The process of designing a cover

First, take a look at this cover – in this case, the latest in Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, which releases September 1st. See what pops at you, what you notice about the colors, the character, the setting.

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Now watch this fascinating little video that shows the design process behind the above cover. Fair warning – it’s a zippy little demonstration, so be prepared for an eye workout.

Now look at the cover again and see all the things you missed the first time!

I just find this so fascinating – I admit I never thought about all the hard work that goes into the smallest detail of a cover. I didn’t even notice the gargoyle or the flying machine in the background the first time around.

So let’s give a hat tip to all the hard working designers who create the covers we enjoy – because let’s face it, a cover can make or break a book. How many times have you passed a book by for it’s particularly unattractive cover? Or picked one up solely because it had a snazzy jacket?

I’ll never take a cover for granted again!