Thread: Question about novel covers

I am way far off from me needing to know the answer to this question (if I ever even get there) but I am curious. How much say does the author have in designing the cover of the book? Does it depend on the publisher? Can an author present a cover design to the publisher after acceptance? Or is a book cover not even in the writer's territory?

In almost all cases of traditionally-published books, the latter.

Virtually zero. Not in the writer's territory. You can present a design: their prejudice will be to ignore it. And understand that the publisher has some specific things in mind that the cover should do for him, and it's unlikely you could anticipate what they are.

But, it does depend on the publisher. Small publishers, especially some of the new POD-based micro-publishers could be very amenable to a workable cover because it would save them money.
Of course, it's also possible at a small outfit that their covers all suck because the owner's trophy girlfriend insists on doing them all.

Don't count on it.

By the way, I did the covers for both of my books on Adoro, but they're exactly what I'm talking about... a very small press.

If you are dying to do covers, BTW, the ebook, especially small or self-published eBook is a good place to try it out. Big advantage, they are RGB artwork and don't require expensive programs to create. Also tend to run smaller.

Mobipocket is about 900 by 600 pixels, for instance. Kindle is even smaller than that.

Well I ask because I am working on two separate novels (I am ADD so I need to go back and forth between the two) and really want to use my sister's photograpy for both covers. I guess I will cross this bridge when I get to it...I guess I should focus on actually finishing something before creating the cover anyway lol.

Yeah, the book should be your main effort, but there is nothing to stop you from doing the covers if it helps you in any way to focus on the book.
good luck

If you traditionally publish, you might get asked about the covers the publisher comes up with, but chances are your own suggestions won't get much traction. As Lin says, finish the books first.

They might ask. Often contracts say things like "consult", "input", "oversight" on covers.
Translates as, they show you the cover, you say something or fall over or throw up, they say, thanks for your input and send it out.

I've heard plenty of authors with fiarly large publishers talk about getting a little more respect than that. But even respect has its limits. Especially when the bookstores weigh in.

It depends on the publisher, as indicated, but what was said that the author, except with smaller houses, doesn't really get much input if any at all. Sometimes it also depends on the artist. I know some authors who contacted the author with specific questions, but I know other authors that indicated the artist went from a vague outline of the novel from the editor and marketing department.

Write the novel. Use the photos as inspiration to keep you focused, if that helps. If you find a publisher, in their eyes your area of expertise is writing and not cover art design.

Terry

Thanks for all the input. Where abouts in Ohio are you from Terry? I'm near Cincy.