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Cover Stories: Violet in Private!
First, I want to say that I am bummed about the news of slowing book sales, so I want to ask everyone to buy at least one book as a holiday gift this year (copying editorial ass's inspiration)! That may be a part of Win-It Wednesday... hmm.... You can enter the titles of the books that you buy here and add some good book karma to the world!
Also, I'm going to make my above request even more fun. If you buy one of the Violet books as a gift this year, I'll send you an autographed bookplate signed for the recipient. Just email me and let me know where to send it--and do it soon so it'll arrive in time!
Now, on to the story behind Violet in Private. I didn't send a ton of inspiration images like I had for Violet by Design (story here), but I did send this one image (left) because I think the position of the model's legs make her look kind of "private" and vulnerable, which is Violet's mood in this book. Plus, I love these vintage book covers and this one is totally seventies in a very good way--check the glasses. Obviously, no one paid attention. Haha. But that's okay. I did really express that I wanted Violet be on a college campus because this book is set largely in that world.
When I saw the original cover design, I was shocked to see Violet's face! I had gotten used to not seeing what she really looked like, though I was acquainted with Molly, the model who poses as Violet on the covers (look forward to an interview with her very soon!). I liked that she had sunglasses, though, which covered her eyes and keep her a bit of a mystery. I loved the deep purple coloring, and I adored her button-down shirt and lush-looking scarf, not to mention the killer heels. Totally honestly, I didn't like the skirt. But I understood that the silhouette was a striking one, and that's what the art department was going for--and is very good at!
Also, this cover obviously has a city background. I know the team at Penguin wanted the books to look very "glam," which people tell me sells well, but I really felt strongly that I wanted Violet to be in a more grounded atmosphere, so I brought that point up with my editor. I also suggested that Violet have a book in her hands.
My editor went back for round two, and was able to get the background changed. They also played with Violet having a book in her hands, but I was told it looked awkward, so they nixed that. Ah well! I was really happy with the background change, especially because this building looks very much like Main Building at Vassar, where Violet lives in the book.
Overall, I am really happy with the three covers for the series. What do you guys think? (Don't be shy because it's me! I really want to know if you like the Violet covers--or not.)
Like I said, I'm going to interview Molly, who poses as Violet for these covers, later this month. She is super cool and has lots of interesting stories.
Happy Monday!
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Comments (15)
SO excited about your interview with the cover model! I like the final cover. In the not final cover, it looks awkward with just the very top of her head being cut off, it works on the other covers because it's more than just the very top of her head. I also don't like the big shadow in the city background, so I'm glad you asked they change it to a college campus! So yes, I do like the covers!
Now what I really want to know is when we get to see your new book's cover!
Posted by Alea | December 1, 2008 9:30 AM
I really do like the covers, but also agree that seeing Violet's face was a shock. I guess it makes sense though, because she actually found people in this one to be friends with her for who she is, not what she does. I guess since they got to know her better, we should too.
Posted by Melissa Walker | December 1, 2008 10:18 AM
I really like all the covers! This one was cool, becuase I do like to see faces of the models. And I like her outfit a lot!
I agree that the college campus sets the mood for the book more than the city background, and I think that the art department still managed to make the book look very glam! I like it a lot.
ALso, that's cool about the building looking like one at Vassar...I'm thinking about applying there!
Posted by The Compulsive Reader | December 1, 2008 10:56 AM
I found a great new reason (excuse?) to buy books...
http://htmlgiant.com/?p=1656
And I keep refreshing at Karen's Buy Books list, too. Neat stuff on there (we need you there!)
Posted by Susan Helene Gottfried | December 1, 2008 2:12 PM
The third cover is definitely my favorite. it's very cute and I want those shoes!!
Posted by Hillary | December 1, 2008 4:22 PM
I love the Violet covers.
Posted by Amy | December 1, 2008 5:10 PM
I love all the Violet covers, especially the Violet by Design cover. The colors and action just pop out at me whenever I see that cover :)
Posted by pepsivanilla | December 1, 2008 5:22 PM
You get to interview your cover model? How cool is that? Great post and I'm right with you on buying books for the holidays. I'm thinking I'm up to ten books bought in the last two weeks. Some of them I can't even give away. So now I'm going to go buy more.
Posted by Beth Kephart | December 1, 2008 6:20 PM
I like the Violet covers, Melissa, the different color themes, especially. The model is perfect. I think the books do pop on the shelf. Yay marketing team!
Posted by Lorie Ann Grover | December 1, 2008 9:03 PM
I love Violet books! I just haven't read the Violet by Design. So at the end of Violet in Private, are Roger and Violet an item or just friends? They are perfect for eachother!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Ama | December 1, 2008 9:23 PM
You'll be pleased to know I've just bought 10 books from Amazon, including Violet by design! Wooooop! :)
x
Posted by Victoria | December 2, 2008 2:57 PM
I love your book covers. They work really well together. You know my thoughts on VIP (I hate seeing the characters' faces)--but as far as showing that much of a character goes, you hit the jackpot. It's subtle enough and therefore it rocks...almost as much as the book itself. Oh, and I'm totally stealing your offer to send people signed book plates if they buy books. That's such a great idea! Why don't I have your brain, dammit? XO
Posted by Alexa Young | December 12, 2008 1:05 AM
Hey, will there be anymore violet story books after Violet in Private?
Posted by Sarah | April 14, 2009 11:45 PM
I have to say that I adore all three covers. I love them. The cover is the reason why I decided review Violet on the Runway. It looked like a great book. It turned out to be more than that. Also when ever I would be reading any og the other Violet books, people at school would ask me, "What are you reading?" I was sure that it was the cover that attracted them. It was!
Posted by Tanea Ferrusca | December 7, 2009 10:34 AM
I have to say that I adore all three covers. I love them. The cover is the reason why I decided review Violet on the Runway. It looked like a great book. It turned out to be more than great. Also when ever I would be reading any of the other Violet books, people at school would ask me, "What are you reading?" I was sure that it was the cover that attracted them. It was!
Posted by Tanea Ferrusca | December 7, 2009 10:37 AM