You know, if Anne Frasier had made this post a few weeks ago, that might well have been the cover to my book, Suspicious Circumstances. Well, just with my name on it somewhere. I actually like it - mabye I'll give my other titles a try and see what the cover generator comes up with (you'll find the link through the 'this post' link I have to Anne).
We're in the midst of finalizing things for my book, including the cover. And, thinking that there was nothing left to even question, someone proves me wrong by asking about (I don't know if this is technically what they're called) tag lines on the front cover. John McFetridge brought it up in the discussion about how bookstores here categorize books, when he said his publisher wanted to put the words "A Mystery" on his cover. It seems like that was a good idea, because John's work is in the mystery section.
I guess, at least on this side of the border, it boils down to your target audience. Now, because I must create a bit more stress in life, I ponder whether this is a move that makes sense. Evilkev says to put "A Detective Farraday and Lara Kelly Novel" on it. I think that's too wordy.
But, undoubtedly, I'll be pulling down books at some point today, pondering. I've already noticed Mark Billingham's cover to Buried has "The Bestselling Author of Lifeless" at the top and "The Past is a Shallow Grave" at the bottom, below the title.
This is one of the real perks to my publisher. Most other authors I know have no or little input in the process of cover design. I've had a chance to give suggestions, asked my opinion every step of the way. We're even using a photo I took, although I'm not kidding when I say that I think Anne's cover generator came up with something intriguing and cool.
Since I haven't played with it yet, I'm guessing part of the reason is that Anne knew enough about the book to give good info, since she's read it.
You can have a sneak peek at my cover here on the advance praise page. The only decision to make?
What blurb should go on the front cover.
THE FRAILTY OF FLESH
About Me
- Sandra Ruttan
- I am the author of What Burns Within, and The Frailty of Flesh,published by Dorchester. I’m also an editor with Spinetingler Magazine. My own work has appeared in Pulp Pusher, Crimespree Magazine and Out of the Gutter. Visit my my website for all the latest news.
OUT NOW!
Order from BARNES & NOBLE.
WHAT BURNS WITHIN?
"Well worth adding to any mystery collection."
-- Library Journal
"Ruttan manages to keep multiple leads and seconds on the same page admirably... the straight proceduralism from Ruttan serves the story well through the rewarding climax."
--Publishers Weekly
"A sizzling story by one of crime fiction's hot new voices."
-- Rick Mofina, internationally best-selling author of A PERFECT GRAVE
"This story features a triple mystery and three main characters, who are interesting not only for their tangled group dynamic but also as individuals. The subject matter obviously is very grim, but the occasional banter between the constables helps to take the edge off. This is a good start to a new series I think will appeal to a variety of mystery lovers."
--Fresh Fiction
"Sandra Ruttan writes with utter ferocity. Twists and turns that stun and dialog that absolutely crackles with wit and authenticity. With each page, Ruttan delivers the goods. WHAT BURNS WITHIN is a nonstop chiller of a mystery that keeps you turning the pages."
-- GREGG OLSEN, New York Times Bestselling Author of A WICKED SNOW
"Promising talent Ruttan sets her gritty new detective series in Vancouver. It has a hard-edged feel and intriguing characters. ...this is a good start to an intriguing series."
--Romantic Times Book Reviews
"Short and snappy chapters, terse dialogue, staccato delivery of minimalist descriptions -- Ruttan's style harks back to the classic hardboiled era....Ruttan is very much a shower rather than a teller: there are very few internal monologues to be heard in WHAT BURNS WITHIN, the subtleties of the characters' complex psychologies being drawn out through their interactions with their colleagues. That's a difficult skill to make invisible, but it's one of Ruttan's most effective weapons."
--Declan Burke, Crime Always Pays
"Ruttan effortlessly brings to life a varied cast of complex characters. She writes with tremendous passion, honesty and skill. This is a story you will care about."
-- Allan Guthrie, Edgar Nominated Author of KISS HER GOODBYE
“Ruttan combines devilishly clever plots with genuinely empathic characters..."
--Russel D. McLean, Crime Scene Scotland
"A totally mesmerizing narrative and a plot that burns off the page."
-- Ken Bruen, Shamus Award-Winning Author of THE GUARDS
“WHAT BURNS WITHIN reads like a favorite television series. A large cast, lots of dialogue to advance the plot, a great setting, and well-drawn characters make for a compelling police procedural.”
-- Anne Frasier, USA Today Bestselling Author of HUSH, SLEEP TIGHT & PLAY DEAD
Available on Amazon.
13 comments:
sandra, i wonder if the generator takes clues from the actual words. not sure, but i tried your title twice and the covers were similar. the first one was better, but i didn't save it. wah!!!!
but --
your actual cover is fantastic. i love it.
Thanks Anne - I'm glad you like it!
Man, blogger hasn't let me on to comment at all today, until now! How have you guys been getting on here?!
Well, I have to say it is elegant and sinister, very haunting. Excellent use of Trajan for the typography.
Very cool.
My whole internet has been hinky the last two days. Issues with the "backbone" my ISP tells me.
When I click "Login and Publish" here, even money nothing happens...
Oh my God- I LOVE this cover. The image would pull me across a store. You do realize I'm going to want my copy autographed.
These have got to be the best blurbs I've ever seen for a first novel. Go, Sandra!
Cool cover babe-very dark and mysterious like! norby
Bill, I'm glad it isn't just me. It's been driving me nuts!
Eileen, Patti, Norby (& Bill) I'm glad you all like the cover. Eileen, I'm hoping to do some GVA signings, which means I can get your book signed as well!
Patti, people have been very generous with their kind words about the book, and that's very nice. I am in awe of the generosity within this community. Proof that it never hurts to ask - worst thing someone can say is no, right?
Awesome cover, even awesomer blurbs - Ken Bruen, Tony Hillerman...damn! Get down wit' yo' bad self!
That is a classy, moody cover. I like it!
Sarah H
Sand Storm, if I had to put a label on it, I'd say part procedural, part amateur sleuth, mainstream suspense. I can see where the thriller aspect comes in, but it isn't really a true and proper thriller. And the other stuff I write is more police procedural. So, I'd rather be shelved in mystery. At least, nobody's given me a compelling reason to be anywhere else. I know I seldom set foot out of that section, myself.
But that's just my thinking on it.
Hi Sarah (waves!).
I'm glad you guys like the cover.
Sandra, Julia Spencer-Fleming writes what she calls "cozy-cum-thriller." Also, she does put "A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery" on her covers... denotes that they are part of a series. Not wordy at all!
Cool! Nice to see something tangible take shape.
But the cover's a little small, don't you think. I measured it on my screen. It's only a few centimetres tall.
Probably won't fit on the book.
Ooooh nice, Sandra! Really nice and moody.
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