As long-time readers know, I've been exceedingly lucky with my cover designs, through three series and two different publishers. I can't take the credit for the outside -- I paint my pictures with words on the inside. Fortunately, my publishers have always included me in the design process, where my role is not to micromanage what genius designers and illustrators do, but to identify mismatches between cover and story that will bring me a slew of emails.
So when HarperTeen proposed changing the cover look for the Shattered Realms to one that was more character-focused than iconic, I knew it presented opportunities and pitfalls. It might attract a new audience, but there's a certain amount of risk in setting aside an established brand. The iconic covers allow readers to create characters in their own image. If you are a fantasy fan of any age or gender, it sends the message: this might be for you.
On the other hand, keeping that brand for three series causes confusion for the reader. After all, the books involve different characters and settings (contemporary Ohio and the Seven Realms) and there are only so many variations on one basic design. Many readers are looking for a character to align with--how cool if the process begins with the cover!
I'm pleased that the first covers feature two of my favorite kick-ass female characters--Jenna Bandelow and Alyssa ana'Raisa. First, I sent descriptions of those characters taken from Flamecaster and Shadowcaster to designers Erin Fitzsimmons and Amy Ryan at Harper. They worked with the illustrator, Alessandro Taini to develop the concept. I love the way Talexi gave these characters a super heroine, graphic novel feel.
After several revisions, I think they've nailed it. I hope you agree!
Here's the hardback and paperback covers of Flamecaster. The refreshed cover features Jenna Bandelow, a saboteur and demolitions expert who loves to blow things up.
And the ARC and final hardback cover for Shadowcaster. The refreshed cover features Alyssa ana'Raisa, a seasoned soldier and the heir to the Gray Wolf Throne (think shield maiden of the north,)
We're already at work on the design for the cover for the third book in the series, Stormcaster.
6 comments:
I think you all did a fantastic job keeping the color and feel of the original covers. So excited for you. I need to catch up on this new series now that I am reading more again.
I adore the new covers (even though the original ones are just breathtakiiiing), I'm just concerned that now my hardcovers won't match on my shelves. >< Will there still be original cover option for Shadowcaster hardback, or maybe hardcover Flamecaster will get reprinted with new (paperback) cover? Just concerned.
I hate it when a publisher changes a cover in a series after at least one book in the series has already been published. In this case it looks like the publisher is trying to copy the cover design of Throne of Glass. I am still excited to read Shadowcaster but very disappointed in the hardback cover change since I have all the others in my library and this will not go with any of them. Your other book designs are original and much more striking, IMO. But thank you for writing, I love your work.
I have to agree with Lil Txtwister, I am extremely disappointed with the new hardcovers and how they won't match my previous Flamecaster book and Seven Realms series.
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They looked too much like Throne of Glass, that I bet people who see it on my bookshelf will start wondering if it is a series to ToG. I really love your work and people shouldn't be asking you questions like where do I start anyway. I would tell them to read them all. lol.
Will "Flamecaster" get the new cover design in hardcover?
I have both books in hardcover, and I would love for them to match (and the new covers are BEAUTIFUL!)
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