Cover Stories: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Jennifer Echols is on a GCC tour this week, and she stopped by to share a fantastic Cover Story for her just-released novel, GOING TOO FAR. "For Going Too Far, I asked my editor for a cover like the original Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist cover, where Nick and Norah are a black-and-white blur, kissing. I also suggested the cover of Niki Burnham's Sticky Fingers, which is a bit more provocative. Bottom line, I wanted to show both the hero and the heroine on the cover so it would be obvious this is a romantic book.

"Last Fourth of July while on vacation at the beach, I was in the lobby of the movie theater, waiting in line to see Wall-E with my family, looking around at the movie posters and wondering how my book would be marketed (really!), when my phone buzzed with an e-mail from my editor, cover attached. I cringed. I held my breath and counted to 10. I hoped against hope this cover was not U-G-L-Y, because I have writer friends who have been unlucky. Then I pressed the button to look at the picture, and of course I had lost my signal. AHHHHHHH! I walked around the lobby, waving my phone in the air, and finally the file came through (right).

"I thought: I am very, very lucky.

"But by the time I got home from vacation, I'd thought of some things I wanted changed. I did NOT want to seem like a nitpicky diva to the art department at MTV Books. But I think covers really matter. I remember paying a lot more attention to covers when I was a teenager.In fact, when I was 19 I was introduced to what's still one of my favorite novels, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, and I was absolutely appalled at the cover. I know this is tiny but it's the only picture of that edition I've been able to find.

"Okay, why is Brett wearing a hat in this picture? It is a HUGE DEAL that she does NOT wear a hat in the book. She is going against social mores, especially in the conservative parts of Europe where she's traveling, by not wearing a hat. Old Spanish ladies kick her out of church for not wearing a hat. I had such a reaction to this irony that I painted it to get my feelings out. I really like the painting, though. It's still hanging in my den.

"So anyway, I did not want readers like me to get pissed off that the cover of Going Too Far didn't match the book, as if no one on the publishing end noticed or cared. That's why it really bothered me that Meg's eye was brown on the cover. In the book she has blue eyes, and it's the hero John who has deep brown eyes that will melt you. So I asked MTV if they would make her eye blue, pleeeease, just for me, I will never ask for anything else.

"Now I'm like, people, she has no pupil (left). Her blue eye is glowing like she's on Dune. Readers are going to think this is a paranormal when it's not. So MTV fixed it for me (actual cover at top).

"I couldn't be happier with this cover. I think it conveys exactly what you will find in the book."

I love the cover too--it's so intimate and up close. I also love that Jennifer fought for the little details, and that she painted her anger about the Hemingway cover away. Art therapy! I get so mad when covers don't match the book's insides. What do you guys think?

Quick PS-I'm reading today at the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Road, 4-5pm. Joining me are Coe Booth, Madeleine George, Paul Griffin and Brian Sloan. COME! And be a part of the Teen Author Festival on Facebook.

Win-It Wednesday: Three Amazing Books + other contests

Last week's winner of Ms. Meyer's 2nd and 3rd books is... Ashley! Send me your address, A.I am in the mood to clear off some space on my bookshelf, so this week's Win-It Wednesday prize will be three books, all going to the same winner. Which books are they? you may ask. And here is your answer: You can read about what I thought of these books on I Heart Daily, but the short answer is, they all RULE. To enter to win, tell us all about another contest you've found in the comments. This will be so fun because everyone can enter a gazillion contests just by looking at the comments, and all those blogs will feel major love! Win-win-win! Here are a few contests I know about: * Bookworm's VIOLET IN PRIVATE giveaway * Readergirlz package-o-books giveaway! * Readergirlz Mary Hogan six-book-set giveaway * Harmony gives away 3 copies of Catherine Clark's WISH YOU WERE HERE * Read this Book's contest for my VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY, Tera Lynn Childs' OH.MY.GODS and Stephanie Hale's SPRING BREAKUP Your turn!

Cover Stories: The Aspen Brooks Series by Stephanie Hale

Stephanie Hale's Aspen Brooks series is highly entertaining. I have to admit that I've only read the first one, but I loved it. I also happen to adore the books' covers, so I asked Stephanie if she'd give us some back story. She obliged. "From the moment I sat down to write the first book of my Aspen Brooks series, Revenge of the Homecoming Queen, I had a very clear picture of who Aspen was in my head. She was smart, beautiful, and loyal. She also thinks she is better than cake and would not hesitate to crush anyone in her path at a Dooney and Bourke purse sale. The actress that kept popping into my head was Hayden Panettiere (this was way before her HEROES fame). If you aren't familiar with this actress, she's a BLONDE. There was no question that my Aspen was a blonde. Keyword: blonde, you will be tested later. "When I got an email in my inbox saying that it included my first cover I think I had some kind of a spastic fit around the house for a bit before I opened it. This was it. Official validation that I was really going to be an author. The story that I had poured blood, sweat, and tears (not really, okay, maybe the tears part on all my rejection letters) was going to be immortalized. In just a few moments I would know the images that would stare out from book shelves begging someone to read the pages I had written inside. I took a deep breath, double-checked on the attached document, and nearly had a stroke. I didn't see the adorable little frog with the crown on his head or the amazing, curly font (called hair spray, btw. How awesome is that?) that spelled out my name and title. I just saw a beautiful girl looking back at me. A beautiful brunette girl. Pop quiz: What color did I picture Aspen's hair to be? Answer: Not Brunette! "The girl really resembled Julia Stiles. Except that hair. She was beautiful but also looked like she could hold her own. I knew that my cover girl wouldn't think twice about getting into a cat fight if it meant getting the last Dooney on sale. Then I noticed that adorable little frog and that awesome curlyque font. I loved that the girl looked dressed up for a formal occasion. Then I realized that it didn't really matter what color her hair was because she was perfect. Part of the fun of reading is using your own imagination to create the characters in your mind. I knew that everyone who read my book would have their own mental picture of Aspen. So I kept her hair blonde in my story because that is who she was to me. "I found out later that the picture of the girl had been taken for an article in a teen magazine showing different ways to wear your hair for homecoming. The girl on my cover didn't even know she was on a cover until someone showed her. She found me on MySpace and I couldn't believe what a sweetheart she was. I was so excited when Berkley decided to use the same girl for my Twisted Sisters and Spring Breakup covers. She has changed since the first cover and so has Aspen. I love all my covers but I think Spring Breakup is my favorite. She looks very mischievous with her sunglasses pulled down. And I love the little high heel and the hot pink spine and back cover. "My editor never asked me for any input on my covers and I have to admit that I'm very happy. I never would have done them justice. Getting a new cover is still the most exciting/nerve wracking part of this whole process for me. I don't know if the cover gods will always shine on me but they have definitely done a good job so far!" I totally agree--Stephanie's books always stand out to me, and I have yet to see that hair spray font elsewhere (so cute!). What do you guys think? PS-If you're in or near New York City, listen to Justine Larbalestier and go to this today! PPS-Today starts five weeks of big contests at readergirlz. Go, go!

Readergirlz, Sara Zarr and Dove's Real Beauty

Readergirlz is having a big giveaway over at the blog for a set of SIX books by Mary Hogan, including Pretty Face, which always draws me in with its cover (even though toes sometimes freak me out). The description is pretty great too: "Just when Hayley feels doomed to live her life in the fat lane, her parents decide to send her to Italy for the summer--not for school, not for fat camp, just for fun. It's there, under the Italian sun, that Hayley's vision of herself starts to change. She's curvy, not fat. Pizza isn't evil. And life is so much more than one-size-fits-all. Who knows? Once Hayley sees herself in a new light, maybe the girl with the pretty face will finally find true amore."You know I'm all about loving your body and being good to it. Truly. And semi-relatedly, the delightful (and I can say that now for sure because I met her in person last week in Utah!) Sara Zarr posted about how her latest author photos were retouched against her wishes. Not surprisingly, Sara put that photographer right in his place. Nicely, of course. And, just one more thing that I forgot to mention: Last month I was the guest editor at Dove's Real Beauty Channel, where I confessed lots of stuff about my junior high self in this essay. I'm into the Dove campaign, so I was happy to participate. Happy Saturday!

Photo Friday: Utah!

So, first we hiked Bryce Canyon, which was gorgeous and tiring in the best possible way. Here, I lean. In Park City, I was being fascinated by this tree I strolled by one day, where people had hung up hundreds of sneakers. A graduating class maybe? I skiied a couple of days, but not with my camera. And my friend Katie broke her leg, so wish her well! And be careful skiing in heavy powder! Happy Friday! PS-On a grumpy note, my DVR lost a ton of shows while I was away, including the premiere of America's Next Top Model and the finale of Top Chef. Neither of which are on hulu. Anyone see these?

Bonus Cover Stories: The Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby

This is Amanda Ashby's second Cover Story (read the story behind You Had Me at Halo here), and I'm happy to have her talk about the striking cover for her latest release, The Zombie Queen of Newbury High: "I didn't even think about the cover while I was writing this book--firstly because it wasn't contracted so my main concern was to get it finished (without getting eaten by zombies) and then hope that my agent might be able to sell it (and yay--she did!). The other reason is that I'm really not a very visual person so it's never been part of my process to think about what the finished product might look like. "My editor told me that even though the book was quite light and humorous they wanted to go for a slightly darker cover, which I was totally up for! The only idea I had was a girl sitting in a frothy/tulle sort of prom dress, with loads of zombie arms trying to grab at her legs. I still think that might've been cute but I much prefer the way it turned it out. "I don't know how they put the photo together though I did see that the designer, Jeanine Henderson is up on Jacketflap. Here are a few of her other cover designs:

"When I first saw my cover, words failed me--that's how much I loved it. And every second I would look at a different part and decide that was my favorite bit. The wilted corsage. The lacy gloves. The black nail polish. The amazing dress (which by the way, I actually wrote into the story. At first Mia wasn't too happy at having to lose her gorgeous blue silk dress but as soon as she tried the new one, she was cool!).

"However, I think my absolute favorite part is the B-grade zombie movie font that was used on the sash. The whole reason I wanted to write a zombie movie was because every time I even said the word I thought of all the old zombie horror movies that my husband had made me watch. So to me that really captured the essence of the idea (not that the designer had any idea of this of course, but it's still cool!)"

I have to say, I LOVE the dark, goth style corsage that Mia has on. What do you guys think of this cover?

Win-It Wednesday: New Moon and Eclipse

I'm back from my trip! And now I have 100 new books to read thanks to your comments, because I want to read what you guys are reading! I'm greedy like that with books. The two book winners from the two-week-long Win-It Wednesday contest are... Erika Lynn (who wins No Laughter Here by Rita Williams-Garcia) and Valerie (who wins The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson). Send me your addresses! So, on my long vacation I finally have finished three of the four Twilight books (don't chastise me for being behind! I know! I know!). I gave away Twilight last year, but now I have copies of New Moon (paperback) and Eclipse (hardcover) to give away to one lucky winner. By the way, I am firmly on Team Jacob, which I know isn't totally popular, but it's how I feel. Now, to win both of these books (which you've probably read), I want to know what team you're on, if you've read the series. So tell me that below. But I also want you to share this readergirlz video with facebook friends, blog readers, librarians, anyone who loves books. Because Operation Teen Book Drop '09 is going to be bigger than ever this year. Got that? So, tell me below about your Edward/Jacob preferences (or let me know if you haven't read the books yet... which will make me feel better about being so slow!) and also share this video in any way you please. Then, you're entered! Happy Wednesday!

Cover Stories: Absolutely Maybe by Lisa Yee

Lisa Yee's latest novel, Absolutely Maybe, came out in February. It's full of friendship and family and pink hair. In short, I loved it. And I asked Lisa to share her Cover Story, so here goes:"It's weird, but I didn't have anything in mind at all for the cover. I used to be a Creative Director and my job was coming up with concepts and working with the art and copy departments to see them through. I think that once I became an author it was nice to be able to let go of that. Plus, I have total faith in my editors, Arthur Levine and Cheryl Klein, and Elizabeth Parasi, my art director. "I knew the cover would be a photograph, but beyond that I didn't know what to expect. I was asked about what the main characters looked like: 'Does she look like Kelli Osbourne?' 'Well, the goth-y part of Maybe does, but Maybe's more petite and her hair is pink . . . and blue . . . and green.' 'Does Hollywood [the romantic interest] look like Napoleon Dynamite?' 'He's the same height, but better looking in a geek-chic way.' That sort of thing. MW Note: Here are some of the covers they tried out. (Alea, notice that the last one is a Lookalike for Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell!) You can see these, and read more about the book, on Lisa's site! "Here's the first cover, that was later nixed. The name also changed because of the movie 'Definitely Maybe.' I loved the kids here, and thought it was cool that Ted, Maybe's best friend, is with her. It was adorable, only it looked more like a middle grade book cover. Because I also write MG, it was important that it be clear this book is YA. So it went back to get redesigned. However, the iconic feel of the final cover ultimately trumps this one. "The Hollywood star in the background was a stock photo. Several models were considered and I saw some of their head shots. The model selected really captured the look I was going for. She was brought into the studio and her hair was dyed pink. For the shoot she was wearing a black Led Zeppelin t-shirt and the logo was photoshopped out. Here's the cover in comp phase before the final photoshopping and tweaking. "Once the final design was approved, the model was brought back in for a second photo shoot. I thought that was so cool. That they really wanted to get it right and went to that much work and expense for the cover. "In the end, I just love it so much. And if you get a chance to see it in person, it's even better. The lettering is raised and so is the question mark in the middle of the star. Perfection!" I think it's really eye-catching too, and I thought about the cover while on my trip to LA last week! Maybe deserves a star on the Walk of Fame. What do you guys think of this cover vs. the others? I say they chose the best one (though I like seeing Ted!).

Go See Girls Write Now Today! (+ Contests)

PS-If you're not in the NY area, you can still celebrate books by making this craft (or winning it), courtesy of Holly Cupala, Readergirlz Diva! Go enter to win a set of book magnets. PPS-Bookworm is launching March Madness book giveaways, and Violet in Private is the first one you can win! Go here to enter.

Photo Friday: LA!

Visited my very cute friend Charles in LA this week; had a fantastic time! Love Bette Davis! And Vivian Leigh! Ah, Gone With The Wind. Le sigh. One day I'll own a vintage typewriter like this one I found in Silver Lake. The Griffith Observatory is such a great spot to get a view of LA. I was like a little kid in Hollywood--I hadn't been to the touristy spots since I was 9 years old! Which star's hands would you choose to touch? PS-Debut novelist Abby McDonald is giving away a copy of her novel SOPHOMORE SWITCH. Go enter the contest!