I have been casting about for the proper metaphor for seeing the cover of your book for the first time. One writer I know compared it to childbirth: After a lot of hard work you get to see what your baby looks like. But then, well, I’m pretty sure people always like their babies, and they don’t always like their covers (though I sure love mine!)
Then I was thinking it was kind of like pottery, how you spin a pot and throw some glaze on there and put it in the kiln and it comes out looking shiny. But that’s not quite right either, because you pretty much know what a pot is going to look like when it comes out.
It resists comparison, people.
As an agent, I have heard many authors say that seeing the cover was when the whole publishing process seemed “real.” And now I see what they mean. It does seem more real.
Only: I think I misunderstood what people meant by “real.”
I had always thought it felt “real” for writers because the cover made the whole thing look more like an actual book. And yeah, that’s probably a part of it. But that’s not really how I experienced the “real” thing. There was more to it than that.
Up until that point when you see the cover, it’s difficult to imagine that someone else reading your book will have a different imagination of how things look and feel than you. As a writer, you have a certain idea of the physical and artistic aesthetic of the book: what the characters look like, which parts of the book comprise the essence, and what people will take away from it.
So when you see the cover for the first time, at first there’s inevitably a “Whoa, this wasn’t how I was picturing it.” And of course it wasn’t how you were picturing it! No one is going to interpret a book the same way you do, even though you wrote the darn thing.
But then, when the cover is good, there’s quickly a dawning that it captures the essence of the book. It’s not your imagination you’re seeing represented… and yet it is. It may not be how you physically pictured it, and yet there’s something there that is so so so right.
The real metaphor, I realized, is that the cover process is kind of like a physical manifestation of the writing and reading experience itself. People are out there reading your book, and they’re not picturing the same castle that you were picturing when you wrote it, and they’re not imagining the characters looking the same way as you were, and they’re not seeing the same fields and mountains. What’s happening in the minds-eye is unique to every reader.
And yet despite those differences, there is an essence that binds the writer and reader, a shared kernel that is hopefully passed through the words. We don’t often get those different interpretations drawn out for our viewing pleasure, but when the cover comes along, it’s “real” because it’s a reminder that a book isn’t all yours anymore. It will soon belong to readers, who will picture a different character and world than you were picturing, while hopefully absorbing the essence what you were truly going for.
I couldn’t be happier with how the cover for JACOB WONDERBAR turned out!! When I saw these characters illustrated I couldn’t believe how well they were captured. Thank you so much to Christopher S. Jennings for the illustration and Greg Stadnyk for the design!
:)Ash says
Congrats, Nathan. It's a fun cover and will stand out on the shelf (and will appeal to boys and reluctant readers, which is fantastic!).
Anonymous says
I like that a lot. I really enjoy the Percy Jackson series and I'm curious if this is along the same targeted age-range, etc. Just wondering. I don't mean to ask you to compare yourself (which must be annoying).
If it is kind of along that wavelength, I'll buy it.
Brittany says
Ooh, what an awesome cover! I can't wait to read your book when it comes out!
Robert says
I don't know if it works as a metaphor but your question reminded me of how people wonder, when they're young, what their future spouse will look like, and how they're completely oblivious to the fact that they've just met that person when it finally happens.
Dave says
Congratulations Nathan and how exciting!
aspiring_x says
i asked my eight-year old MG loving son if the cover looked like a book he would want to read. he immediately said, "yes!" so, i'm guessing that's a good sign as far as design goes. 🙂
i think it looks like a fun book!
Caroline Starr Rose says
Nathan, it's wonderful!
My editor just sent me ideas for my cover. It's so amazing to realize people are responding to my work. Can't wait to see how those ideas are handled by the illustrator.
Caroline Starr Rose says
Nathan, it's wonderful!
My editor just sent me ideas for my cover. It's so amazing to realize people are responding to my work. Can't wait to see how those ideas are handled by the illustrator.
Claire Dawn says
Great cover! Congrats!
Joanna says
Ah Nathan, you are almost a poet! This is so great and I am very happy for you. You deserve every success. What is the release date for Jacob Wonderbar
Nathan Bransford says
Thanks so much, everyone! anon, yes, it's a middle grade adventure so somewhat similar age range as Percy Jackson, though a different style. Joanna, it comes out next May.
Robert Marsh says
Way cool cover, Nathan. Congratamalations! Definitely makes me want to pick up the book and give it a read.
Damyanti says
Congratulations, and I know what you mean by the feeling of "realness" on seeing the book cover for the first time.
So far I've been part of short story anthologies, so the book covers do not reflect my story…but the day I have my own book, I can imagine feeling what you felt about the interpretation of your work in a way you as the author had never imagined.
Congrats!!
Colleen says
it's true! Even having had input into my first two book covers, I was surprised at the effect of actually puttign a cover on the book. With my next one, the publisher has full control of the art, and I'm both nervous and thrilled to see what will happen 🙂 Congrats on your gorgeous cover – definitely eye ctaching!
Terin Tashi Miller says
Congratulations, Nathan! That's terrific!
I have to say, even self-publishing and deciding on my own book covers, it is still exciting seeing your title, and your name, however large or small, on your "baby," and, as with children, your job is to encourage and teach it to live beyond you…:)
A major difference, of course, with self-publishing is you actually have far more control over what your cover looks like. I feel advantaged being able to create my own covers, just as I do being able to write what I want and how I want, without having to make any compromises or changes.
Though, I realize, without near the sales backing or distribution efforts of a "traditionally" published book. Or automatic reader reception…
But heart-felt and hearty congratulations on getting where we all long to be–having an idea accepted, a book written and now being able to see it as others will…
And, as with birthdays, let me be one of the first to suggest…"and many more…"
B.E.T. says
That's so true it's not even funny. I hope I can experience that one day. Glad you got to experience it with your work. It looks really cool, great design and, got to say it seems like it'll be funny. I should hope it gives a marvelous impression of the book as a whole.
Mary Ann Fraser says
Congratulations on the great cover! To me seeing the cover for the first time is like talking to someone over the phone for years and then finally getting to meet them in person.
abc says
My 7 year old daughter was looking over my shoulder as your cover was on the screen and she is now very excited to read the book. Jacob Wonderbar!
Windmill Duke says
Got stuck on you. Like it, your casual but informative (and mildly authoritative) style.
QUESTION: In round numbers so as to not give away trade secrets, what can we self publisher hopefuls count on as the cost of a first rate cover? Rules of thumb?
M.A.Leslie says
I can't completely understand the feeling that you are describing. I do have two beautiful children, which I feel in love with instantaneously, and that is something that I can put into perspective, but I haven't made it too far into the publishing process and have a long road ahead. One thing that I have noticed about myself is that I do imagine cover art. As I write I catch myself day dreaming and often I have found myself picturing exactly what I want the cover to look like even though I realize that could be considered putting the wagon before the horse. However, if I don’t dream it then it will never happen.
Anyway, congratulations on your success and I look forward to reading a copy with my eight year old son and my six year old daughter, who are two of the cutest children alive, not that I’m partial.
Jess says
Congratulations, Nathan! What a fun cover! I can't wait until I'm in your position, so for now, I'm glad we all get to live vicariously through you. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
itcantbeyou says
Interesting thoughts as always. The challenge is in the cover reflecting what you meant to convey in a manner which will appeal to readers. They are the guys who decide the fortunes of your book.
J. T. Shea says
The cover is the first adaptation of your story by someone else. The first of many, since every reader will use your novel as a script for the movie he or she makes in his or her own head.
Daisy Harris says
Wow, congrats! That's so exciting! I get a little nauseous (in a good way) reading this because I'll be seeing my first covers in the next few months. (Ahhh!)
I totally hear ya about feeling a loss of control sending your work out into the reading public. I always worry that my racy romances will carry too much of my politics over. Now I worry that the message will be totally mis-interpreted. Bui that's the sign of good writing, yeah? That everyone sees it in their own way.
I don't envy cover artists. What responsibility!
Congrats again. Yay you!!
Nancy says
Congrats, Nanthan. The cover looks enticing enough for a kid to pick it up and pull on Mom's sleeve. "I want this one, Mom. Please?"
And yep, there's nothing like a story born onto paper that came out of your own brain and fingertips. It's a unique thrill. Then the pain of publishing suddenly takes a back seat.
I'm going to buy it for myself. Enjoy the champagne!
Tara says
This doesn't really apply to those who design their own cover and do character sketches. But interesting anyway.
Parisa says
Congrats on the cover Nathan! I hope you soon get to enjoy holding the book in your hands for the first time!
Anonymous says
What a pleasure it is to share through your own happy experience the potential pleasure of seeing someone else's visual reaction to one's own writing.
Sylvia Allen Fisher says
Your cover is like a visual query for potential readers. It doesn't have to be a perfect representation – all it has to do is entice someone to open the book.
I'd open yours because the design makes me think of nifty shows like ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE and FUTURAMA. And I like the kids' expressions, irrepressible with a healthy dash of mischief.
Then there's the fact that your illustrator used a li'l NB orange. Bonus.
Big congratulations, Nathan! You're proof positive that putting good things out there in the world can come back in the best possible ways.
Ben Campbell says
It's "Real", Jacob should be proud of you.
Anita Saxena says
Wow! I really like the cover. I hope this doesn't sound too cheesy…but FAR OUT =)
Claudie says
That cover is so cool. And the title is orange! I bet you were happy about that (whenever you learned anyway.)
Congratz, Nathan. I love that cover.
Kristin Laughtin says
I can only imagine how it feels to see your own cover (although the feeling you described is somewhat what I expected), but I love the cover! It looks great and seems to capture what you have told us about the book.
wendy says
The cover has a lot of fun and energy about it. And has already enticed potential readers by the sound of it. My first cover for Tail Of The Sea Witch, done by Ardy Scott, was such a thrill – it was everything I could have imagined for a children's fantasy set around the Sapphire Sea.
Word Verification: enchmang
Ishta Mercurio says
Great cover!
And if seeing the cover of your novel reminds you that your novel isn't just "yours" anymore, just imagine how it would be if it were a picture book. :-0
Congratulations! Your book sounded fun to begin with, and the cover magnifies that. I`m looking forward to it!
minawitteman says
Congrats, Nathan!
Actually, it looks just like I imagine you: oozing energy, irresistibly inviting and most of all happy. I'd say the illustrator and designer not only captured the essence of the book, but the soul of the author as well.
I remember when my publisher told me one of the top Dutch illustrators – Philip Hopman – had been asked to illustrate my first one – Deedee's Revenge – I was in total awe. Philip did what these two guys did: capture every essence of the book. Even after 5 years it still makes me happy just looking at it.
Whirlochre says
This looks like fun.
Congratulations.
Adele Richards says
How exciting! I think it's a brilliant cover and an even better title! If every boy in the library/book shop doesn't pick it up I'll be amazed!
Remember us when you're rich and famous ! 🙂
wry wryter says
Years ago a friend of mine with a fantastic voice sang with a really good band. I wrote music back then, both lyrics and melody.
To hear one of my songs, sung beautifully by her, accompanied by all those musicians and then to hear the exclamation point of applause…ah…I know exactly how you feel.
It is one of those moments you will always remember. Ain't life grand?
Thermocline says
That's a very cool cover. It definitely makes your book look like a fun read.
Niki Schoenfeldt says
Bravo! You've put into words the very essence of what a good story is; something different for everybody. I always felt that an amazing writer is one that can make the majority picture the same or similar scenes. But even that cannot be etched in stone.
Congrats on your cover. It is a cool one!
sharonwrote says
Based on my 10-year-old son's taste in book covers, I think you've got a winner on your hands. (And I like it, too.)
Haste yee back ;-) says
Price of covers…
Windmill, somewhere on J.A. Konrath's blog is the name and email addy of his cover artist.
Take a look at the style, see if it suits you… I believe, Konrath initially stated his cover cost $300, no doubt they've gone up now.
You might visit sites like Deviant Art or Concept Art… (artist's styles and contact info is given) be prepared, you're gonna see some "out there" stuff, but some of these folks might be interested in doing a cover for you. Working digitally, you can always "tune" things down, or up, for that matter. You might google book cover designers, I'd stick with digital art, all you get is a thumbnail which is a simple upload, and resolution/size requirements can be obtained by inquiry – just a thought.
Good Luck,
Haste yee back 😉
Laurel says
Great cover! I'm so glad it turned out to your liking. Can't wait to read it 🙂
Sara says
Congratulations! That's so exciting! I can't even imagine how it must feel to see your cover for the first time…goosebumps! Just goosebumps 🙂 I agree with anon 9:31 p.m. – very well said.
The cover itself is so cute and fun – it will definitely appeal to kids. Heck, I'd want to read it and I'm in my 30s.
Melanie Simpson says
A great cover, Nathan. Congratulations! You mentioned that the reality of seeing your book cover is that it's "a reminder that a book isn't all yours anymore. It will soon belong to readers." Writing seems so personal. The novel as baby metaphor really resonated with me. My manuscript is yet unpublished, I suppose it's still in the womb, and I can't wait to see how it will eventually turn out! But, your remark was totally on-point. I teach college and often my class of freshman will get hung up wondering what an author meant. Authorial intent, as we know, can only get us so far. It is the readers' job to interpret and make meaning from the words.
gordonzola.net says
Your cover looks great! Congrats!!!!
My first cover, from the publisher I pulled the book from for other (but related) reasons, was clearly made by an intern with a (small) Getty Images budget. It was truly depressing and awful. It would have been embarrassing if it had come out with that.
Don says
Great cover for Jacob Wonderbar!
I saw my cover for the first time this week, and it was so different from anything I'd imagined that it took me an hour to realize I love it!
Bethany says
Cool cover, Nathan! I'm looking forward to seeing the cover art of one of my books when I get to that point 🙂
Magdalena Munro says
Your cover looks great and most importantly, I'm glad you love it. When my husband and I took the plunge and "merged" our books (blech ereaders…I love our library!!) I was taken aback by how awful the cover was for his version of Narcissus And Goldmund and insisted we give his away and keep mine for the library. I'm the exact same way with coffee mugs. They have to have the right artwork and texture/feel for me to really enjoy my cup of coffee.