Lately the request for book covers has dominated my workload. I thought it would be interesting to talk about how authors can get what they want out of their covers. I’ve been a cover designer for 6 years, and during that time I’ve read through hundreds of cover art requests from authors. Every one has been unique and inspired me differently. The cover art form is the single most important piece of information an author can give an artist. Providing examples and images is popular, and sometimes helpful, but nothing compares to a detailed description of the characters and places, a copy of the blurb from the back of the book, and a quick excerpt.

A lot of times authors think some of the information being asked isn’t important, and don’t answer all the questions asked. Nothing is more frustrating to me than getting a questionnaire that doesn’t have the character’s hair color, or eye color, and then having that author later complain when the character doesn’t look like they described in the book.

Sometimes I get the opposite situation and get answers like his eyes were aqua, or turquoise, or onyx. LOL that one always makes me giggle. (I get that one a lot) Keep your answers straight forward, because you don’t want us to have to guess what you mean, and then guess wrong.

The answers to those questions are a cover artist’s only insight into your story and your ideas for the cover. We rarely read the book before making the cover. In fact, I don’t think I ever have read the whole book before making the cover. Usually the covers are done before the book is even finished being edited.

Here are some examples descriptions that stood out to me for some of my latest cover assignments:

“His long black hair would have looked good on a woman, but framing his rugged face and square jaw, it was gorgeous.”
That line stuck with me as a defining feature of the hero. I focused extra time on his hair, making sure it looked as she described.

For The Barbarian and The Witch by Sindra van Yssel coming out on Aug 23rd from Loose ID.

“Makhi is Strong, has the presence of a leader, bald headed or short cut hair, muscular and is African American.”
This description leaves no doubt about the feel you should get from her hero.

For Makhi by Mahalia Levey coming out on Aug 22nd from Liquid Silver Books.

A mystery romance. “Present day contemporary story, which takes place in the hottest part of July.”
This line affected every image used on the cover. Everything had to look hot and dry.

For Taken By A Killer by Miranda Stowe coming out on Aug 22nd from Liquid Silver Books.

Good, clear descriptions are the key to getting the most of your cover. It’s better to give more information than not enough.