What a way to start the week!
I’m thrilled to show you the cover to Wish You Were Here, my debut novel with Howard Books (May 2012.)
And, yes, to answer your question, I love my cover. Love my cover.
Bruce Gore, the art director at Howard Books, and his staff were so supportive throughout the whole creative process of designing the book cover. And the final design?
So, so beautiful.
That’s a glimpse of a Colorado sky … and the bride on the cover looks so much like Allison, the heroine I imagined in my mind as I wrote the story. Last week I came across a photo I clipped from a magazine that represented my idea for Allison. When I compared it to the final cover art, designed months later, I was stunned at the similarity.
That little wedding ring dangling from the book title? So, so symbolic.
And those of you who read Wish You Were Here — and I hope you all do! —Â will discover the significance of the postcards on chapter 1, page 1 … and other chapters after that.
My publisher is linking the cover to different sites this week, so I’ll keep you posted as the cover goes live other places, including Amazon and CBD. But the cover celebration has begun!
In Your Words: How would you celebrate debuting your book cover? Or if you’ve been there/done that, how did you celebrate?
Comments 99
Congrats! It’s beautiful! I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Loree.
🙂
That is beautiful…and captivating, Beth. Truly inviting – begging to be opened and read. Can. not. wait.
Than you, Patricia.
Can. Not. Wait. Either.
🙂
I love how the art department captured motion in the cover too.
Congratulations! I’d be posting it everywhere! I’ll be glad to post it as well on your guest blog in February – be sure to include the cover jpeg.
Thanks, Karen!
I’m looking forward to the guest post in February over at The Word Shark even more!
🙂
So glad to finally see this cover! They’ve done you proud, Beth. And am I ever happy for you that the cover model lines up with the way you envisioned your Allison (since that doesn’t always happen). I didn’t notice the ring at first and glad you pointed it out, and I love the postcards as part of the cover. Well done! Next, to read it… my copy’s already ordered! Blessings and enjoy it all, my friend.
JoAnn,
Welcome to In Others’ Words!
Yes, the wedding ring … so whimsical dangling from the title … but so vital. I love the font for my title too. Perfect.
OOO, I like!! Very intriguing. It tells a story of it’s own and makes me want to open the book, which is exactly what you want. Awesome! I was really excited about my first book cover too, and I loved it.
Good morning, Cathy!
Thanks for stopping by!
I love the motion of the cover — it definitely captures the story of Wish You Were Here.
🙂
Yes, I’m smiling!
It’s soooo pretty, Beth! Love it – love the postcards. But I have to say, my favorite piece is your name nice and big at the top! 🙂 Cannot. wait. to. read! Celebratory hugs!
I love the postcards too, Melissa.
And as I debut author … yes, seeing my name positioned so nicely … thrilling!
🙂
I am so excited!! (please note, Tee, the restraint in !) I know your heart dances every time you see it. Mine would. Beautiful, beautiful cover and captures so well the story.
Pat,
I’ve been using !!! all over the place in my replies!
🙂
Woohoo!! I love it, Beth! It’s really unique and eye-catching!!
Thanks for sharing the excitement, one debut author to another, Katie.
Love your cover! Congratulations on your debut novel. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Michelle!
Yay, yay, yay for you!!! It’s so beautiful. One I would definitely pick up off the shelf. Love it!!
And I’d celebrate with a pedi, mani, and a night out with my family and/or friends. 😀
Oh, I like all those ideas, Lindsay … every single one!
🙂
Yeah! My favorite part of what you shared is that the MC looks like yours. That is so cool! And I’m all about symbolism, so that little ring…also cool!
Beth, this is such a wonderful time for you! Hmm. I’d throw a party. That’s what I’d do.
~ Wendy
Wendy,
Well I’m throwing a book launch party May 5 — want to come?
😉
Until then, I’m deep into writing book #2.
Maybe I’ll manage a little party …
EEEEE! I am soooo excited for you, Beth! Love the cover. Almost cried with joy for you when I saw the title of your blog today. 🙂
I haven’t yet considered how to celebrate the debut of my one-day book cover. I’m going to have to watch those who are going before me and make a decision when my turn comes. 🙂 Yes, I’m speaking optimistically. 🙂
So happy for you, Beth!
Thank you, Jeanne — I hear your feet “Happy Dancing” for me!
And be optimistic — you’re writing a great story!
🙂
Beth,
Congratulations! I’m anxious to read it.
Really like the movement on the cover, the freshness, and how her look leads you into the story.
I think a celebration with family, friends and food would be in order…right after I purchased a frame for the cover. 😉
Julia
Ah, a frame!
Yep! Most definitely need to go get one of those.
But first, I need to up my word count for today.
Oh, Beth, how very exciting! I love the vibrant colors and I really like the layout. Well done. Wooo Hoooo!!!
🙂
I wish everyone could see my smiling face as I’m reading all these comments.
Of course, I should be working on my WIP …
Both the cover and the title intrigue me.
Yay!
That’s what every author wants to hear!
Someday we’re going to have to share the whole story of your cover! A lot of work, but a beautiful result.
Yes, yes, we will.
I am so thankful to be a part of Howard Books.
And thankful you are my agent!
BETH OH BETH!!!
Woooo-hooooooooo!!!!!!!! It’s ABOUT time!! Oh I LOVE it!! Love, love, love it!!!!!!
I’m just grinning, though can’t imagine how you must feel!! 😀
Casey,
Love having you join in the celebration.
How am I feeling …
over-the-moon …
Woohoo! Beautiful design! We so need to get together and do Susie’s line dance!
You can lead the line, Teri!
Smile!
🙂
I hope you had a celebration cake/treat! Wonderful cover. I’m looking forward to having a copy in my hands or on my Kindle. Congratulations.
“Real” copy or Kindle … works for me!
Beth, congratulations! It is gorgeous! Even if I didn’t know you this cover would definitely call to me from the shelves! My favorite part is your name, big and bold! So exciting!
Throw a party and eat lots of cake!
Gotta admit, I still get a kick out of seeing my name on the cover.
It’s a who-would-have-thought moment …
🙂
It looks fantastic. Can’t wait till I can buy it. ; )
~Debbie
WOOT!!!!!!! (I can use as many as I want, don’t have a TEE to answer to :-D) Lovely & captivating cover, Beth! I too love symbolism though I fear mine is lost on anyone not occupying my twisted mind. I LOVE that they captured so much of yours here! And I love hearing how you & they worked together and put so much thought into making visual the heart and essence of the story. Folks are so visual and that’s so important!
Celebrate? Definitely chocolate. Wear the cover printed on the front & back of a t-shirt and go to one of those places where they serve chocolate fondue and party the place down. And invite me of course.
Can’t WAIT for my copy to arrive… 😀
~c
T-shirt!
I’m on it!
Looks like a fun read. The cover really draws me in.
Thanks, Dianne.
Funny thing, I never get tired of looking at that cover.
😉
I love it, too! Congrats, Beth!!
🙂
Enjoying the Monday celebration … now back to the word count.
Awesome! I didn’t think my excitement to read the book could be any greater, but the cover ramps it even more! Kudos to the cover design team!
Yes, I love my art team — and I have great respect for what they do!
Oh Beth,
How wonderful it is to see a face with the story! Great cover! Can’t wait to dive past the beautiful cover and headlong into the incredible story!
Brava my friend!
Thanks for “Happy Danging” with me, Reba!
It’s beautiful! I’m so happy for you Beth. You have to be so proud.
Good morning, Shellie!
Yes, I am proud.
And happy.
And loving having all my friends celebrate with me.
Beth, I love the cover!! It turned out great! So proud and excited for you!!!
Love,
Rachel
Thank you, Rachel, for always believing in me!
Couldn’t have done this without you!
Congratulations on your awesome cover, Beth! All the elements work so well together. Of course, I love seeing your name in such big letters right at the top. =)
As one debut author to another, Keli, I know you go over a cover with a magnifying lens too.
Yes, indeed, seeing my name on that cover is a thrill!!
🙂
Oh, the exclamation points are flying today!
oooh, I love it! How exciting!!! 🙂 As far as your question, I just stared at mine for a long time! hahaha. 🙂 I want to frame it and put it on the wall for sure!! This is so exciting!!!
Yes, framing is most definitely at the top of my list!!
I’m so excited for you! It’s a wonderful book that deserves a wonderful cover and you got it! My favorite part is the dangling ring. Perfect!
Evangeline,
You’ve been there almost from day 1, celebrating the highs … and commiserating with me in the lows.
Love you, E!
That’s so cool that it aligns with your vision and actually references elements from the novel itself. I don’t know a lot about the publishing industry, but based on all the book covers I’ve seen, I can’t imagine that happens very often. Congrats!
Thank you, Matthew.
Yes, the Howard team was most, most excellent!
Congrats! Wonderful!!! I love the dangling ring too! 🙂 So excited for you and looking forward to reading it!
🙂
Man, this is a rough day to concentrate on book #2!
But for a good reason . . .
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!!
ME TOO ME TOO ME TOO!
🙂
Congratulations,
I so look forward to reading it. So proud of you.
Milda,
Thank you for coming by the blog!
Hugs!
This makes my day! So happy for you. The cover is beautiful just like you. xoxo
Hugs right back to you, Tiffany!
And you knew me when I had a No Trespassing sign on the Dark Side!
😉
So happy for you Beth. I can only imagine how you must feel.
Thanks, Melissa.
It’s gorgeous, Beth! I love it!
Me too.
🙂
Thanks, Sarah.
Beth, I’m proud of and very happy for you. I’m sure Howard will soon find that producing such a beautiful quality cover is one of the first steps in introducing an up-and-coming author many will read, celebrate, and enjoy.
Thank you, Dee.
Your words mean a lot … I appreciate you cheering me on!
🙂
Great news, Beth! Can’t wait to read it. I remember the opening chapters ages ago, and I was hooked. Love your cover, too!
Ages ago, huh? I wonder if the opening chapters have changed?
😉
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is not only a beautiful cover, but it “invites” you to look inside to see what is going on with this girl! I am SO proud and excited for you!!!!! Love you!!
Fran,
Who would have thought, huh?
Come celebrate with me on May 5th!! What a fun book launch that would be!
Beth – Your cover is gorgeous! A real eye-catcher. Congratulations! Marie
Thank you, Marie, your comment just warms my heart.
Beautiful cover! So exciting–first I would do a happy dance and then there would have to a cupcake in my near future.
🙂
The Happy Dancing has begun.
Now to find a gluten-free cupcake.
If not, it’s all about the icing .. .
😉
Awesome cover Beth! I’m so happy for you…apparently the ‘dark side’ isn’t so dark anymore! 🙂
Evangeline Denmark offered me gluten-free cookies!
😉
I’m so excited for you. Your progress is encouraging me on as I labor to meet my deadline… Wednesday. I can hardly wait to be where you are… manuscript complete, editing finished, all over but the celebration (and of course, marketing). I am so excited about reading your book. Best wishes on the release and may you sell many copies. I’m rooting for you all the way!!
Thank you, Julie!
You can do this, friend!
Cheering you on too!
🙂
Congrats!! So very happy for you!
Thank you, thank you, Christi! It’s been a fun day of celebrating with friends and family!
Congratulations, Beth! I’m really happy for you…how awesome to see a dream birthed into life!
Thanks for dropping by and joining in the fun, Lisa! Love your blog!!
Beth,
Whooo Hooo!!! I’m so very excited for you! I love the symbolism with the ring. Can’t wait for my copy to arrive. I agree, order some T-shirts. I’m not a t-shirt kinda gal, but for you….I’d wear it and wear it proudly!
Blessings My Friend!
Alena T.
Gotta get to work on T-shirts!
I love the cover! I can’t wait to get my copy…I pre-ordered it. Yup, gonna sit back in my easy chair with a cup of hot Latte and read all day 🙂
Congratulations! So well deserved.
I am so happy for you, my sweet friend. I remember long long ago you sharing your dream to be a journalist and know you’ve always had a heart to write. I cannot wait until your book comes out. The cover is beautiful!
Dear Beth,
What excitement to see your debut as a published author on fb today! Even though time and distance has separated our fellowship, it’s still such a thrill to see how God is at work in the Body and with people we have been blessed to cross paths in the past. The cover is gorgeous! Wishing you every blessing and success…can’t wait to look for it for sale and read it!!
I love the cover, and I’m so happy for you! I only started e-reading so for a second I considered getting a digital copy. Then, I realized you wouldn’t be able to sign it, so I’m definitely getting a paperback copy. You’ve worked so hard to get here, and I’m thrilled for you!