Designing a Book Cover

[swords_and_pens]

Having sold a book*, people are of course already asking me about cover art. Do I know what it will be? Have I seen it? Do I know when it will be done?

Let me answer these questions in order: No. No. And...no.

And, in anticipation of the next question, no, I don't know if I will have any input on it. Let's just say that, having spoken to other

Comments

[teffan]

Does the physical production of the book really take a year to get done? If not, what other factors delay book releases? (I ask because I really don't know)

[swords_and_pens]

The short answer is that the publisher is publishing hundreds of books a year, and there are a ton of logistics involved in that. Likewise, my editor handles numerous authors, many of whom are producing at least one book a year (sometimes more). That means she is dealing with mutliple differnt books each month. And she has to shepherd *each book* through the publishing process, from acquisition through to completion. Editors don't just edit the text and story of a book -- they also manage it's entire development, as well as try to help develop the career of the writer as well

[ladymurmur]

Will you be publishing under your own name, or a nom de plume?

Also, do you know if Among Thieves will be released in hardcover or paperback?

[swords_and_pens]

My name. I thought about using "Stephen King" or "J. K. Rowling" as a pen name, but wouldn't you know it, some hacks were already using them. ;p

I am almost 100% positive it will be released in paperback. Except for TOR (who goes staight to hardback), most major SF/F publishers release new books as mass market paperbacks unless they expect it to make a big splash or something. My advance wasn't exceptional in any way, so I expect my release will be pretty standard, too. :)

[ego_id_non_feci]

Just in time for my 27th Birthday! How auspicious! :D

I will buy myself a copy with my birthday cash- thanks for sharing your excitement!

[swords_and_pens]

Jamie's birthday is in April, too, but I don't think I can get away with handing her a paperback, even if it is mine. :P