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Cover Stories: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
I've been wanting to read The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams for a long time. And I will! Soon! The story is about a girl who is coming of age--finding herself, falling in love--within a polygamist cult. I asked Carol to stop over and tell her Cover Story, because I think this cover is just gorgeous. Here she is:
"I was working so hard on the novel that I didn't really even think of cover art. As a writer, I knew I wouldn't have a lot of say. My publisher didn't ask for input. They were busy experimenting, I think. And listening to the news. The book sold two days before the Texas stuff came to light and I think they were listening to that news, watching that unwind, and pondering what to do with the cover.
"I was in New York, visiting everyone at St Martin's Press, when my editor and Michael brought what they thought might be the cover for me to see. I was sitting at a table and I remember they set the piece before me and I actually couldn't believe what I was seeing. I remember it had the beautiful picture (that may have been in more grays--I'm not sure). And there was the pink lettering. I fell in love right that minute. I was blown away. My agent, Steve Fraser, was in the room and he and I just kept saying, 'Oh the cover is beautiful. It's just beautiful.' Everyone was relieved that I loved it--including me. But how could I not?
"I know there was talk at SMP about what the model should be wearing, that she would be in a to-the-neck nightgown in real life. You know, something less revealing. But when I saw the cover, I thought, 'This is Kyra, free. This is Kyra on the inside.' I've never really had any say on my covers before. And maybe if I hated the cover SMP would have changed it. But I loved it so much (I know my editor Hope Dellon was worried I might not like it) that I very nearly cried sitting at that table. I'm still taken aback at the beauty of it. I don't really love many of the live-model covers we see now-a-days, but mine feels timeless. Three cheers for the creative geniuses at St Martin's Press! I lucked out, didn't I?"
Well, I think so. I'm so intrigued by this story, and I love the idea that the cover shows Kyra's freedom, the way her back is mostly bare, and her braid is loosening. What do you guys think?
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Comments (6)
I love this cover. It doesn't look like the YA covers that look like cookie cutters of the same thing. From the reviews I've read about this book, the unraveling braid fits very well. I didn't think about the fact that her back is exposed but now that I notice it, I do like it. I haven't read the book yet, but it sounds so good.
Posted by Genevieve | June 22, 2009 2:16 AM
I agree I always thought it was sort of Kyra when she was herself behind closed doors or something. I really love the cover too!
Posted by Alea | June 22, 2009 10:20 AM
Everytime I see this cover in a bookstore or online, I always have to stop and glance at it. It truly is beautiful.
Posted by Leann | June 22, 2009 3:53 PM
Yeah, this is really well-done. The view from the back is a nice touch, like you're looking in on this person's life and she isn't necessarily aware of how much she's sharing. When the cover model is facing you, it can be like: Hi, I'm the main character; this is my book.
This way, there is freedom but also vulnerability, which sounds like it might be a good fit for the book. I'll know soon: This is my book club's pick this month!
Posted by Michael Northrop | June 22, 2009 5:34 PM
This book is in my to-read pile. Great use of the pre-release quotes and reviews on the ARC edition.
For some reason, I can't comment on the next post, re: covers/libraries, so I'll post that here: Great post! I talk about the power of covers every day at my store. Everything she says here is so true.
Posted by Little Willow | June 23, 2009 10:55 AM
This is truely a beautiful cover, I love the ways her backs turned and you cant see her face I also love the way her hair is comming unbraided. I have been to many book stores and havent found this book. I would really love to read it.
Posted by christi | June 26, 2009 8:25 PM