Friday, May 1, 2009

RJ and Cover Artists Hour

Was I crazy to throw the idea of opening a publishing company Rhonda’s way? Maybe a little, but after three years—wow, it amazes me how far we’ve come, and how much we’ve grown. We’ve had good days and bad, but overall it’s been a heck of ride so far, and I can’t even begin to imagine where we’ll be in another year, but I know it’ll be great (and maybe a little crazy).

The production department can be one very busy place, but I’ll be the first to say that the artists do more than their share of the work around here. I’m truly honored to work with such wonderful artists, and appreciate their hard work and beautiful renderings. Each artist brings their own style and ideas to the garden, yet they’ve managed to fit in so perfectly. They continue to surprise me with every new cover.
Thanks ladies, for all your hard work! You rock!

Now let’s make this a kickin’ new year!

~RJMorris

Here are a few words from one of our artists…

In March 2007, I made the best decision of my life. I joined The Wild Rose Press. At 35, I finally had the opportunity to combine the things I enjoyed most into an actual JOB--romance and editing/design. Two years, many manuscripts, and hundreds of covers later, I only regret that I don't have more time to dedicate to this amazing conglomeration of family, friends, artists, and writers.

I am a naughty member of the Scarlet Rose group, working as both an editor and designer. My design responsibilities also carry over to the Champagne, Black, and Cactus lines. As a Scarlet lady, my favorite covers pop with sexy bodies. But regardless of the line, covers should always sell the story to the reader--appropriate title (shorter the better) and vivid images that hook the reader (hefty collages just don't work for me).

The best thing an author can do is fill out their ms information sheet completely, provide a couple scenes from the book or images from one of our stock sites, and then trust the design staff to create the best cover to SELL their story. Authors often have a VERY SPECIFIC image in mind when it comes to their cover. But to be honest, the stock image sites just aren't crawling with half-naked auburn haired women with one green and one blue eye, embracing a blond, long-haired vampire dressed all in purple. The design staff WILL create an awesome cover--all authors have to do is trust that we know our job, understand the industry, and have a good feel for your story.
~Angela Anderson

26 comments:

Beth Caudill said...

I love the covers The Wild Rose Press artists come up with. Everyone does a great job.

Stacy D. Holmes, Editor said...

The covers here are AMAZING! RJ, you've put a great creative team together--and cover ladies, applauding you!

Roberta C.M. DeCaprio said...

ALL YOU LADIES AND THE WILD ROSE PRESS ROCK!!
Here's to another successful year!
You guys are the gatekeepers that have opened the way and given authors a chance to to share their creations with the rest of the world.
I am honored to be a part of the garden.
Thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Roberta C.M. DeCaprio
Published TWRP Author

Anonymous said...

Great post! I have to agree that writers should let the designer's make the cover =]

Nicola said...

It was a great day for TWRP the day I joined the cover art team--LOL not because of the way that sounds :) --but because it meant the company had grown so busy we needed another artist!

Having been involved in graphic design for many years creating ads and designing logos and business cards, etc., covers was a nice transition into creating something larger in size than a business card (and smaller than a full-spread ad). :) It's truly a pleasure to help bring to life an author's vision for their stories. I do the rosette and miniature covers across all lines except Scarlet Rose (unless another artist is requested), and I will also do covers for rosebuds and roses if I'm requested.

Amber Leigh Williams said...

TWRP has AMAZING cover artists who bless us authors with quality work. I'm always satisfied with mine :)

Amber

Emma Lai said...

All of The Wild Rose Press artists do awesome jobs!

Me :) said...

The covers are great! No way I would trade mine for anything in the world. My artist ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Catherine Bybee said...

Love, love, love my covers so far. Oh... la... la...
Check them out on my blog...

Hywela Lyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elizabeth West said...

Thank you, artists! You guys do an awesome job of creating beautiful covers. As RJ said, you rock!

Hywela Lyn said...

Sorry, I made a mess of that, I'll try again!

RJ, as a Brit, I don't often have too much chance to interact with editors, cover artists and 'the boss ladies' because of the time zones which mean the weekly chats take place when I'm tucked up in bed, so it's great to be able to say 'Happy Birthday' to the Wild Rose Press, and wish you many more.

I'm very proud to be a TWRP author, and as well as thanking you and the wonderful editors who've helped me achieve my deam, I'd also like to say I'm always amazed at all the beautiful and breathtaking covers. I'd especially like to thank 'my' cover artist Tamra, who's designed all three of my covers and seens to always get the 'atmosphere' I'm trying to convey in my story just right!

Kelly McCrady said...

Our art department ROCKS. I have been happy with every single cover both as an author and an editor. I've yet to see any egregious "photoshop errors" that are easy to find at other publishers.

Production does a fabulous job scheduling so many varied titles for release without overwhelming the store. Good job and happy birthday!
Kelly Schaub, Faery Editor

Silver James said...

The day your cover art comes is a major SQUEEEE!!?! moment for an author. And when you realize what an amazing piece of artwork your artist has created, I dare anyone to contain the Snoopy Happy Dance. While all the artists are amazing, I have to give a special shout out to Rae Monet! I love what she did with my cover for Faerie Fate!

Here's to many more celebrations, TWRP!

Debra St. John said...

Wild Rose has the BEST covers around. Angela has done both of mine so far, and I ALWAYS get tons of compliments on them! Thanks for all you do!

Rae Monet said...

I love doing covers for TWRP and truly enjoy coordinating for the author's as well. Graphic Design is a great creative outlet for me. Angela was spot on for my process for doing covers, as well. We really try to give the author's what they want, but we also want a marketable product for the company.

L M Gonzalez said...

Happy Birthday, The Wild Rose Press!

I love the covers as well. I've truly enjoyed writing for the Last Rose of Summer line and the Vintage Rose line.

I hope to be part of this garden for a long time.

LM

Nancy J. Parra said...

I think The Wild Rose Press does an amazing job on covers! Head and shoulders above.

But then I'm biased because I think my WRP covers are the best two covers of all my books.

I'm always so happy to show them off.

cheers!

RJMorris said...

Debra St. John is our cover art hour winner!

Thanks for all the great comments gang!
RJ

Sharon Donovan said...

Happy Birthday RJ and all you awesom book cover artists. I am proud to be part of this garden. Nicola has done all three of my book covers and Rae has designed a killer website for me. You ladies rock!! All the best and continued success.
Sharon

Mary Ricksen said...

Now it's letting me comment.
I think that TWRP has some of the most talented cover artists available. Keep the great covers coming guys!!!
Happy Birthday!

Rebecca J. Clark said...

I've been so pleased with both of my covers. Angela, you just designed the cover of my Scarlet Rosette, Midnight Treat. It's beautiful, and I haven't yet thanked you. So...thank you.

Becky

Susan Macatee said...

TWRP has the most amazing covers I've ever seen! Keep up the good work!

danie88 said...

I have to say that one of the things that draws me to new authors are their book covers, I've found a ton of new authors through TWRP and the covers are great! :)

Debra St. John said...

Excellent! How do I claim my prize?!?!??

Linda LaRoque said...

TWRP artist do awesome work.