The cover of a book is the beginning of a conversation between the author and the reader. ~ David Pearson
A few years ago, I visited a high school to talk about writing and my books. One of the questions they asked was about book covers. What better time to revisit that question than when I’m excited to share the cover for A Chance for Kallie Mae that will come out next May.
“Do you get to pick your covers?” Everybody is always interested in how book covers are designed. There can be many answers with some authors designing their own covers or hiring someone to do it for them. I met an author once who painted a picture for her cover. For most traditionally published books, the publishers’ art department comes up with a design. A writer is often asked for input and once the cover is designed, are consulted to see if the author is pleased with the cover. My favorite cover? When I first answered this question for those kids, I said The Outsider because the model was perfect for my character, Gabrielle. Since then, I’ve had many favorite covers, but the cover of Angel Sister still pulls at my heartstrings every time I see it because of the little girl on the cover who again, so matched my vision of Lorena in that story. But Revell Books, the publisher of my last 25 or so books, does a fabulous job on all my covers.
Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people– people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book. ~ E. B. White
I just sent out a newsletter with a cover reveal and since you all are so good to read my weekly posts, I want you to be among the first to see the cover that’s just now showing up online for A Chance for Kallie Mae. To book will release next May. A while from now. But the book is already available for pre-order at many online booksellers, including Baker Book House that always has great deals on my books and especially good deals on pre-orders.
So, what do you think? Does it make you want to find out about Kallie Mae and the chance she might have?


Comments 26
This is a beautiful cover and can’t wait to read. Congratulations!
I’m late responding. I think the cover is beautiful. That and the title definitely piques my interest! Having your name on there is always the first thing I notice.
This picture appeals to me. A girl, a choice, and will it be the right one? Like the mountains and trees which suggest, to me, she wants to leave and see what is beyond the hills for her.
Author
That’s an interesting view of the cover, Loretta. She does have some desires and she does have some choices to make. Kallie Mae was a nice character to get to know.
Love the cover and can’t wait to get my hands on the book and read it!!!
Author
That’s wonderful, Linda Diane. I hope you will think the story if as good as the cover when you get a chance ;to read the book.
I love this so much. This cover is perfect for this beautiful story. 🧡🍁🍂
Author
So glad you think the cover fits the story, Shelli. That has me smiling.
I love the cover of your new book and would love the chance to read it… thanks
Author
I’ll be doing some giveaway next spring when it’s closer to time for the book to release, Andrea. But before then I’ll have some fun giveaways for other of my books right here on One Writer’s Journal.
I really like the cover, and would love to read it! I want to find out what’s going on!
Author
Kallie Mae does have a lot going on and some of it doesn’t seem to go so well at times, Trudy. I’m glad you like the cover.
It’s another lovely cover. I always enjoy your books and especially enjoy the covers that have mountains.
Author
This does have some nice mountain scenery, Pam. So glad you think the cover is lovely and even happier that you enjoy my stories.
I just went to Baker Book House and read the summary of the book. Oh, my gosh!!!! I LOVE reading about the Moonlight Schools. I am ordering my book today! Thank you! I know it will be a delightfully, delicious book!
Author
That’s so fun that I know at least one person has ordered my book, Susan. Thank you so much and I hope when you get to read the story next May that you’ll enjoy all I wrote about the Moonlight Schools. Cora Wilson Stewart did much to change many people’s lives with her adult literacy crusade.
Love the cover! I look forward to reading the story.
Author
So glad you like the cover, Melissa, and that you are looking forward to seeing what story will be wrapped in that cover.
I love the cover for A Chance for Kallie Mae. Yes, I would love to read your new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I have enjoyed all your books.
Author
The chance to win copies of this book, A Chance for Kallie Mae, will have to wait until closer to publication date which is May. But I’ll be doing other giveaways before that for some of my other books. I do have a giveaway going right now through my newsletter. Check it out if you get the newsletter. If not, let me know and I’ll send you a copy. If you’ve already responded for the newsletter giveaway, that’s great. I haven’t had time to read all the entries yet.
It does make me want to know more about Kallie Mae, but a good bit of that desire probably comes from knowing that you always write a good story for us all to read and enjoy. 🙂
Author
That’s so nice of you to say, Hope. Thank you so much. I like it when readers want to get to know the characters in my stories.
I absolutely LOVE the cover! I know from the cover it’s a book I want to read and will read! Now, you have to tell us more about it!
Author
I’ll be sharing more about the story soon, Susan. I will be getting it up on my website with some teaser scenes. And the history in the story is interesting. I’ll be posting about that too in a little while. I think you’ll like Kallie Mae and her sister and brother.
I love the cover for A Chance for Kallie Mae and would love to read this new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I love all your books! 🥰
Author
Great, Vangie. So glad you like the new cover and I will have some giveaways for the book next year when it releases. Tune in then. But before that, I’ll do a giveaway or two here on my blog too.