Cover Art

Cover art.

So much rides on those two little words.

Readers tell us time and time again that they literally do judge a book by its cover.

I know I do. It’s the cover that draws me to pick up a book by an author I might not already know. If the picture or artwork on the front intrigues me, I flip it over and read the summary on the back. And if that “grabs” me, then and only then, will I take a peak inside where I might read the first line, the first paragraph, the first page. (And if I get to the end of the first page, you can bet that book is going into my basket.)

So, as an author, I get pretty anxious about the cover art. I try extra hard to paint detailed word pictures when I fill out the questionnaire for the Art Department. I talk with my editor about what I’d like—and what I wouldn’t like—to see on the cover. And then, I wait. Fingers crossed. Toes curled. Until the day I receive an email that says the cover of my book is ready. That’s when I squeeze my eyes tight, say a little prayer, and click on the attachment.

And squeal for joy!!!!

Because Harlequin’s Art Department is amazing. Because they absolutely nailed the cover of my June release, The Daddy Catch, with a gorgeous setting, the perfect hero and a little boy with a melt-your-heart smile. Because my editor, Laura Barth, suggested there should be fly fishing vests. And because she writes the best, most wonderful blurbs for the back of the book.

I create the story, but it really takes a village to shape my words into a book. I’m so glad that Harlequin is my village.