea was all wrong for the story I’d written.

It wasn’t the antique shop itself that was important to the storyline but what was found in it. I began to visualize how the discoveries could be used on the cover. After a flurry of email exchanges with my editor and agent, including a few visuals (here’s one composite) …

… the designer came back with the absolutely perfect cover. And here is the final version of it …

The first time I saw this cover, my heart leapt. I know. Cliché, right? But it’s true. Even now when I look at it, I’m thrilled.

I’ve been asked by authors whose first or second books have been released if the publication process is always as exciting as it is at first. While in some respects the excitement is different, it is still there.

There are certainly treasured moments, like when my editor, in her revision letter for Make You Feel My Love, wrote:

• “The story wrapped me up right from the beginning. It’s full of life and encouragement and reminders of God’s love.”
• “Reading your writing feels like drifting down a peaceful creek, and I’m grateful for it!”

Another treasured moment is when a cover turns out just right, like this one.

To learn more about Make You Feel My Love, visit the book’s page on my website.

Does the cover make you want to learn more about the woman holding the violin? Do you want to discover who those people are in the old photograph? Please share your thoughts in the comments.