tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post5052458812439083152..comments2024-03-18T06:16:18.802-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Interview with my cover artist Carl GravesJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-89528047438611963182012-01-19T13:20:06.793-06:002012-01-19T13:20:06.793-06:00I love his covers! As soon as my expense budget ca...I love his covers! As soon as my expense budget can handle his prices, I'll hire him...<br /><br />I've referred you to countless others starting out, and it was reading your article, Konrath, two years ago, on Huffington Post, that got ME started. <br /><br />I'm still learning. But thank you for spreading the wealth. And don't forget to urge your Representatives to vote against SOPA and PIPA (Internet Censorship Bill) or many of us won't be able to have this wonderful career!<br /><br />Valda DeDieu (Not as well-paid as you--YET)<br />Author of NOCTURNE, BLOODPACT, and 40 more Fiction and Non-Fiction...Valda666https://www.blogger.com/profile/02554649521535434363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-26979205913728270822012-01-05T22:52:32.686-06:002012-01-05T22:52:32.686-06:00Carl has two covers gracing the #2 spots of the ac...Carl has two covers gracing the #2 spots of the action adventure best sellers list. Now If I could just swap places with Joe...http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/157055011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_kinc_2_4_lastVernon Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09867393521056801190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-59301783032201967782012-01-03T16:02:15.193-06:002012-01-03T16:02:15.193-06:00I'm a little late to the party with this one, ...I'm a little late to the party with this one, but Carl designed the cover for my e-book, Finding My Escape. I was impressed by how closely the book fit with the concept of my story, much of which I didn't even discuss with Carl. In fact, Carl, one of your 'fire sale' covers would fit quite well with my sequel, so you may be hearing from me again!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08933257273413838278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-34992079887629064302012-01-02T13:29:03.273-06:002012-01-02T13:29:03.273-06:00Carl - such great covers.
And gee you'd think...Carl - such great covers.<br /><br />And gee you'd think writers would understand - all of us artists are can be temperamental souls from time to time :)Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11949877431810627840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-48334840208520767712012-01-02T07:43:59.122-06:002012-01-02T07:43:59.122-06:00Great interview. A good cover can make a hell of a...Great interview. A good cover can make a hell of a lot of difference in actual sales - so it's great to hear from somebody in the business who is not afraid to talk nuts, bolts and dollar signs. Many thanks for the informative interview.<br /><br />yours in storytelling,<br /><br />Steve VernonSteve Vernonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01440447782487418129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-43234499737342296442012-01-01T18:02:36.665-06:002012-01-01T18:02:36.665-06:00This was quite enlightening, and how cool that the...This was quite enlightening, and how cool that the fire sale covers went so fast!Kelly Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01752857506190488860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-23256169903300838112011-12-31T17:26:38.802-06:002011-12-31T17:26:38.802-06:00Yes, Joe, I second that. Thank you for your open-...Yes, Joe, I second that. Thank you for your open-book policy. I doubt you'll ever really know how much you've affected the Indie movement.<br /><br />Happy New Year to you and your family.Gary Ponzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-32181141316348170482011-12-31T16:24:11.165-06:002011-12-31T16:24:11.165-06:00Happy New Year, Joe, and thank you for giving me o...Happy New Year, Joe, and thank you for giving me options when all doors closed.Ingparkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04698559346551932841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-59821062927427141812011-12-31T14:09:28.107-06:002011-12-31T14:09:28.107-06:00These are great. The indie world has created more ...These are great. The indie world has created more than writing opportunities, as I find myself with a side gig making covers as well. I love it, and I hope to be in your shoes one day. My day job is getting in the way of making covers.<br /><br />Every day, I just pray one of my authors "goes Konrath" on me ;)Christine DeMaio-Ricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15033283266409232907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-84215357132302136642011-12-31T12:36:43.871-06:002011-12-31T12:36:43.871-06:00This very true. I recently published a short story...This very true. I recently published a short story in Kindle stores, my first, ("Murder on Laodicea Street") and I had few friends tell me, "There is no book cover!" They were hesitant to purchase the book. <br /><br />But, I read this blog knowing I needed a cover, and I am working with my brother (who is an artist) on cover art, and I will update.<br /><br />R. W. Morici (rwmorici.blogspot.com)R. W. Moricihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04417499518935560196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-4226861380725381132011-12-31T12:18:33.002-06:002011-12-31T12:18:33.002-06:00Congrat's Car...great job on the quick sales.Congrat's Car...great job on the quick sales.David L. Shutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08357694121376734716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-59082828863100695162011-12-30T14:14:10.612-06:002011-12-30T14:14:10.612-06:00Carl here,
Just wanted to take the time to say th...Carl here,<br /><br />Just wanted to take the time to say thanks real quick. All covers from the fire sale were sold and all buyers are, dare I say, extremely pleased with the outcome so far. This was a cool way to not only clear my decks but also give good authors, good covers at nice prices. I've got others I may work into another sale soon, seeing the positive response to this one.<br /><br />Wink, Wink,: Thanks for the congrats on me quitting my day job. This one isn't any less challenging, but it's way more fun and I can do it in my pajamas. :-)<br /><br />Cyn: Just let me know when you're ready, I'll be here to do those covers for you.<br /><br />Madison: Yep, as artists sometimes we are definitely let's say...put upon... by authors. I don't blame them...much, some really just don't understand the process it takes to get a quality cover, but the time and effort spent is definitely built into the price of my services. I do have more affordable covers, check out www.extendedimagery.com for info.<br /><br />Again, thanks for commenting on the interview and participating in the fire sale everyone.Extended Imageryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08915113104063816124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-43783811992718005682011-12-30T03:03:37.503-06:002011-12-30T03:03:37.503-06:00Great covers, but as stated above most of us can&#...Great covers, but as stated above most of us can't afford $400-$500. I'm struggling to come up with the money for a proofreader. <br /><br />I'm engaged to an artist and they take so much flack from writers. I would help if you knew going in what you want in advance. Many expect you to change the whole cover when it's practically finished, and yes, don't pay you. (one of the resons he quit publishing).<br /><br />I also have been given a hard time because every writer thinks they can do their own cover and I'm one that says it's not easy to line up the font, pick one that looks good for the book you wrote, or has the experience to know how to put it all together.<br /><br />Artists need to be more appreciated for the hard work and all the other BS associated with the business of publishing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00741339742186444605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-66808554463553916952011-12-29T13:09:07.565-06:002011-12-29T13:09:07.565-06:00I got E-book cover number 2. Carl was able to qui...I got E-book cover number 2. Carl was able to quickly provide me the new book cover, with French Flag colors, and it just looks incredible. I have been testing it with both men, and women, of all ages, and they love it. I put it up on facbeook last night, and this morning I had over 20 people make comments. The cover is now on my blogger icon. This man has a gift. I am very thankful that I decided to lurk on this blog and then get this cover.David Tribblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04575603791619117927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-19480384119985864112011-12-29T09:23:38.763-06:002011-12-29T09:23:38.763-06:00Your covers are gorgeous! I'll definitely keep...Your covers are gorgeous! I'll definitely keep you in mind.Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Serieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12239533451929739327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-42187457979386624312011-12-28T11:16:10.502-06:002011-12-28T11:16:10.502-06:00I bought cover #10.
So far I've been doing al...I bought cover #10.<br /><br />So far I've been doing all my own covers, but I have a scifi thriller in the works that I hadn't figured out a good cover for, and #10 is perfect for that story.<br /><br />Now that I have an awesome cover for it, I'll have to make that book a priority. :)<br /><br />Thanks, Joe and Carl!<br /><br />DavidDavid Wiseharthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-70932399014014324972011-12-28T09:48:47.283-06:002011-12-28T09:48:47.283-06:00The cover is the first thing a reader sees. It has...The cover is the first thing a reader sees. It has to tell the story in a glance. Today cover arts is fantastic. If the cover isn't inviting, I don't pick it up or download it. Especially if it looks amateurish. It tells me the author didn't take the time to find a good artist to represent their work, which tells me they might not have taken a care with the book.Lee Lopezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16129905865561311106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-53065508994973774162011-12-28T09:48:32.714-06:002011-12-28T09:48:32.714-06:00Carl - When I get a little money in the bank, I wi...Carl - When I get a little money in the bank, I will probably ask you to redo my cover on Erika T. Red (a contemporary fantasy - nordic novel). ;-)<br /><br />Very exciting covers. <br /><br />CynCyn Bagleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08404416186783891402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-36446820121371939332011-12-28T08:11:21.857-06:002011-12-28T08:11:21.857-06:00Carl re-did the covers for my Black Knight Chronic...Carl re-did the covers for my Black Knight Chronicles series this year, and I've not only seen a good return on his work in ebook, but the print books sell better with the new covers, too! I recently did a small one-day comic con that I've done 2-3 times before with the same titles. I've never sold enough to buy lunch before, but I sold six paperbacks in the first two hours, largely because the covers fit the genre better. <br /><br />He's professional, talented, and his work is incredible. I couldn't be happier with the work he's done for me.John G. Hartnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00993686392705626515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-28762028060660100552011-12-28T07:54:28.614-06:002011-12-28T07:54:28.614-06:00The covers are brilliant, as is the idea of offeri...The covers are brilliant, as is the idea of offering covers to buy of the shelf. I don't know if it should be a sad thing that some of the best covers can fit any one of a hundred or so books.Gerhi Feurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14505154000653208272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-20309536095552592502011-12-28T07:24:18.756-06:002011-12-28T07:24:18.756-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-71354179157631315702011-12-28T07:23:03.607-06:002011-12-28T07:23:03.607-06:00Nice interview. I would love to hear more about th...Nice interview. I would love to hear more about thinks on genre and design one day. I'm sure it would be fascinating and educational.<br /><br />On an aside, MS Paint? I used to use MS Publisher, until I got photoshop. Since then my cover text and control of imagery skill has gone way up. I've even started delving into basic vectors for my erotca titles as I'm too skint to pay for real images (I've done over 350 covers - some crap, some amazing - and I've never paid; homebrew for the win.)<br /><br />Check out 'Campfire Daydreams' or 'Milk and Coffee' at Smashwords to see what I'm up to or 'Tank: The Total Package'. It'll open your eyes to what you can do with only basic practice and 2 months playing around doing photoshop tutorials (have heart do-it-yourselfers!)<br /><br />Oh and to Carl, congratulations on quiting your day job!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-6613383149576006712011-12-27T23:12:31.904-06:002011-12-27T23:12:31.904-06:00Great post! I can't wait to see what books get...Great post! I can't wait to see what books get those gorgeous covers. I just finished my newest book, so this reminds me that I have to e-mail my cover artist soon.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04115967962602301330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-47112816796053647472011-12-27T21:40:29.708-06:002011-12-27T21:40:29.708-06:00I don't know if Joe is going to let this comme...I don't know if Joe is going to let this comment stay, but I'm gonna try to put this out there anyway.<br />I love my cover artist, and he's way cheaper than $400 buck a pop. His name is Glendon Haddix, and he can be found at http://streetlightgraphics.com/Shelby Crosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00919780083926717484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-64934471101715340152011-12-27T21:40:18.422-06:002011-12-27T21:40:18.422-06:00Carl's worth every cent. Seriously, the man ju...Carl's worth every cent. Seriously, the man just has that knack for developing eye-catchers! He's done the art for my forthcoming supernatural thriller: GHOST. When I saw it, I just about fell out of my chair. I had to go back and rewrite the book just to make sure it was as good as the cover!<br /><br />Check it out: http://is.gd/3fFTHQ<br /><br />And thanks again, Carl!WayneThomasBatsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15837713579691260482noreply@blogger.com