Thursday, May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012 - Cover Art in MG




KDuBayGillis Ok, it's 9 pm. Time for #mglitchat. Tonight's topic...MG covers! -9:01 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @KDuBayGillis Thanks a bunch, Kellie! Ready to chat! #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @sway_author wow that is a great cover! #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis Anyone have any favorite covers they want to mention and why does it work for that book? #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 31st, 2012



PBWorkshop Hope to listen in, not miss too much. Great topic. #mglitchat -9:01 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk I think some of my favorite covers may be just because they're cool. I have that 12 year old boy mentality about cover art. #mglitchat -9:03 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelgrinti bought Heroes Guide to Saving Your Kingdom mostly on the cover and illustrations. I love illustrated covers! #mglitchat -9:03 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @AnshaKotyk Thank you, Ansha! I'm thrilled with the work Erwin Madrid did for Sway. I love all of his covers. #mglitchat -9:03 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti It's one of the things I love about mg -- I love that you still get illustrated covers, all stylized and cartoony #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @sway_author writing down name, you know, just in case... #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 31st, 2012


Bec_AS @AniProf Were you thinking those up all day? :) #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung Hey y'all. I really like the cover (among other things) for THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY. #mglitchat -9:04 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti I like the illustrated covers too, but I'm wondering if that will hold out as self-pub takes off, illustration costs. #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA hello! I also love illustrated covers. There's great variety #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore My favorite covers are those that act as a preview of what's inside. You can tell the tone, the character, etc #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk #mglitchat I'm like u I'll pick up a book jusst cause it looks cool. -9:05 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti Oh oh, and how about the original Coraline cover? How awesome was that? http://t.co/ym388AM9 So much style! #mglitchat -9:05 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk Well, I dunno that self-pub is the future of publishing or anything. But... #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti i loved that cover, very haunting #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @AnshaKotyk There are stock illustrations. Not all illustrations are expensive #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @mikegrinti I agree! I think the artwork can draw you in as it does for a PB. #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @AnshaKotyk Yes, good idea. He is amazing. Did Juniper Berry. Great at lighting. #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti Oh, oh, since @Mike_Jung is here, that reminds me, I love his cover! Awesome giant roboooooot. #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk ...I do wonder if the rise of ebooks will make covers much less important. No the same effect in B&W/small box? #mglitchat -9:06 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Hate it when cover (and even spot art inside) does not match the content of the text- even contradicts it. #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @mikegrinti Self-pub may not be, but ebooks may be. How will they change MG covers #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @Mike_Jung Yes, and Mike, your cover is very eye-catching too. Who did it? #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung An upcoming cover that rocks is Sarwat Chadda's THE SAVAGE FORTRESS - http://t.co/MLY1yq6J #mglitchat -9:07 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @KDuBayGillis 'Flush' by #CarlHiaasen - I think the cover works b/c it's climax of book. #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @Mike_Jung ooh very godzilla like #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso #mglitchat I'm liking @SW_Messenger's Keeper of the Lost Cities cover. Another of those illustrated ones. -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis Here's another cover I'm in love with. Illustrated. http://t.co/Y2635AOs #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble I'm liking the cover for the upcoming Lemony Snicket. Different than the Unfortunate Events covers but still feels "Snicket" #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Can think of one in which the PB release cover art is WAY better than design for HC- Curious about reasons for change. #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @mikegrinti @anshakotyk I don't think b&w ebook readers will be the future - and eventuall kids will be most likely to have color #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


jodyfeldman Cool cover for The Peculiar that comes out this fall. #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @sway_author Thanks Amber! It was illustrated by Mike Maihack, an ace comic book artist. #mglitchat -9:08 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA Maybe! But a lot of people stick to e-ink b/c it's less eye strain. We'll see if that'll last, I guess. #mglitchat -9:09 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @KDuBayGillis 'Flush' by #CarlHiaasen - I think the cover works b/c it's the climax of the book. http://t.co/wSEclPS2 #mglitchat -9:09 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @KDuBayGillis Kellie, this is fabulous! Haven't seen it yet. I would totally buy that one. #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @KDuBayGillis "Pixar meets Tim Burton." Ha! Certainly eye-catching. #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @PBWorkshop I like the PB cover for THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY a lot. The hardcover's not bad, but the paperback is great. #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA Recently I @joannelevy's SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE got a new cover -- went from illo to photo. Older appeal with photo? #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Terrific cover for Helen Frost's HIDDEN: http://t.co/LtVhgx5d #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


KristineAsselin Lurking at #mglitchat I LOVE browsing covers...totally helps me decide what book to read. Does that make me shallow? #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA Photo seems to be the default with YA and near-YA. I wish it wasn't, sometimes all the photo blends together :/ #mglitchat -9:10 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti my nook has the color cover art on the bottom touch screen. love my cover art #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @Mike_Jung @PBWorkshop That's my Erwin Madrid that did that one! #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @kellandrewsPA I think the original cover for SMatL looked a teensy bit dated. The new one feels much more contemporary. #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble Does anyone read The Last Apprentice series? Great covers and even better interior art. #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @mikegrinti Kids don't worry as much about eyestrain! Plus many will be use multiuse devices - iPads, smartphones. #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @KristineAsselin If so, then we can be shallow together! #mglitchat -9:11 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf Agreed! RT @kellandrewsPA Photo seems to be the default with YA and near-YA ... sometimes all the photo blends together :/ #MGLitChat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


KristineAsselin @MGMafioso It's a deal! #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author Daughter wants me to mention that THE DOLL PEOPLE series has great cover art...and interiors. #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @matt_janacone I love his covers. They almost brand his books. #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @Mike_Jung Ooh, I hadn't seen the pb cover yet. Nice! I agree about the other being dated. & new one has such style & character. #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk Can we touch back on the different levels that a cover has to 'show' to make it a good rep for the story? #mglitchat Jo mentioned this -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop @Mike_Jung Agreed. I was thinking about The Reinvention of Edison Thomas- http://t.co/8p5okPu6 Suits Eddy much more! #mglitchat -9:12 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @sway_author He's REALLY good. Fantastic work on both covers, yours is gorgeous! #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis Can I admit that I mostly bought WILDWOOD for the cover and the illustrations? #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @Mike_Jung It's hard to say what's dated. I see weird illos sometimes. Weird photos too, for that matter! #mglitchat -9:13 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf @PBWorkshop nice cover! #MGLitChat -9:13 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @kellandrewsPA See, I really feel that a cover gets you to buy it, the story gets you to read and keep reading it. #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @kellandrewsPA Sure, "dated" is subjective. Sometimes that's actually what the cover designer/illustrator was going for. #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @AnshaKotyk Good point. Character, plot, tone, setting. All things a cover can capture. What else? #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk Or at least look at the book more closely. And why not? When it works, it's an instant slice of what you'll get... #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @PBWorkshop That's a big improvement. I hope the PB takes off! #mglitchat -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk @kellandrewsPA #mglitchat That's true- cover is the first line, but the guts have to be good. -9:14 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @PBWorkshop Oh wow, I agree - the PB cover pushes my buttons much more strongly. #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti That's exactly right, if the cover does it's job it should tell you what you'll find inside. #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf Which is worse? Lousy cover w/ great book? Or great cover w/ lousy book? #MGLitChat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Interesting that some "Name" authors are assigned "Name" illos- Wilder/Garth Williams, Cleary/Zelinsky, Clement/Selznick. #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @AnshaKotyk MG covers most often show the MCs. Colors are important too. #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @Mike_Jung Thank you, Mike! #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @KDuBayGillis have you seen the jacket for Under Wildwood? Darker than book one, but still very cool. #mglitchat -9:15 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @KDuBayGillis tone, setting, character, pov? genre? #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


christinesarmel Hi #mglitchat If the book's not contemporary, I love it when the cover matches the time period. -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis I like covers that make me guess a bit. WONDER, WHEN YOU REACH ME. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @Mike_Jung A good example of this is THE FREEDOM MAZE, which looks like early 20th century children's illustration to me. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


KristineAsselin @AnshaKotyk But the cover can't be too complicated either. Simple depiction of all those thigns. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @AniProf depends what you're after, readers or sales. #MGLitChat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


jodyfeldman I first noticed THE EMERALD ATLAS for the cover. Loved looking at it while I was reading, as well. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @AniProf If it's a lousy cover, I'll probably run away and not find out it's a great book until you convince me otherwise. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


Bec_AS @AniProf Lousy cover is way worse- kids/adults won't even pick it up to SEE if the story might be any good. #mglitchat -9:16 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @KDuBayGillis I love the cover of WONDER but it doesn't match the description of August -- the big ears. #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @KDuBayGillis Wonder's cover is great. It's a prefect mix of not-quite-actually-showing what he looks like. Drew me right in. #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @kellandrewsPA Agreed. And it's a personal thing - some adults will like it, some won't. Kids, though? Seems a bit risky. #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop OKAY FOR NOW left me turned off until I read "buzz"- now I "get"it and LOVE that book. #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat there seem to be divided opinions on putting faces on covers. What do u all think? -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @christinesarmel Me too. How do you like Moon Over Manifest? I think it's a sweet cover. #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA I didn't even notice that! #mglitchat -9:17 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis What about covers that "brand" an author? #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @KDuBayGillis Yes, WHEN YOU REACH ME's cover had me so stumped. #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel I think a face on a cover doesn't allow the reader 'wiggle' room to imagine #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @sway_author I agree! #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @KDuBayGillis I love the concept of a cover brand. #mglitchat -9:18 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @rachelnseigel I like faces, but prefer faces on illustrated covers. Also prefer accuracy. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @kellandrewsPA There's @kurtisscaletta's TANGLEWOOD TERROR, which evokes (successfully, IMHO) an earlier, pulpier publishing era. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @KDuBayGillis It is a very good cover. Intriguing and draws you in. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf @rachelnseigel If the face is just a nice photo, then no. I, personally, prefer good illustration. #MGLitChat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung @sway_author You're welcome! He did terrific stuff with the light coming down through the top of the tree. #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @PBWorkshop Tender Morsels had a way better PB cover than the hardback. http://t.co/FnLJDoi6 http://t.co/u5R2lN4o #mglitchat -9:19 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel I love faces on covers. It makes it feel more like I'm diving into that character's thoughts #mglitchat -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @rachelnseigel I'm a fan of the obscured face. Ranger's Apprentice did this well on a few covers #mglitchat -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


kellybarnhill It's #mglitchat! And I'm in reach of my computer! A miracle! -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @AnshaKotyk @KDuBayGillis Like the Pseudonymous Bosch stuff? #mglitchat -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @mikegrinti I like that it keeps his appearance mysterious because he's not described til later (almost no ears=big plot point) #mglitchat -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf @JoWhittemore But all the faces look the same! #MGLitChat -9:20 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore I like faces, but not as much full body. Clothes and hair get dated quickly. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @garbergrumble #mglitchat I like the Ranger's Apprentice covers. -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @Mike_Jung Yes, Mike, that is what I was most thrilled about. The big, bright hope. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel Does that matter? If the book lasts for years it'll prob. get new covers. Unless the cover becomes iconic. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Small as an Elephant is perfect- visually, emotionally, totally: http://t.co/CBibwX2q #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


Bec_AS Q: Do you think there is a MG cover element that is "overdone" (like 'girl in dress' in YA)? #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @LynneKelly My only problem with Tender Morsels cover is it sends off "light fairy tale" signal, but has such harsh content. #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel Unless it's a period piece, of course. Then it's already dated. ;) #mglitchat -9:21 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore #mglitchat true. ;-) -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @rachelnseigel It's shocking how fast covers date- sometimes books from 2000 look 1980s to me sometimes #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


kellybarnhill @Mike_Jung @kellandrewsPA @kurtisscaletta That's one of my favorite covers of all time. (And the book is good too!) #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA Especially when the same photo/model is recycled in multiple titles. At least the YA heads came back. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung Another one I like is @NatalieLorenzi's FLYING THE DRAGON - it's illustrated by Kelly Murphy, whose work I'm a big fan of. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I admit I'm a bit of a book cover snob. #mglitchat -9:22 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @rachelnseigel Hm, maybe. But no more so than photos I think. #mglitchat -9:23 PM May 31st, 2012


Mike_Jung I'm out, folks. Good topic and chat, thanks! #mglitchat -9:23 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat I find the YA trend of girls in ball gowns with windswept hair annoying. -9:23 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I was at local library, checking out some of those Babysitter club paperback bks for sale. Wow, talk about dated! #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat And girls with long braids hanging down their backs! -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis Twitter is eating my #mglitchat responses. Argh. -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @rachelgrinti Interesting, I haven't even read it, just knew I loved the cover! It does look fairy taleish. #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk Like @Bec_AS mentioned is there any on mg element that you think has been over used? #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop @Mike_Jung Fun chatting- g'night! #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @sway_author @AnshaKotyk Yes, or Carl Hiaasen's books. #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA The prevalence of illos for MG and photos for YA confused me with WHERE THINGS COME BACK. Thought was MG til first page! #mglitchat -9:24 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf Okay, here's the first Wizard of Oz cover http://t.co/F5YY3ktr #MGLitChat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel I dunno that kids have that same reaction? I dunno, I just don't usually have that reaction just frm kids on cover #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @KDuBayGillis Books by #ChristopherPaolini - who was discovered by #CarlHiaasen #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @AniProf wow, doesn't really convey the mystery of Oz , does it? #MGLitChat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


christinesarmel Must run. Can't wait to read the rest tomorrow. #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @mikegrinti Uh, yeah they do. Big time. Librarian told me a cover can make or break a teen/tween from reading bk. #mglitchat -9:25 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @KDuBayGillis @AnshaKotyk I, too, like the concept of the cover brand. Especially if it's so unique. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop OUT of MY MIND is another perfect image- I guess I'm more a fan of images than of "people" photos. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @ixtumea I know that my patrons will pick the book up it has a good cover. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @kellandrewsPA Same here! #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @AnshaKotyk I don't know about element, but I am annoyed by super exaggerated facial expressions -- bug-eyed wonder/horror #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @sway_author @ixtumea kids care about covers for sure. I was replying specifically to kids on cover == 80s feel. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @AniProf Ha! Love it! #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @sway_author @christinesarmel I like Moon Over Manifest's cover. There's been a few similar covers since but can't recall titles. #mglitchat -9:26 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @AniProf Not in spec fic books. There's Magic Under Glass, Silver Phoenix, Leviathan, The Hunchback Assignments... #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @ixtumea This is so true. I do not want to waste money on a book a tween or teen will not read @mikegrinti #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop @AniProf Oz is a perfect example of the technology of the day determining the appearance- look at a timeline of Caldecott titles. #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea Well, covers that are too 'girly' won't be touched by boys. According to Ericka, our MG librarian. #mglitchat -9:27 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat I think the covers on the Fourth Stall books r perfect! All my customers reacted positively! @WaldenPondPress Does gr8 covers. -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @ixtumea right on. If cover didn't matter to mg readers why would publishers bother to repackage/update them? #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @cindysku I tried recommending some MGs for her but even a curly font she said was a turn off. #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore Thanks! I like it too! :) RT @LindseyScheibe: @JoWhittemore I like your cover for Front Page Face Off. :) #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone I think authors should brand their covers. #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author Anyone else dig the simplicity of HORTEN'S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS? I love the small size of the book too. #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @kellandrewsPA WHERE THINGS COME BACK is a cover teens will not pick up but he paperback cover looks good. #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @ixtumea Yet pub houses continue to churn out all that pink! #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @matt_janacone What do you mean? #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


AniProf Charlotte's Web http://t.co/IkEa6TH5 #MGLitChat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @mikegrinti #mglitchat They do, I think. Seems like kids prefer real kids, but I've dealt with small sample size. -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT Are we talking about covers? Neat. :-D #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @JoWhittemore Your MGs are fab and the covers rock too. #mglitchat -9:28 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @MGMafioso Yeah, I don't get that. #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @rachelnseigel The Fourth Stall covers ROCK!! #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @ixtumea I think boys know that pink books where not written for them because of the cover and marketing #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @coachhays64 @christinesarmel Yeah, there's a great one out now with a big moon and a girl's face...but I can't think of it. #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @ixtumea So, what sort of MG covers are gender neutral? I see @KateMessner's CAPTURE THE FLAG cover as not too boy or girl. #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @cindysku I tried it with my 11 yr old too. The cover thingy. And he won't touch anything that looks girly. #mglitchat -9:29 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @sway_author Trouble with Half a Moon? #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @ixtumea Thanks, Kim! I have to say, MIX hires the best cover illustrators. #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @KDuBayGillis Gender neutral ones are ok. I think, anyway. #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @ixtumea @cindysku I read somewhere that certain colours r immediate turn-offs 2 boys. (Other than pink of course) #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @ixtumea @cindysku I daresay how we market pink is what makes it seem like a barrier for boys, rather than the color itself. #mglitchat -9:30 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @kellandrewsPA Nope, it's one with a 20's kind of feel. #mglitchat -9:31 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @cindysku One YA book series, which is really good, was untouched by teens in library. Ericka thinks it's because of cover. #mglitchat -9:31 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @rachelnseigel @ixtumea @cindysku Like which colors? I'm curious. #mglitchat -9:31 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AudryT @ixtumea @cindysku @sway_author #mglitchat Apparently orange is a big turn-off. not sure why. -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @sway_author There must be a science to this, right? #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @mikegrinti I mean authors should stay with a particular cover design/style like #CarlHiaasen #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT You know, I don't get it. Till I got married and had a child. Then it's so interesting how ppl reinforce the whole #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis What about covers that don't show the MC but focus on the antagonist? Thinking of @KateMilford's THE BONESHAKER. #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @matt_janacone Even if the books are different in tone/feel? #CarlHiaasen #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author Do you guys think that embossing and shine on a cover means anything to kids like it does to us? (I love a bumpy cover.) #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @MGMafioso @rachelnseigel I love the Fourth Stall covers! Brilliant design. #mglitchat -9:32 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT pink and frills aren't for boys thingy. Really bugged me. Or it's not a doll but rather an action figure. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @AnshaKotyk @AniProf It does convey the mystery of why one would think that cover works. Love low tech hyphenated title. Classy. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @AnshaKotyk @sway_author there is some known color science. Restaurants use is well #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis @KateMilford #mglitchat Those r my favourite kind of covers! -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I think the whole 'girly' thing is taught? I might be wrong but I had a real eyeopener when I had son. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @rachelnseigel @AudryT @ixtumea @cindysku @sway_author You'd think orange would look like explosions! #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @KDuBayGillis @KateMilford I take that back, Natalie is on there, but not the main focus. #mglitchat -9:33 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @KDuBayGillis Now I liked that cover. THE BONESHAKER. #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat Do any of you have difficulties selling covers with multi-cultural characters? Seems to be a big controversy in YA. -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @sway_author Probably not as much. I see embossing & think, "That publisher really invested!" Kids not likely to be impressed #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @ixtumea teen book checked out NEW MOON today and I was surprised #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @AudryT @ixtumea Of course Pink used to be viewed a male color. #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @ixtumea A lot of it certainly seems to be taught... #mglitchat -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @MGMafioso @AudryT @ixtumea @cindysku @sway_author #mglitchat I would have thought so. Boys seem 2 like darker colours. -9:34 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk great question RT @rachelnseigel: #mglitchat Do any of you have difficulties selling covers with multi-cultural characters? -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @sway_author I personally love embossing. I also love matte finish. But I think we notice. Kids not so much. #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel Well, you don't sell the cover, it's made for you. #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti I dunno, my son came out wanting trucks, things that moved and blue. and that's okay too. :) #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT And has always been in FL. (Ex: Miami Vice!) RT @cindysku: @AudryT @ixtumea Of course Pink used to be viewed a male color. #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea Also some things we raise eyebrows over? Doesn't faze kids at all. I think we're the ones that make most of the fuss. #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @rachelnseigel I can not get enough books with people of color on the cover at my library. #mglitchat -9:35 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @kellandrewsPA @sway_author Totally agree. For the gatekeepers, not the kids. Unless very design-oriented kids! #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @mikegrinti #mglitchat That's true. I was asking booksellers/librarians. -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop Has anyone watched the Chip Kidd TED talk on book design? http://t.co/2Ya9H59E It is a science, and an art! #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @rachelnseigel I don't really like faces on covers, unless they are out of focus or shaded. Too much detail trumps my imagination #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk Of course not! But plenty of girls love trucks, until they catch on that they're not supposed to, that's all. #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @rachelnseigel I LOVED darker colors as a little girl. Navy blue = favorite. Pink = meh. #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel Now things are going to get good. : ) #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk So it becomes a "boy thing" instead of a certain-kind-of-kid thing. #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso Great topic, guys. Must go off to eat my Indian food (and the kids are screaming in the basement.) Hope to see ya next week. #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @PBWorkshop Thanks for the link! LOVE TED talks! #mglitchat -9:36 PM May 31st, 2012


PBWorkshop For some the dust jacket and the hard case are NOT the same- for a reason? #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel Oh, duh. That's actually a great question then :D #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @cindysku @rachelnseigel People of color but AREN'T inner city. We need more Cosby in teen lit #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @kellandrewsPA Yeah, I figured as much. I loved those things as a kid, but that's b/c I enjoyed the books more than the reading! #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I just think it's sad that's all. The whole mind set that boys only like certain things. #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb Hi, all! The subject is covers? I love this topic! #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @TLT16 @cindysku #mglitchat In MG too. I had a customer ask me for "Happy Black" for middle grade. -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @mikegrinti I do have to agree with you. my thoughts were that it was a def learned ... but when my son showed up... surprising. #mglitchat -9:37 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @mikegrinti Monster truck rallies, FTW. Watched them with my brothers. Still like car crushing in movies. #mglitchat -9:38 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @MGMafioso Thanks for hanging with us! #mglitchat (Butter chicken on the menu??) -9:38 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat Not exactly MG- more early chapter, but I love Clubhouse mysteries & Ruby Lu series. Contemporary kids of different races. -9:38 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @ktubb Aaaaaah! YOURS is the cover I've been trying to think of this whole chat! I love it. #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AnshaKotyk Gender stuff is hella complicated, heh. And there's no unbiasted observation to be had :/ Tough. #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT I don't get the whole boys only like certain things thingy. I get upset if dh says, that's not for boys. #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @ktubb And you have an awesome cover!! #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @ktubb Hi! You got it. Covers. #mglitchat. -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


MGMafioso @KDuBayGillis Actually chicken korma, naan bread. Cheerio! #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @ktubb I was thinking it had a moon on it. #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @TLT16 Black = can only be from urban neighborhoods is so last century. We can do better now. @cindysku @rachelnseigel #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @ktubb Hey, you! Welcome welcome! #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @mikegrinti Well, I'm referring to mainly #CarlHiaasen I read alot of Hiaasen #mglitchat -9:39 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT Uh, yeah. On the urban neighborhood comment. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


KateMessner @PBWorkshop Chip Kidd's TED talk was amazing & so, so funny. He stole the show at the conference. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @ixtumea Or that girls need Lego Friends and pink versions of everything #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AudryT @TLT16 @cindysku #mglitchat Totally agree. -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 I hope it's not too politically incorrect to say that I love my cover by artist, Kaytalin Platt. #mglitchat Perfect fit for the book. -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA This is a fun topic but one we writers have little control over! I see terrible covers and wonder if writer is cringing too #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I want more biracial books/covers. My adorable nephews are biracial. Not much out there for them. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @sway_author @ktubb Hilarious. Her ears must have been burning. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AudryT @TLT16 @cindysku #mglitchat Sales reps tell me they have customers who only buy books with white kids on covers. -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @rachelnseigel @cindysku My co-blogger is talking about this next week. It is needed. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


KateMessner @KDuBayGillis Thanks~ I will admit to being in mad love with the cover for CAPTURE THE FLAG. #mglitchat -9:40 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @TLT16 'Fession time. I always hated pink. Ugh. #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA I always feel bad for them :( Sometimes I will give the book extra time out of sympathy, ha. #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk @rachelnseigel but is it really true? #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @kellandrewsPA Definitely We've watched some of our friends on Verla's agonize over this. And it must be the worst. #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk I believe it is. When we sell further north outside of our urban areas that's absolutely true. #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel If they can't tell? Do they just assume? #mglitchat -9:41 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @sway_author Eeee! Thank you! The wonderful Rich Dees at @friendsatfeiwel designed it. I love it, too! :) #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @kellandrewsPA SO true. It is such a gamble. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea Waiting for a cover to your book is the worse thing ever. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @coachhays64 That's a great thing. I'm sure not every author can say that about their cover. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti What about animals on covers? I think the cover for The One and Only Ivan is eye-catching (and adorable) #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @rachelnseigel @AudryT @TLT16 I work with a diverse population and I am always looking for books with that represent my teens. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea Now the cover for my more younger YA should be fun, frilly as that's the theme. #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @rachelnseigel @audryt @cindysku That is appalling!!! #mglitchat -9:42 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelgrinti That one always, always catches my eye... #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @rachelgrinti I love the MALCOLM AT MIDNIGHT cover! And CHAINED. Very expressive animals #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @AnshaKotyk Thank you! (And I always feel a little silly saying that, since I had nothing to do with it! :) ) I love it, too. :) #MGlitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @cindysku I'm multiracial--Italian, Irish, Mexican and have always wanted more books that reflect who I am. #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @JoWhittemore Hi! #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @rachelgrinti The book is SSSOOOOOOOO good #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT Putting together my own "cover" for my online serial was hard b/c finding a great Latina stock photo? Harder than it oughtta be. #mglitchat -9:43 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @mikegrinti @rachelgrinti Are you two in the same room tweeting??? #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @TLT16 @ixtumea Lego Friends are ridiculous pandering. I grew up with regular Legos and turned out...well, bad example. :) #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @TLT16 @AudryT @cindysku #mglitchat It is. I can't stand hearing too...something to describe a book about non Wasp kids. -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @KDuBayGillis Yes :D On the same couch, too. Dog-distance apart, of course. #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @TLT16 Oh, good to hear! I haven't gotten to it yet. #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone Of course, here is my personal favorite cover http://t.co/GTV4i8YV #mglitchat Had to sneak that in there :) -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea I was a bilingual teacher in an East LA school and was so surprised at lack of stories that reflect them. Just a few back #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @rachelgrinti love a good animal cover. Redwall series and Erin Hunter books come to mind. #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis Curious to know from authors...how much input did you get to have into your cover? A lot, some, none at all? #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea in the 90s/early 2000s. Want more. #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @rachelgrinti animals are fine unless that are way too cute #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @KDuBayGillis @sway_author My Tweets were all a-twitter! ;) #mglitchat -9:44 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @sway_author Yes, I love the elephant on CHAINED. #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @ktubb @anshakotyk You wrote the book that inspired the cover, lady!!! #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @rachelgrinti Ooooh, THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT is beautiful too. #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT I've been doing that for my own sekrit project. I found some good ones. But yeah, hard to find. #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT After that experience, I found myself wanting to go to stock photographers and say, "More diversity in cool pose shots, dammit!" #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @JoWhittemore My daughters like Lego Friends figures. They are much cuter and less scowly. Some girls are girly & I value that #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @sway_author Oh, you mean that little gal over there? <----- Thanks for the shout-out! @rachelgrinti #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @JoWhittemore @TLT16 @ixtumea I can not stand those lego friends #mglitchat -9:45 PM May 31st, 2012


KateMessner @KDuBayGillis All the publishers I work with at least ask me what I think of early cover sketches & have taken some suggestions. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel #mglitchat How about books with no person or animal but just lettering and a symbol? Like Alex Rider for example. -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT My sekrit project has a Latina protagonist in a futuristic world that's more of her culture. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis They ask my thoughts after they've done their design...to make sure the illustrator was consistent with the story #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti On the animal subject, the Puppy Place and Kitty Corner books *fly* off the shelves at the library. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


matt_janacone @KDuBayGillis All. I designed it. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @ixtumea My needs were more specific than average. If I'd needed a teen dressed casually for school, would've been easier. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @kellandrewsPA I think people would be less frustrated if they had more roles and were less... boxing girls out. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @kellandrewsPA @JoWhittemore We DIG the Lego Friends. So detailed. #mglitchat -9:46 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @KDuBayGillis My first cover (for AUTUMN WINIFRED OLIVER DOES THINGS DIFFERENT), Delacorte asked for quite a lot of input. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AudryT Did you consider illustration? Am curious. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT Yes, I've been reading your twitters on your project. I think mine are a little easier though I can't find more radical #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @rachelnseigel 1st cover was a great visual -- that had NOTHING to do with the book, Liar. The 2nd was great AND relevant. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @rachelnseigel Septimus Heap series does the lettering/logo approach well. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT photos of leaders from places like MECHa or La Raza for example. #mglitchat -9:47 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AudryT There are some really amazing artists out there doing POC characters. Web comics is a good place to look. Costly, tho :/ #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @AudryT The worst part about it was they tried 2 suggest Mc could have been lying about her appearance. Author said no way. #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 31st, 2012


JayeRobinBrown Hi all, super late to the chat, but lurking for a few. #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 31st, 2012


ixtumea @AudryT Was really happy that Dolores Huerta finally got honored! #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @KateMessner @JoWhittemore That's awesome! Probably not always the case. #mglitchat -9:48 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @KDuBayGillis I think that I could have had some input if something truly bugged me, but I didn't ever have to. #mglitchat -9:49 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @rachelnseigel Sometimes publishing is just plain whack. #mglitchat -9:49 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb #mglitchat I really like this blog about covers in Kidlit: http://t.co/amycjGFj. She hasn't updated in awhile, but excellent archive. -9:49 PM May 31st, 2012


JayeRobinBrown So true. RT @AudryT: @rachelnseigel Sometimes publishing is just plain whack. #mglitchat -9:50 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @ktubb So cool to be part of that creative process, I bet. #mglitchat -9:50 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @sway_author @kellandrewspa Girly things=OK. My issue is they made them not because they felt girls were left out, but for money #mglitchat -9:50 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis We gave minor input, like character(s) we'd like to see, short descriptions of them. I love how it turned out. #mglitchat -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @sway_author So you had a chance to see iterations of the art? #mglitchat -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb #mglitchat I got to meet the young girl on the cover of my first novel. She came to a bookstore event! Totally surreal. -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @catagator does interesting posts about re-covers & HB/PB switches. Mostly YA, but it does point to what covers didn't work #mglitchat -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT @mikegrinti I wasn't looking for an illustrated cover in this case, though. Photography only. #mglitchat -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis But I am happy not being a big part, I'm not a designer. Though I might feel differently if I didn't like it ;) #mglitchat -9:51 PM May 31st, 2012


WriterRoss Came in late. As in moments ago. Apologies. Was the cut-off at top of head cover discussed because I still don't get THAT trend. #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


JayeRobinBrown @ktubb That would be surreal! #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


ChristinaFarley @kellandrewsPA a bad cover is tough. If you have an agent, they can put in your contract that you have a say in the cover & title #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @KDuBayGillis It was great. I appreciated that they asked! #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @ktubb That's so cool. I didn't realize it was a photo! Or is it a sketch of her? #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Awesome. I guess there's also a need to trust the artists to do their thing and know what will work. #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @KDuBayGillis I was really lucky-- ed asked for input from the start, then sent the artist's rough sketches later for feedback. #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @AudryT Was there a particular reason you felt photo was a necessity? (not leading, interested in your process) #mglitchat -9:52 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis #mglitchat I think that trying to capture the essence of a book in one image is one of the hardest things 2 do! -9:53 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @KDuBayGillis I don't know that I'd want a ton of input. I'm not an artist or a cover designer. #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 31st, 2012


AnshaKotyk Absolutely! #mglitchat I think that trying to capture the essence of a book in one image is one of the hardest things 2 do! -9:53 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @mikegrinti Copycat! Tweet-stealer! #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @JayeRobinBrown It was! I'd seen her photo so often for over a year, and then there she was! Felt like character came to life! #mglitchat -9:53 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @LynneKelly Either you all scored great editors or the process is more collaborative than I realized! #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelgrinti I tweeted it last, I get all the retweets!!! mine mine mine! #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @KDuBayGillis I was able to suggest several things & had a couple shot down. The artist worked with me as the team it should be. #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @ktubb That's so cool! #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelgrinti @rachelnseigel I agree, that's why amazing covers impress me so much when they really capture the book. #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


JoWhittemore @ktubb So cool! Did you get a picture with her? #mglitchat -9:54 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @rachelgrinti #mglitchat I wonder- do cover designers read the book, or work from synopsis/publisher notes? -9:55 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @KDuBayGillis The cover folks seemed super nervous revealing the cover. They definitely cared whether we liked it! #mglitchat -9:55 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @sway_author I think HOPE might be a sketch - not even sure, really! AUTUMN is a photo - she's the model I met. :) #mglitchat -9:55 PM May 31st, 2012


LynneKelly @KDuBayGillis From what I've heard from other authors, it seems like it's unusual to be included in the process. #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku one thing the make me sad is one a series cover design changes in the middle of a series #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


mikegrinti @rachelnseigel From what I hear it depends quite a lot on publisher, schedule, etc. Artists do prefer to have the time, though. #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku If I was collecting a series I want them to match #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @cindysku Ruins the set for sure! #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @kellandrewsPA It was! Rare, too, I think. My editor couldn't believe it! :) #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @LynneKelly Pretending I didn't hear that... : ) #mglitchat -9:56 PM May 31st, 2012


WriterRoss Mike reminds me of another question I have: why are publishers reluctant to reveal covers until a date certain? #mglitchat -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @rachelnseigel In my case, he read the book, but still had a list of definite wants from the editors, like the girl, the tree. #mglitchat -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @cindysku #mglitchat It's odd when publishers do that, but maybe the original cover didn't work. -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 Yes! “@cindysku: If I was collecting a series I want them to match #mglitchat” -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb @JoWhittemore I did! I asked her to sign books with me, too. Really fun! #mglitchat -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @WriterRoss I think sometimes it is that they want to build buzz #mglitchat -9:57 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @sway_author #mglitchat At least he read it and had some idea of what the book actually was about! -9:58 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @WriterRoss Sometimes they change covers as they go. Mostly they want the biggest PR/marketing pop so they time it right #mglitchat -9:58 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @WriterRoss #mglitchat Build hype maybe? -9:58 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @rachelnseigel the princess diaries change cover designed twice I was so annoyed #mglitchat -9:58 PM May 31st, 2012


garbergrumble @cindysku great point. Kids like to collect, seeing a series (that look the same) lined up on their shelf means something. #mglitchat -9:58 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @rachelnseigel @WriterRoss Cover reveals are such a big thing on blogs/twitter. #mglitchat -9:59 PM May 31st, 2012


kellandrewsPA @WriterRoss I have a friends whose cover/title were changed late in game because of requests (demands?) from retailers #mglitchat -9:59 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @WriterRoss One answer is...There is a lot of back and forth on tiny details that goes on until the very last minute. #mglitchat -9:59 PM May 31st, 2012


TLT16 @cindysku @rachelnseigel But then they do Lois Duncan covers to update them and they move off the shelf again. #mglitchat -9:59 PM May 31st, 2012


WriterRoss @cindysku @rachelnseigel I suppose so...@KDuBayGillis I know. I enjoy those voila, ta-da moments! #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 31st, 2012


coachhays64 @mikegrinti @rachelgrinti Did the same folks do both the US and UK covers to CLAWS? I like both versions, a lot. #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 31st, 2012


KDuBayGillis @kellandrewsPA @WriterRoss That rings a bell to me, too. Now that is interesting! What did they want changed? #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author @rachelnseigel Yes, I was flattered by that for sure. This guy does Dreamworks concept art! #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT When I was editing manga, I saw that fans were absolutely devoted to all the spines lining up / having a similar style. #mglitchat -10:00 PM May 31st, 2012


cindysku @TLT16 @rachelnseigel I think she updated the content too #mglitchat -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012


WriterRoss @sway_author Good point (speaking as a last-minute kind of person). ;> #mglitchat -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012


rachelnseigel @cindysku @TLT16 #mglitchat Babysitter's Club was re-issued last yr. Not sure if content changed. -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012


sway_author Gotta go get bedtime snack for kiddo! Enjoyed it everyone. Thanks, Kellie! #mglitchat -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012


AudryT If a reader is going to buy a book rather than borrow, they want the physical package to be as appealing as possible. #mglitchat -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012


ktubb #mglitchat What's amazing to me is the influence that Big Bookstores have in what goes on a cover. They do know what "works," it seems. -10:01 PM May 31st, 2012

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