Feb122016

The Terrible Danger of Stock Art in Cover Design (Important for Writers)

Been thinking a great deal about cover art recently, Gentle Reader. I feel I have been generally lucky with mine over the years. Even when I griped about it, it was never too serious. But as hard as it is to be at the whims of a publishing house’s choice, it is equally difficult to find and come up with something original of ones own.

I give you a prime example:

 

 

 

If you like that piece of stock art, chances are everyone else does too.

Further Reading:

And now it’s back to copy edits with me.

{Gail’s monthly read along for February 2016 is Terrier by Tamora Pierce.}

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Nadja Tiller, 1952 via hollyhocksandtulips-tumblr

Your Infusion of Cute . . .
Check Out This Epic Souvenir Fan

Your Tisane of Smart . . .
The Story of Victorian Funeral Cookies

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  
The E-Publishing Revolution is Definitely Not Over

Book News:
Fangirl Nation says:

Manners & Mutiny has all the mystery, the spy work, and humor of the previous entries in the series. As things are drawing to a close, the book is somewhat darker: the stakes are higher, and now that they are all older, hearts are more easily broken, but there are still plenty of moments where I laughed out loud, and clever turns of phrase that I read out loud.”

Quote of the Day:
Genevieve was tall and blonde, a destroyer of masculine peace of mind.
~ The Man with Two Left Feet And Other Stories by P. G. Wodehouse

Want Gail in you inbox once a month? Get the Chirrup!
Tags: , ,

Posted by Gail Carriger

 Comments are closed

Comments

  1. AR DeClerck said:

    Which is exactly why I was uber-picky about my cover for The Alchemist's Kiss. I never wanted to see my images on other covers.

  2. Angelica R. Jackson said:

    If only you had access to a great number of gentlefolk who love creating unique looks and may be willing to be photographed (and to sign a proper release, of course)…

    😉

  3. Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Kneale said:

    Having a pro photographer and a few aspiring actors/models in one's network can make for a good resource when it comes to unique book covers.

    My photographer is happy to spend some time shooting the subject of my choice for about $30, and I know plenty of aspiring actors and models who will pose for free if they can have a copy of the picture for their portfolio.

    This way I get the kind of shot I want with the joys of having a unique picture.

    Yes, releases are a must, as is credit listed in the book.

© 2023 Gail Carriger
Site built by Todd Jackson