“Good cover design is not only about beauty… it’s a visual sales pitch. It’s your first contact with a potential reader. Your cover only has around 3 seconds to catch a browsing reader’s attention. You want to stand out and make them pause and consider, and read the synopsis.” ― Eeva Lancaster
I just sent out a newsletter with a cover reveal for my novel, Along a Storied Trail, that is scheduled to release in early June 2021. It takes a while for a book to go from my imagination and the writing of the story to your imagination and the reading of the story. Along a Storied Trail is making that trek along the publishing road right now.
I’ve written the story. My first editor has read it a few times, suggested changes and decided the story works. Next up for the book is another edit to make sure I’ve not messed up any details such as calling someone one name on page 5 and a different name on page 98 or wherever. Character lists where I put down an entry for every single person I name in one of my books is more than necessary. While I might not forget a main character’s name, I could forget what I called the storekeeper on page 6 and give him a new name on page 236. Very few storekeepers are the type to decide to change their names so haphazardly. The same can be said for various animal characters. I keep a list of those too.
While all these critical edits are happening, other wheels are turning at the publishing house. One of those wheels starts up a very important part of publishing a book and that’s coming up with a great cover. Early on, sometimes before I’ve even finished writing the novel I am asked to fill out a form with information about the story. That includes the basic story line, descriptions of the main characters, title suggestions, and objects or locations that might be featured on a cover.
Some months ago a group of those at the publishers who are involved with my book met to brainstorm about a title. I had already sent a long list of suggestions but none that really jumped out at me. Sometimes I do come up with a title I feel is just right. And sometimes those who work with my books at the publishers agree. That happened with my titles Angel Sister, Scent of Lilacs, Orchard of Hope and Murder at the Courthouse. But often the titles I suggest aren’t quite right or at least, could be better. That happened with this book. We thought about something that would include Book Woman, but a book was published not long ago about the packhorse librarians that included that in the title. So, we wanted to go with something different. Since the story does deal with a librarian on horseback taking stories to readers along trails up into the Appalachian Mountains, this title, Along a Storied Trail, really fits and not just because of the packhorse librarian. My families in the book have their own story trails too.
Once the title is brainstormed and agreed upon, then it’s time to design a cover. Revell Books, the company that has published all my inspirational novels, twenty plus of them, does a great job on covers. Their covers entice you to dive into the books to find out more. I sent in ideas about the cover, including a picture of the horse I imagined Tansy riding. Some of the packhorse librarians rode mules, but some also rode horses. So I let Tansy lease a tough little Morgan horse named Shadrach from a neighbor known as Preacher Rowlett. The cover shows Tansy on Shadrach riding a winter trail with saddlebags of books for the readers on her book route. And we, the publishers and I, do hope it will be a cover to invite you into my story. The book is available for pre-sale at many internet sites, like Amazon. A great place to grab it early to be sure it lands in your mailbox when it’s published is the Baker Book House where you can order Along a Storied Trail with a 40% discount. You can get free shipping if you spend $10 and with so many great books there and other products I’m sure you can find something to add on to get that free shipping.
So what do you think?
Leave a comment about the cover of Along a Storied Trail, and I’ll throw your name into my giveaway drawing hat for a chance to win one of my Appalachian novels, These Healing Hills or An Appalachian Summer. Or the winner can choose one of my other previously published books. Get your entries in fast because deadline to enter is Saturday, December 5, 2020 at midnight EST. I’ll announce the winner next Sunday. That way the winner can have the book for a Christmas gift for a friend or for themselves.
I’ve got a newsletter giveaway going too. So if you want to know more about that to enter, here’s the link to my newsletter, Ann’s News, to read all about it.
As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving last week.
Comments 49
It’s a beautiful cover, Ann, and I look forward to reading the story!
Author
Wonderful, Geri. I’m glad you like the cover and anticipate reading the story. Do you remember the catsup ad that was all about anticipation because it was slow coming out of the bottle? You might not be old enough to remember that, and who knows why I just followed that rabbit trail right now. A mind can meander away on different roads sometimes.
It’s a really lovely cover that makes me want to go there! I love all the blue of the sky and mountains. I look forward to reading Along a Storied Trail.
Author
That’s good to hear, Pam. The blue sky and the white lettering of the title is attractive. Revell’s art department did a great job on this cover. I so appreciate you reading my books.
I love the cover and title and I can’t wait to get the book and read it! Still my favorite author!
Author
That’s so nice, Linda. I appreciate you being one of my readers. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this new story.
Love the mountains and the cover!
Author
I’ve enjoyed going to the mountains for stories, Linda. I hope you will enjoy this packhorse librarian story when you get a chance to read it.
Love the cover, Ann. Congratulations.
Author
So glad you like it, Lucky. Thanks.
I really like the evergreens in the foreground and the misty mountains in the distance. The one on the horse appeared to me more like a man and I was disappointed until I read about the book,, I wanted another female main character, and of, course, I am excited now!
Author
Somebody else thought the rider was a man too, Sandra. I guess my mountain girl is dressed for the weather to go deliver those books to readers. It is snowing or has been anyway. 🙂 Glad you weren’t disappointed and now you are excited about the story. I’m excited to see what people are going to think of my story when it releases in a few months.
This beautiful cover would grab me even if your name didn’t!
Author
That’s good to know, Joan, so maybe the cover will bring me some new reading friends.
It’s a beautiful cover and a great title too. It should be interesting to see what all kinds of adventures you will give Tansy to get through.
Author
I enjoyed riding around with Tansy to deliver those books, Connie. When she meets up with a writer who is in the mountains on a work program writing guides to the mountain area, things do get a little interesting. But I have to admit, I really enjoyed the times when Perdita Sweet took over the viewpoint. I’m hoping readers will too. I’m going to share some Christmas memories via Perdita here closer to Christmas time.
Ann, I think you have a winner in this cover. It is beautiful. Also I am a reviewer if you need an extra one. I also am on Revell Reads but don’t know if they will feature this book.
Author
Revell usually features my books on their reviewer lists, Judy, but I can’t say for sure they will this one. I’ll make a note of your name and contact you closer to publication date to see if you still need a copy. I can always used an extra reviewer. I’m glad you like the cover.
I love the cover and title of your new book–Along a Storied Trail. Not only does it convey the ruggedness of the trail, but also the human contact that will occur when Tansy interacts with the people along the way. I loved An Appalachian Summer and look forward to reading this one too. God bless!
Author
The title does help tell the story, Suzanne. I’m pleased with it and think it looks great in that white script on the blue background. I did wonder the other day if kids being schooled today would be able to read it if they come across the book in the future. Many schools have stopped teaching cursive. I can’t imagine all the old documents that will look like a foreign language to them. We’ll have to have cursive translators. 🙂
Iv,as well, canNOT believe that cursive writing is not a requirement in our schools anymore. The ONLY reason I can think of is that individuals take so much liberty with cursive-ie Doctors (my husband is one, so no apologies) that the powers that be decided to eliminate it all together. Perhaps one of you teachers out there can speak to this atrocity. I would really like to know the reason behind it. Our 16 year old grandson looks at a page in cursive and states-“I can’t read this.” So sad!!!
Author
So, I have to be concerned that nobody under a certain age will be able to read this title, Karen. Hmmm. Actually, I think it has more to do with everything being on computers these days with kids doing all their homework that way. But I can’t see why we can’t have both. My youngest grandchildren weren’t taught cursive, but all the others were, I think. Our schools were slow to give it up. But there is something so fluid and graceful about script unlike printing.
I love the cover and it works just perfectly with the title of the book. I found myself looking off into the distance and wondering what stories the trail would tell! Just beautiful.
Gorgeous cover, Ann!
Author
Thank you, Caryl. I’m so glad you think the cover is an inviting one.
Love 💕 it ❣️ Can’t wait to read another Ann Gabbard read. Always a page turner.
Author
So appreciate you reading my stories, Myra. I like reading page turners, so I’m glad you think mine is one of that kind of book.
A lovely cover! I’m so intrigued by the concept!
Author
Great, Crystal. That’s good to hear. Several books have come out featuring the packhorse librarians, and I’m hoping readers will be anxious to read one more.
Love the cover picture and title , can’t wait to read your new book ! The picture reminds me of when I would ride grandpa’s mule over the hills on the old farm in KY. and visit families in the area along the winding dirt road. As a retired library employee and Kentuckian at heart, I am looking forward to Tansy’s adventures !
Author
The book should be one library lovers will enjoy, Nancy. I’m glad you think you’ll enjoy the story too. The packhorse librarian project was certainly unique and many of the mountain communities were sorry when it ended when the war started. Most of them couldn’t keep a library active in their towns due to lack of funds.
Thanks for sharing your memory of riding your grandpa’s mule over the hills. That brings up a good picture in my imagination.
The cover art on Along a Storied Trail is my favorite yet! The endless blue sky and long trail grab your eyes, with your heart following quickly behind. I would put this picture up as wallpaper on my computer because it would bring a smile each time I saw it. I look forward to reading this book and returning to the mountains I love so much. Thank you for bringing this setting back for a third time. 🙂
Author
I’m glad you like the new cover, Mary. It is eye catching with that lovely blue and the mountain scenery. I’ve enjoyed setting some of my stories in the Appalachian Mountains. I do like my Kentucky backgrounds.
The cover looks like a beautiful watercolor painting. I am looking forward to reading the story.
Author
I know what you mean, Margaret. The blue is so bright and the white title in a kind of script really looks good against the sky and mountains. Thank you so much for wanting to read it when you get a chance.
I’m really looking forward to another Apalician Story. I’ve already read the others.
Author
I’m so glad you’re reading to go back to the mountains for another story, Sue. I do enjoy writing about mountain families.
The cover is very inviting—makes me want to get on a horse to take a ride along with Tansy. 😊 The scenery is beautiful! I love the mountains! How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year? It was different for us, that’s for sure.
Author
So glad you like the cover, Karen. Tansy did ride through some rough winter weather. Her boots froze to her stirrups once. That came right from my research of packhorse librarians. They were tough mountain women.
We gathered with one of my son’s family. I’m more concerned about what is going to happen with our Christmas plans. So hard during this crisis.
Love the cover!! I think I’ve already got all your books, so no need to add me to the giveaway. I’m eager to read this new one.
I think the cover is beautiful and very eye-catching,Ann! I can’t wait to read your newest book,”Along a Storied Trail” in June of 2021! Congrats and God bless on your latest upcoming release,m’friend! 🥳Psalm 150🥳
Author
Thank you, Emily. I’m excited about this book. I had fun getting to know these characters. I appreciate your prayers and support and I’m glad you think the cover is a good one.
Author
Love hearing that you’ve already got my books, Margaret. That’s super nice and I appreciate you reading my stories. Hope you’ll enjoy this new one when it’s ready for readers.