Behind the scenes at
a publishing house - Interview with a Book Cover Designer
I
am doing a new series of posts – all interviews with people who work behind the
scenes at a publishing house (I have my monthly author interview but it’s nice
to find out what other people do… and how they cope with us temperamental
authors!). My first interview is with Harris Channing who is a freelance book
cover designer who works with Siren Publishing, one of my publishers. I
am delighted to have you on my blog. The great book cover below is one that Harris did for me.
Can you tell us a
little about yourself, where you are from, how long you have been working as
book cover designer and what made you take up this profession? Do you do any
other work?
Hello,
thanks for having me! I'm excited to be a part of your behind the scenes
project!
I'm
an army brat so I've lived in many places over the span of my life. I have, however, lived in Middle Tennessee
for the longest. My little city is about
an hour outside of Nashville.
I
have been working as a book cover designer since about 2011. I also write but with two kids and my graphic
design business I haven't had much time lately. But I do hope to dive back into
that part of the business very soon.
What is the thing
you most enjoy about being a book cover designer?
When
I was younger I used to draw and paint a lot and I am into photography too, so
it just seemed like a natural leap to get into computer art. I have fun putting together covers and
smoothing out the lines. I really like
trying to make stock images look fresh and different.
I
guess I have to say that even though I enjoy the process of making the cover,
my favorite part is when one comes together and the author says, "Thank
you Harris. I love it."
If you can say, what
has been your favourite book to design the cover for?
With
near 2,000 covers under my belt I'd be hard pressed to choose just one! In fact, I don't think I could!!!
(wow! That’s a lot
of covers!)
What are the biggest
things that make it difficult to design an author’s book cover? And what helps
you?
The
lack of certain models in the stock image world. For example, there is a demand for BBW and
there aren't a lot of images that glorify the beauty of a full figured woman. I
do wish there were more of those available.
I sometimes wish I could set up a studio and take pictures of models
myself...but I wouldn't even know where to start!!
What
helps with a design? Not being overly specific in design. Flexibility gives me the opportunity to
really be creative in the design and I think some of my best work has come from
being able to freely design.
Do you find it
difficult to design a book for a genre you don’t particularly enjoy? Or what
genre do you prefer to design a cover for?
My
main focus on book covers has been romance but I have done covers for suspense
and westerns and truly enjoyed designing them too. To be quite honest, I like
all genres. I will say, romance is my
favorite as I'm the most familiar with it but I am open for most genres.
As an author I find
myself picking up on other author’s mistakes, eg, head hopping or plot
inconsistencies. Do you have any similar thoughts when looking at other
designer’s book covers?
There
is so much talent in the cover design business that I don't usually pick up on
mistakes. I usually try to get fresh
ideas!
I know you write books
as well – do you prefer being an author or a graphic designer?
It's
really hard to compare the two. My
graphic design business is far more successful than my writing at this
point...but I do love to write. Sorry to
be so unsure of my answer...it's just that I enjoy them both.
What are your top
five tips to authors when completing cover questionnaires that would make your
life easier?
Leeway...I
understand that authors have a very specific look for their characters in
mind. And as an author I understand that
too. But given the limited number of
stock image models, sometimes it's hard to find the exact right model.
With
that said, my number 2 hint would be for authors to scour the stock image sites
for their perfect model and send either the picture or a link along with their
questionnaire. That way they get the
look they want or something very close.
Hmmm
3. Understanding that I can't always see
clearly the cover you want from a questionnaire. I do my best, but sometimes I miss the
mark. Covers matter so much to authors
(and they should) so emotions can run very high. Just remember that it wasn't
an intentional slight and with proper communication with either your publisher
or me (if it's a freelance job), we can make it work.
4.
Your cover is important to me. I want
clients and potential clients to know that I value their business and that I
want them to have a fulfilling experience if they choose me to be their cover
artist.
5. Patience.
It's exciting to get a cover and I strive to be as quick as possible
getting the product to you. Sometimes however, life gets in the way and I get a
little behind. Those times are rare but
patience is always appreciated.
Thank you, Harris. It has been fabulous interviewing you and the
tips are really helpful. Good luck with your covers and your writing, too.
Thank you for having me. I had to flex some brain power to answer some
of these. Good to know the verbal light
bulb still flickers! Have a great day!
Hugs,
Harris.
‘Naughty
Christmas Wishes’ – due out in a couple of weeks – is my first Christmas story,
but also my first totally fantasy story. I have done several paranormal stories
– all about werewolves but a huge part of my werewolf stories involves real
life wolf behaviours.
