I love talking to authors. Our experiences are so similar, yet so very different, that every one of us has a new story to share. Everyone says that the moment you get your cover it really hits you – you’re an author. The cover is your story – and you – packaged for the world. So the process of the cover reveal can be slightly panic inducing. Does it fit your story? Is it what you hoped? Will it sell? With this in mind I put together the CRAP (Cover Reveal Anxiety Phase) Interview.
Today’s guest for the CRAP is Janae Marks, who has an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children from The New School. She grew up in the suburbs of New York City, and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughter. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is her debut novel.
Did you have any pre-conceived notions about what you wanted your cover to look like?
I knew I wanted an illustrated cover, and since that’s common for middle grade books, I was pretty confident that was the direction my publisher would take. What I really wanted was for my protagonist, Zoe—a Black girl—to be featured on the cover. Since children of color are underrepresented in children’s literature, I wanted it to be clear from the cover that this a story about an African American girl. My only other wish was that the cover wouldn’t be too feminine. I have no problem with those kinds of covers, but I wanted mine to appeal to a wider audience.
How far in advance from your pub date did you start talking covers with your house?
My editor’s assistant reached out to me in October 2018, eight months after I got my book deal, and about fourteen months before the book’s publication date.
Did you have any input on your cover?
Yes! First, my editor asked if I had any cover ideas. She said she couldn’t promise that the design team would be able to incorporate my suggestions, but they were open to hearing my thoughts. I sent descriptions of two scenes that might look nice as illustrations on the cover. A month later, my editor emailed me sample images from an artist they were considering. I loved the samples, but unfortunately that artist wasn’t available. A few weeks later, my editor sent samples from another artist who was available, Mirelle Ortega. I loved her work as well, so I was happy with this pick.
How was your cover revealed to you?
In December 2018, my editor emailed me two cover sketches that Mirelle had created, and asked me which one I liked better. Off the bat, I was happy they’d incorporated some of my cover ideas. I took a few days to think it over, and decided I liked the right image best.
In March 2019, nine months before my pub date, I received the final cover art! I didn’t have any input into the colors they chose, but I’m really happy with the color scheme. This cover is exactly what I dreamed of, and I love everything about it!
Was there an official "cover reveal" date for your art?
When my editor shared my final cover, she let me know that it could be revealed in June 2019, within two weeks of the Winter 2020 catalog going live. We revealed it on Mr. Schu’s blog, Watch. Connect. Read.
How far in advance of the reveal date were you aware of what your cover would look like?
I saw the final cover in March 2019, but couldn’t share it online until June!
Was it hard to keep it to yourself before the official release?
Yes! I saved the image on my phone and would show it to family and friends when I saw them in person. But I couldn’t wait to be able to share it online for everyone to see.
What surprised you most about the process?
I was surprised by how much input I got, since I’d heard that authors don’t often get a say. The process was so easy, which I’m grateful for since I know it can be stressful for some authors.
Any advice to other debut authors about how to handle cover art anxiety?
I think my experience was so positive because of the input I was given. If possible, let your publisher know what ideas you have for your cover! If there’s something you don’t like, work with your agent to let them know. Hopefully, in the end, you’ll end up with a cover both you and your publisher love.