How many of you think an author’s job is finished when they’re done writing their book? For the most part, I would’ve raised my hand on this one, but I’ve learned that’s not the case. There are lots of things behind the scenes of publishing a book that authors still need to do. Every day, I work on to-do lists I’ve categorized into 13 different spreadsheets—things my publisher expects me to do like public relations, marketing, soliciting book reviews, arranging book signings, getting book blurbs, and setting up my author website. It’s a never-ending list, and my book launch isn’t until next May 2025. At the same time, I went against the sage advice of my agent and two of my New York Times bestselling author friends.
I told my publisher we needed to start over with my book cover.
I’ve heard stories of publishers who’ve canceled the contract of authors they deemed to be “too much trouble,” so after three requests to have major changes made to my book cover, I swallowed my dislike for it and said, “Thank you. It’s beautiful,” but it wasn’t. It didn’t reflect the nature of my memoir, but I stayed silent because I didn’t want to rock the boat.
Since it’s not time to reveal my cover, I’m showing you only the things I can at the moment. You can’t see the upper part of the cover. It was a washed-out baby blue, but you can see the girly, handwritten script font that made it look like a book you’d find in an elementary school library.
After weeks of thinking about little else, I knew I couldn’t live with this cover as a representative of my story. A cover that would follow me around for the rest of my life. I wanted to love it and be proud of it.
I think my publisher/editor is amazing, and I would follow her to the ends of the Earth, but I had to speak up and say something.
I emailed her and wrote:
“I’ve told myself the cover is beautiful and it’s fine, but the truth is, there’s a giant disconnect between the manuscript and the cover. My memoir is dark and arresting, strong and bold, and the meaning behind the title is synonymous with survival. The current cover doesn’t reflect any of these things. It’s light blue skies, playful swirls, and has a girly font. What if we start from scratch and approach the redesign without the picture of me? I’m happy to pay the kill fee.”
When she said, “Okay,” I was relieved and ready with fresh suggestions for a new cover.
My cover idea included a photograph I’d taken during the time my memoir took place, plus it’s in keeping with the book title. Then I studied the covers of other memoirs and found one with a complementary background color we could use as a beginning reference.
It was pure coincidence the book with a complementary background color turned out to be one by Cheryl Strayed. One of my top favorite authors.
Since Cheryl’s book was already on my bookshelf, I placed my photograph on top, took a picture of it, and emailed it to my publisher.
Also, I included a picture of fonts I liked from my bookshelf–serious ones, nothing frilly or gimmicky.
I’m thrilled to say the publisher used every suggestion I gave her! My new cover is beautiful. And, they didn’t cancel my contract. LOL!
I don’t know how this incredible woman juggles the sheer number of books she publishes in one season, much less all year, plus the authors and their individual problems and questions. At the same time, she’s been coming up the curve on Simon & Schuster’s new distribution system. And if that isn’t enough, she holds weekly Zoom meetings with her unpublished authors, writes a Substack post, and recently, got engaged. I would be a madwoman, running down the hall with tiki torches, threatening to set fire to anyone who added one more thing to my already massive duty roster. Compared to her, I feel like a sloth!
14 thoughts on “BEHIND THE SCENES OF PUBLISHING A BOOK”
Love you trusting your gut. You were specific in dislikes and ready with specifics you’d like. Smart! Completely agree the girly font off target. Love your book stack font examples. Clearly, you know your style. Best wishes on next steps?
Just from the little bit you’ve shown us, I like the top cover best. The one you designed. It’s a beautiful color. Can’t wait to see the rest of it! When can we see it?
So exciting! You have a cover! And you’re making things happen! You? A sloth? Haha. The time will fly by and the next thing you know we’re all reading it. You’re such a good writer. I know it’s going to be amazing! Xo, Barb
Bravo Brenda, for speaking your mind. You will have a finished product that will reflect who you are. Authentic to the bitter end, that’s you Brenda, and that’s why I love you and your blog. Can’t wait to read your book. Blood, sweat and tears, would you say? Well, maybe not the blood LOL. All the best!!!
Ah -ha!! GREAT. I’m over the moon to hear this and was one of the ones urging you to speak up, too. I cannot wait to see the new and improved cover, Brenda xo
Cant wait to read it Brenda! And good for you for trusting your gut! I am releasing my sixth album this Fall, and I understand how each painstaking detail is important to the overall success.
XO Lesley
Brenda, I just saw your Instagram post and your choice of music surprised me. Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit. Did you have a drug problem?
Hi Brenda,
I’m so glad you voiced your concerns regardless of what could have been a negative outcome. No one knows better than you what is right in what you want to portray. I admire and respect the time, effort, and energy you have put into your book so far. It’s a gigantic undertaking. You have gone this far and it has to be done right or not at all.
My forever friend of 51 years, Tina Martin wrote her memoir, “Everything I Should Have Learned I Could Have Learned in Tonga.” The copyright was 2021. Her cover showed her full photograph taken I believe in 1969 or 1970 and on the back cover a current pic. My home town is San Francisco, that is where I met Tina, and where she still lives. I’m now living in Arizona, I will always be a Northern California girl. If you want to check out her book out you can find it on Amazon.
My thoughts are with you as you wade through the endless tasks in front of you. I think your middle name is “MOXIE.”
On a personal note, I hope you are feeling well, and regaining your strength back.
I also saw your Instagram post and want to read your book now! You must be so excited.
Publishing a book is like climbing a mountain. I’ve watched my husband do both and I admire that you went a step further and were prepared to lose it all for a cover you believed in. You’ve got guts girl. Looking forward to your memoir.
You’ve done what you always do ~ stood up for yourself and what you believe in. Bravo!! But I would expect nothing less, my friend. Kudos for reaching this level with hard work. Can’t wait to read your book!!/
Brenda, I had no idea the author needed to do all of that. Do you have anyone helping you? I’ve been looking forward to reading your memoir since you first mentioned it several years ago.
I can’t imagine you doing a book with anything less than an authentically YOU cover, no matter the cost. Thank you for the inside peek at an author’s full job … I’ll appreciate the books I read a bit more for sure! I loved Wild Game, thank you!
You’re an incredible lady, survivor and task slayer!! I’m so excited about your book and I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations on standing firm on the cover you felt the book needed…that’s amazing!! Love you my friend!!!