I received the cover art for my novel today. Five Star seeks author suggestions for covers, but thankfully my publisher ignored my ideas. I doubt I would have gone for something so bold, or so – red. Yet the artist captured the essence of my story.

I have heard that red is a coveted color for novel covers. Having any red on a book supposedly increases sales.  My husband suggested this is because murder mystery readers are looking for blood, however not just mysteries benefit from this color. Our eyes are drawn to bright colors, just as the magpie is drawn to shiny objects, such as the gargoyle necklace in this one’s beak. 

The magpie on the cover is terrific. They are as common in Colorado as pigeons in a big city park. The beautiful birds share some of the habits of crows, but I find them more appealing. Maybe it is because they seem to be dressed up in tuxedos.

I like the mountain panorama, too. My story could not be set in any other region but the Rocky Mountains. The setting is integral to the story.  The reader will know where he or she is headed with just a glance at the book’s cover.

There have been many steps along the path to publication, but I must admit this is one of the most exciting. I am thrilled to be blessed with such a colorful and evocative novel cover. I learned more about the publishing process, too. A novel is written in solitude. It is published as part of a team effort.    

Stone Cold Dead will be released by Five Star Publishing in December 2013