I've always known that a lot of planning and work went into a book cover, but nowhere was that more apparent to me than in the cover for Waiting for Spring. One of the first steps is to select a model. Normally I don't know who the model is, but this time, her mother contacted me, so I know that the beautiful woman who was selected to portray Charlotte is Eleanor Holm. Once she was chosen, the next challenge became finding a dress that was appropriate for Charlotte. Since Charlotte was the premier dressmaker and designer in Cheyenne, she needed a very special gown. Enter Sally Clark of Sally C Designs. She custom made this gorgeous silk gown for my cover.
And then there's the background design. I was absolutely delighted when Revell's art director incorporated one of my photographs. (Okay, I'll admit it. I didn't take this picture. My husband did.) It's a building that's still standing in Cheyenne, the Tivoli.
And then came the magic part -- the designer putting all the elements together to create the final product. I couldn't be happier with it. What do you think? Is there anything you'd change?
What a wonderful story! I can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteI want that dress!
ReplyDeleteCindy -- The whole process of creating this cover was so much fun for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Dena, I want the dress, too. Unfortunately, it's well beyond my price range.
This cover is pure magic. Between it and the story (which sounds so much like my great-grandmother's life) this should be a bestseller.
ReplyDeleteMary -- It'll be interesting to see if the story does remind you of your great-grandmother. There are certain things I hope she never encountered.
DeleteThank you so much for the opportunity to make this special dress for your book. It was an honor :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful cover, beautiful model, I can't wait to read the book
Regards
Sally
Sally -- Everyone who sees the dress wants to know who made it. I hope you get more sales, because you're a fabulous designer.
DeleteThis was so fun to see how they brought the different elements together for your cover. It's great!
ReplyDeleteCarrie -- I'm so pleased with the way it turned out. I continue to be amazed at the attention to detail that Revell puts into its covers.
DeleteI guess I never thought about how a special cover like this comes into being. Thanks for the walk through of the creative process. Result: Beautiful! Makes me want to hurry up and get the new book, grab a cup of tea and start reading. I loved the photo of the Trivoli in Cheyenne! Elegant. Best Success, Amanda!!
ReplyDeleteGinny -- At one point, the Tivoli was "the" place for afternoon tea in Cheyenne. I wish it still were, because it would be a great place for a book launch party.
Deletelovely
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like it!
DeleteI love it. I love the brilliant blues with the reddish building background. Covers just amaze me these days and really do influence what I pick from my stacks both in physical books, but especially in eBooks.
ReplyDeleteI know we've been told not to judge a book by its cover, but we all do. That's why I'm so pleased with this one.
DeleteIt's a striking cover, Amanda! Thanks so much for explaining the interesting process.
ReplyDeleteKatherine -- There's more to the process. I'm guest blogging about it tomorrow.
DeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Thanks immensely for sharing this process, but most especially--sharing yourself! Can't wait to read it...
Bobbe -- I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover! And how interesting that all these separate, contemporary pieces came together to form one historical cover.
ReplyDeleteKarin -- It's amazing what the designers can do, isn't it?
DeleteAmanda, I love this cover! Of course, all of your covers have been beautiful, but I think this one is my favorite so far.
ReplyDeleteThe background behind the cover makes it all the more special. How exciting!
I can't wait to read "Waiting for Spring." Have a wonderful weekend!
Penny -- This is my favorite too. I wonder if it's possible to top it.
DeleteGreat cover. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteSharon -- I'm glad you like it. As you could tell, I'm very pleased with the cover.
DeleteBeautiful dress and eye-catching cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cynthia!
DeleteI just LOVE your cover. My favorite color is blue, and what a wonderful shade of blue the dress is. Even the black in the dress is appealing. I always prefer the male to be on the cover, but if not, all the more important to get the cover right. I’m currently reading Waiting for Spring, and loving it.
ReplyDeleteKym -- I'm so glad you're enjoying the book. I'll pass your comment about liking the hero on the cover to the art director. I know she's always happy to receive feedback.
DeleteI just read the book and found this post fascinating - I had no idea you had an actual dress made up! And to know who the model is -- how fun!
ReplyDeleteSusan -- The whole experience was so much fun. And of course, I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
DeleteI love the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lena. I do too.
DeleteThanks for sharing how your cover came together. It's lovely. And it was fun to see the cute photo of the model as herself!
ReplyDeleteJohnnie -- Isn't Eleanor a beauty? I'm so happy she became Charlotte for the cover.
DeleteI really enjoyed this Amanda. I love the photo of the old Bldg. in Cheyenne. The old ones are always fasinating to me. The dress is beautiful and will be very expensive I imagine. I love the whole cover and wish I could read the book at some point. Maxie
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the process!
ReplyDelete