Almost two weeks ago, Susie sent me a note telling me about a series of blog entries which show how Minotaur Books create their wonderful book covers. The three entries follow as M. C. Beaton’s September release Hiss and Hers goes from the book cover’s inception until the final book cover, which I must say, is delightful.
Thank you Susie, for telling us about these entries, which let us see how some of our favorite books go from finished manuscripts to the eye-catching books we seek out. It is truly an amazing process to see unfold!
(The website is http://minotaurart.tumblr.com/, and it is run by David Rotstein, Art Director of Minotaur books.)
linda c says
Thank you Susie for letting Danna know about the story concerning M.C. Beaton and Minotour book covers. The book covers are among the most important things that help me to decide if I want to read a book, especially if the author is new-to-me. I love Agatha Raisin and all of M.C. Beaton’s books. How this company puts together these book covers is very interesting.
I remember reading some time ago that the illustrator, the book cover artist and the author of the Harry Potter series had never met. Yet, the book covers and the illustrations inside the books are set dead-on. I wonder how often this is the case with other illustrators and writers.
Maybe sometimes I am a bit too hard on the publishers for not continuing to publish some of my favorite writers. I don’t often think about all that is involved with getting a book to market. Stories like this one about the book covers help me to see that it does take a whole lot more than just printing out a couple hundred pages.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I know, Linda C. Authors spend so much time perfecting their mystery books (well, hopefully they spend a lot of time perfecting their books!) but then the artists have the job of making the books appealing to the people with their wallets.
Kay says
That was really interesting. Thanks for sharing it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I know, Kay, I am so glad Susie thought to send this to us.
(Thanks, again, Susie!)
ginger says
I love the covers that are raised. Update on books read this week: Tuesday: Finished Erika Chase’s Book and loved it. Started and Finished Jessica Beck’s Drop Dead Chocolate. Started Claudia Bishop’s Dread on Arrival. I was at the Doctor’s Office in morning and in afternoon with my Dad. So I had plenty of time to read. 3 down and 5 to go this week. I have to go back tomorrow.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, I think the artists ALL did wonderful jobs on the covers. I thought authors submitted their books with their titles already “in place” – and was surprised to see the editor, not M. C. Beaton, decide on Hiss or Hers.
susie calkins says
I’m glad you liked the site–I thought it was fascinating. I’ll soon have a little more first-hand knowledge on this topic–I changed my title (happily) because the artists and editors wanted to make sure the cover of my book was conveying the right message to readers. It’s amazing what goes into their thinking….
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susie, I’m not sure I would “happily” want to change the title of a book that I had spent a lot of time writing. I guess, however, they probably know what they are doing…