For a long time I knew exactly what the dream book cover for The Black Velvet Coat would look like. My original yard sale coat, the inspiration for the novel, would appear to be floating on it. The snowflake pin needed to be shining on the collar too. I also wanted it to feel magical.
Usually an author doesn’t have a say on what their cover looks like, but She Writes Press encourages author input and even have their authors fill out a survey to convey their desires. When it came time for me to do so I completed it with enthusiasm. They asked for other book covers I liked and for my own short one-minute description. My ten adjectives were: mysterious, magical, romantic, suspenseful, intriguing, adventurous, dramatic, poignant, engaging and nourish. They asked about the book’s themes, what I wanted readers to get out of reading it, and what colors I wanted used, etc. My husband even climbed up on a ladder in the gallery, put the coat high up on a track lighting rod and took photo examples to send along.
Brooke Warner, my publisher loved the idea of using the original coat and so I shipped the coat to the east coast to Julie Metz, the cover designer, so she could take professional photos and incorporate it into the cover art. A week later I received a draft attached to an email and a chill went up my spine. It was exactly as I had dreamed! Using a wooden hanger, my coat had been hung on an old door with peeling paint, complete with a brass knob. It was just how I had imagined Anne’s rundown San Francisco studio apartment. The stars at the top could have been right out of the Northern Arizona desert sky that Sylvia had gazed at during her redemptive journey. And at the bottom clouds reminiscent of an angry sea reminded me of the scene of the crime.
They say you can’t tell a book by its cover, but if one could, this certainly was it.
Doesn’t it just make you want to read the book?
Yes, it does make me want to read the book! It’s fabulous and I can’t wait. Thanks for sharing the “behind the scenes” story of the cover.
You have your own “behind the scenes” story for the cover of your book, “Fourteen,” that’s coming out soon too!
Yes, I want to read the book! When can I get a copy?
I’m so glad you want to read it! You can order your copy through Amazon and everywhere books are sold. If you prefer you can buy one at Warwick’s on October 11th at my first signing!
I love getting back story understanding about the books I read. Thanks for the story about the cover Jill. I’d enjoy character history that is not in the book too! I’m excited to buy my signed copy at Warwicks on 10/11 book signing. I’m bringing friends ???? ???? Holly
It will be so great to have you at my first signing on 10/11! Thanks for inviting your friends too.
Can’t wait! This coat is similar to one a bought at a flea market a few years ago.
Jill this backstory is wonderful! I am intrigued, and now impatient, for a copy. Thanks for the update.
Oh Jill ! It is perfect! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, the cover, and Jerry hanging it for the example shot.
So Happy to see this book full OUT!!!
Yes, it’s all very exciting! And I know you can remember when I first started working on it.
What a great story behind the story…YES! Want to read!
Jilly Bean, How do I get a copy of the book? I am so excited! You know I sell paper to commercial print shops for a living. It is always a joy to see the end product! Good luck! PS That photo of you is FAB!!!!
Joannie – You can order your copy through Amazon and everywhere books are sold. If you prefer you can buy one at Warwick’s on October 11th at my first signing!
This is a mouth-watering title. Is it for sale now? Where?
Congratulations, Jill. I adore your creativity.
It is for sale on Amazon and wherever books are sold. You can also ask your favorite bookstore to order it for you. It officially isn’t released until October 6 but I hear Amazon starts mailing out two weeks early.
Can hardly wait to celebrate with you and read your book. ❤️Josie
Perhaps others wonder, as I often do, whatever happened to a particular item of clothing that seemed to be special. I wonder if someone is wearing it or if torn up for rags. The name of this book brings those memories to my mind and I’m eager to read it.
Aunt Jeanne – I’m so glad you want to read it. I hope you like it!
Congratulations, Jill! You finished a book – and you conjured up a beautiful cover!! Will keep eyes open for it!
Valentina
Yes, the cover and your description are very inviting!
Well done 🙂