The Cover
Arguably, it's said to be the most important part of your book. Especially for a picture book.
We may tell ourselves never to judge a book by its cover in life, but that's exactly what we do when it comes to books.
The cover matters. A lot.
It can be the difference between:
- Someone picking it up and flicking through it vs. walking right past
- A child asking for it to be read vs. choosing a different book
- A bookseller facing it out vs. tucking it in with 100s of others
- A sale vs. lost opportunity
Making a cover is an art form. One that I gladly handed over to Nicci who is an absolute genius.
Reader, she got it right first time!
When Nicci sent me through the sketch for the proposed cover of Penguin Pirate, I was already excited.
The composition is perfect
She's captured the excitement of the story
The characters look like they're ready to jump out and take you on their adventure
The fonts are playful and bold
And it has seagulls on it!
But don't rely on me, let you judge it for yourself:
Hunter was equally as excited at this masterpiece, although had some notes to build on from the sketches: Flipper's fish cutlass should have a longer nose and the twelve-tentacled monster needed to be showing all twelve tentacles.
I'll never forget his face when he saw his name on the front of the cover. It's an important milestone for any author.
I was relieved that our cover was in such brilliant hands. It's one of the most difficult things to nail and Nicci has made it so enjoyable. Thank goodness and thank you Nicci!
Now that we have a cover, and nearly all the book illustrated, we are officially opening our pre-orders!
Pre-orders are so important because it indicates to me how many books need to be printed so please, if you are likely to buy a copy, order now from the link below.
Pre-orders will be sent 2 weeks before general release and will be signed by Hunter
