The official unveiling of the 'Exile' cover took place today via social media channels, and on Mirror World Publishing's website.
Not every publisher offers their authors the opportunity to choose and give feedback on their proposed book covers - and I know from conversations with authors who have had no say that this has sometimes led to anguished pleas to the publisher (invariably disregarded).
So I really appreciate that Justine Dowsett, who produces the cover designs at Mirror World, sends through several draft designs and asks for my input.
Not every publisher offers their authors the opportunity to choose and give feedback on their proposed book covers - and I know from conversations with authors who have had no say that this has sometimes led to anguished pleas to the publisher (invariably disregarded).
So I really appreciate that Justine Dowsett, who produces the cover designs at Mirror World, sends through several draft designs and asks for my input.
Last year's cover for 'Unreachable Skies' went through a couple of iterations before the stunning final result was produced. This time, Justine nailed it first time: the cover on the book hasn't changed at all from the draft design that was sent to me (along with two others).
So, why did I love this design so much?
Firstly, I like the colour palette, with its stormy feel and its suggestion of otherworldliness in those green-tinged waves. That links in with scenes in the book, as well as illustrating the crises and tribulations that my characters go through.
In addition, that swirl of colour showing through the storm-clouds has a similar look to the spiral galaxy that lit the cover of Volume 1. A neat reminder of the first cover, without repeating it.
Lastly, it's an intriguing and striking illustration which will (hopefully) catch readers' attention.
I hope you like it too - and, of course, that you enjoy the book!
If you've not yet caught up with 'Unreachable Skies', Zarda the Fate-seer and the Drax, volume 1 is available to buy via the publisher, on Amazon, and at many good bookshops.
So, why did I love this design so much?
Firstly, I like the colour palette, with its stormy feel and its suggestion of otherworldliness in those green-tinged waves. That links in with scenes in the book, as well as illustrating the crises and tribulations that my characters go through.
In addition, that swirl of colour showing through the storm-clouds has a similar look to the spiral galaxy that lit the cover of Volume 1. A neat reminder of the first cover, without repeating it.
Lastly, it's an intriguing and striking illustration which will (hopefully) catch readers' attention.
I hope you like it too - and, of course, that you enjoy the book!
If you've not yet caught up with 'Unreachable Skies', Zarda the Fate-seer and the Drax, volume 1 is available to buy via the publisher, on Amazon, and at many good bookshops.