Covers and Content

There are lots of exciting moments in a writer's life. Having the book come together just as you'd hoped. Days when the characters spark with life and teach you things you didn't realise about the story you thought you knew so well. Opening your email to find a message from a reader who loved one of your stories. And, seeing the cover of your next book for the first time and (hopefully) falling for it.

Many writers have input to their covers but I'm not aware of anyone who has the final say in what their book will look like. That's in the hands of art departments and marketers. Personally, I find myself holding my breath when I open the box I know has my new title in, after all this is someone else's interpretation of what your story is about. That story you worked on frenetically for so long, and lived day and night.

Recently, when I opened a package with my first (UK) editions of PRINCE OF SCANDAL, I was thrilled. I love the colour scheme (especially the touches of red), I love the intensity of the couple staring into each other's eyes (so like Luisa and Raul, it reminded me of a number of scenes from the story). I particularly enjoyed the feel of elegance and a hint of royal glamour, since this was the story of an ordinary girl (a dairy farmer in fact) who enters of marriage of convenience with a prince. I did wonder for a moment or two how Luisa's blonde hair had morphed into what appear to be lovely long, dark locks. I did ponder the castle so beautifully lit to gold (I'd imagined an alpine setting perched high on a mountain). But the feel of it, and particularly the intensity of that look between Raul and Luisa was spot on.

Then just a couple of days ago, I found the North American Presents cover of the same book. The cover gods must have been smiling on me for I love that cover too. Again, Raul and Luisa are embracing, and Raul is looking darkly handsome. This cover doesn't have the same focus on the royal theme in the book (no castle in sight) but I smiled when I saw it, as the cosy wood panelling and the sense of intimacy in the room, remind me of that intensity between the couple in the story. Even surrounded by courtiers so often, and with the eyes of the public on them whenever they step outside, what sticks in my mind is the intimacy that grew so quickly between Luisa and Raul, and I feel this cover captures that perfectly. Maybe it's coincidence but I enjoyed the fact that it hints that they manage to turn a royal castle into a home. Plus the model for Luisa is just as I'd pictured her!

That's not always the way. Take Rafiq in THE SHEIKH'S RANSOMED BRIDE. Handsome as he is, the model for this cover lacks one thing Rafiq had - shoulder length black hair (usually hidden or tied back, except in the bedroom). I assume the decision was made to give him short back and sides because that might appeal to more readers. I understand that and it doesn't bother me, though it did make me grin, especially when I saw the Russian edition which had the same illustration, but with the addition of a long mullet - superimposed long dark hair to go with the short cropped sides.



By contrast, here's the same book in manga (comic book) edition. This is my first English language comic book - just out! This Rafiq has long hair and is certainly dashing. The illustrations inside focus a lot on the theme of his pirate ancestry which is lots of fun. I think the cover captures beautifully the whole exotic Arabian Nights feel of the story and I know I'd be tempted to pick it up and browse on the basis of that. For me it's fascinating to see how two such different interpretations of the same characters and situation still manage to evoke certain similar themes.

Do you have a favorite cover? Favorite styles of covers? Do you buy on the basis of a cover? I'd love to hear what other readers think and I'll forward a selection of signed cover flats to one person, chosen at random, who leaves a comment.

If you want to find out more about the books mentioned here, you'll find details and excerpts on my website. PRINCE OF SCANDAL is released in May (UK) and mid July (US), while the comic book of THE SHEIKH'S RANSOMED BRIDE is available now from Amazon in 2 parts.

Thank you everyone who stopped by and who left a comment. I've drawn a prize winner and it's JENNIFER TANNER. Congratulations, Jennifer! If you send me a message at annie@annie-west.com with your postal address I'll send your signed cover flats on to you.