Revelation - The story behind the cover creation

1.5.14

I'm so excited to have a guest post by the author of Revelation. I'm delighted that she talks about her book cover because it's absolutely stunning! Don't you agree?

In today’s market there are so many amazing novels to choose from that as an author you really have to stand out, not only with excellent writing, and a catchy title, but also with a beautiful cover that’s visually appealing to readers.
When I approached the cover design for Revelation, I wanted the cover to be a visual summary of what the overall story was about, without giving away the plotline or paranormal elements. That’s a difficult thing to accomplish, especially in the paranormal genre.
You might be surprised to learn that it actually took about two to three months to complete the cover design for Revelation. There are a few reasons for that. The first is I wanted a one-of-a-kind cover. Second, it was important to me, to make sure the cover visually created the world for the reader. Lastly, Revelation is book one of a series, so we had to make sure that the cover flowed with all the other cover choices for the entire series and made sense.
As an author you put all this time and energy into creating storylines, plots, characters and worlds, and if the cover doesn’t stand up to the quality of the writing, in my opinion, it’s almost a waste of word count. So for me, it was extremely important that we had a one-of-a-kind cover design that created a visual world matching the written world I created in Revelation. As a reader nothing bothers me more than to see the same models, or covers, used across multiple books and genres.
The cover of Revelation was really collaboration between an amazing cover artist, Claudia McKinney at Phatpuppy Art and myself. When Claudia and I first spoke, she hadn’t read the book yet, so verbally I had to walk her through my expectations visually and she just got it immediately, which was fantastic. She perfectly captured the dark and mysterious feel of the storyline by pulling out the moody and brooding elements through the use of grey and blue tones, as well as the rain.
To symbolize the divine secret within the novel, we use ominous clouds and sky. Truthfully, I was really against using a cover model for the protector element because I didn’t want the reader to use the model as a preconceived visual as to what the characters look like. I really wanted to take the reader on that ride visually with the written words. However, I think Claudia did an amazing job of incorporating the key elements of the individuals, and paranormal elements, without turning the model into one of the characters.
Authors Reveal: Cover Model is NOT an Angel!
Overall, I’m excited with how the cover turned out and hope that readers feel the same way. I can’t wait for you to see the rest of the covers in the series as well!

About the Book
Revelation, (The Revelation Series, Volume One)
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Published: May 1st, 2014
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A DIVINE SECRET,
A LOYAL PROTECTOR,
A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Eve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she’s believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael.
Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden.
Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her.
Caught in the middle of a centuries old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life.
Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies or will their love destroy everything?
Revelation is a journey of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice.
This is volume one of a series.

Excerpt
“Cold?” A deep, cocky voice greets me.
I look up to see Asher leaning against a black Aston Martin DB9, my dream car. Damn if he isn’t looking every bit as delicious as he normally does. I really need to get my head examined.
My lips form a tight line. “Why do you care?” It comes out harsher than I meant it too. Why does this guy get under my skin?
The unnerving guy holds his stance, his scrutiny still focused on me. I try to ignore the burning sensation his gaze causes as it settles into my skin. I’m definitely not cold anymore.
Asher breaks the awkward silence after a few moments. “Do I make you anxious, Eve?”
“No.” I shiver but for a different reason now. My name sounds like a prayer on his lips.
Nodding his head in understanding, he prowls over to me like a predator who has its prey in their trap. “You sure?” he whispers.
Holding my position, I lift my chin and attempt to show him he doesn’t affect me. “Yes.”
Asher stops in front of me, bends down and forces me to look him in the eye. My eyelids flutter just the tiniest bit at his body’s nearness to mine. Damn traitorous body.
The corners of his mouth lift smugly as moves closer. So close I can feel his minty warm breath on my lips. Chuckling quietly, he takes off his jacket and my heart begins doing back flips. His shoulders are really broad up close. Slowly, he leans forward, wrapping his leather coat over my shoulders and engulfing me with warmth and his intoxicating scent.

Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again.
Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.”
Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson
Website: http://randicooleywilson.com/

The Book Trailer


The Giveaway:
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4 comments :

  1. Thanks for being on the Revelation blog tour, Suzy!!

    -Nichole

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book was amazing! And the cover is very captivating, and once you read the book it defiantly fits!
    -Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  3. A pleasure, Nichole!
    Amanda - you're definitely making me want to read it :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the cover! Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Ann S

    ReplyDelete

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